A Dialogue on Self-Development and Employment Post-Conviction
On 5 October 2022, Gaisce – The President’s Award partnered with the Department of Justice’s Working to Change strategy to host Generation Change: Careers after Conviction at Google HQ Dublin. The cross-sectoral dialogue explored the challenges faced by people leaving prison or the probation system in finding meaningful employment.
Facilitated by James Leonard and Timmy Long of The Two Norries podcast, the event combined honesty, humour, and sensitivity, highlighting how programmes like Gaisce support personal development, re-engagement in education, and positive adult role models—the “One Good Adult”.
Key Contributors
The dialogue included a diverse group of experts, leaders, and people with lived experience, all contributing to conversations on self-development and employment post-conviction:
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David Sneddon, VP gTech Professional Services, Google EMEA, discussed inclusive hiring policies.
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Avril Ryan, Acting CEO of Gaisce, highlighted how the Award framework supports young people’s personal development and pathways to employment.
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Caron McCaffrey, Director General, Irish Prison Service, shared insights on reintegration and unlocking potential in people exiting the justice system.
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Sínead Gibney, Chief Commissioner, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, emphasised the role of positive role models.
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James Browne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, spoke on changing societal narratives around convictions and employment.
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Fíona Ní Chinnéide, Deputy Director, Probation Service, and John Cunningham, Chairperson, Gaisce Council, reflected on the mutual benefits of second-chance opportunities.
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President’s Award Leaders: Anita Dooley and Donncha Walsh illustrated practical application of the Gaisce Award within justice settings.
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Social enterprise and employer representatives, including Domini Kemp, Ger Redmond, and Damien Quinn, provided perspectives on work and reintegration.
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Performers and contributors, including Ruaidhrí Conroy, showcased spoken word and community engagement projects.
*Roles and titles are listed as held at the time of the event.
Context: The Connection Between Gaisce and Working to Change
In November 2020, the Department of Justice launched the Working to Change social enterprise and employment strategy 2021–2023. Its aim is to increase employment options for people with criminal histories, reduce reoffending, and promote active citizenship and safer communities.
The strategy demonstrates pathways to employment in a post-custodial context and highlights the societal benefits of diversity and inclusion. There is a natural synergy between the transformative journey of a young person undertaking a Gaisce Award and the Working to Change strategy. Both focus on self-development, meaningful employment, and removing barriers for people with convictions.
Key Takeaways / Lessons Learned
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Employers are encouraged to consider hiring people with convictions and seek out social enterprises when contracting services.
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Self-development programmes like Gaisce provide skills that translate directly into employability.
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People with convictions bring qualities that are valuable in the workplace: determination, resilience, loyalty, and leadership.
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Cross-sector collaboration and dialogue help change public narratives and reduce stigma.
Voices of the Day
“Google has an explicit policy of not excluding people with a conviction…Here at Google we are going to continue to work with the Department of Justice and Equality, with Gaisce and the Working to Change Strategy in order to create that environment.”
— David Sneddon, VP gTech Professional Services, Google EMEA
“Giving people a second chance will actually get rewarded, not only with skills, but with loyalty and staff retention, all of the issues that are challenging employers today. So it’s not a one-way thing, it’s absolutely of mutual benefit.”
— Fíona Ní Chinnéide, Deputy Director, Probation Service
“As a catalytic programme for young people looking to navigate towards more positive horizons & pathways, the Gaisce framework provides the tools and building blocks for President Award Leaders like Anita (Dooley) and Donncha (Walsh) to guide young people through the Award activities that can enhance their personal development and help them to demonstrate to themselves, potential employers, colleges, and other educational opportunities, just what they are made of.”
— Avril Ryan, Acting CEO, Gaisce – The President’s Award
“For employers that are here today, the message is simple, see the person for who they are now and today, not the person they were in the past. Accept that people can and do change and help us to continue to unlock the potential within the person you see before you. By doing so, you will contribute to reducing re-offending and making all of our communities safer. We all have a part to play.”
— Caron McCaffrey, Director General, Irish Prison Service
“As you know, this collaboration between Gaisce and the Working to Change strategy is about changing the all too often negative narrative that implies that the presence of a conviction means the lack of job opportunities and prospects, to a narrative of hope and transformation through self-development.”
— James Browne TD, Minister of State, Department of Justice
“Once you get an Award like this (Gaisce) it can never be taken away from you, and you are joining an alumnus of over 300,000 young people, who are Rock Stars, Business People, Farmers, etc. All Gaisce does is give the young person the chance to be the best version of themselves. So I wasn’t supposed to say very much, but all I want to tell you is that something very extraordinary happened in the room today and we need to take it away and do something with it.”
— John Cunningham, Chairperson, Gaisce Council
The MCs reflected:
“As the day progressed at Google HQ it felt like something really special was happening in the spacious room overlooking Dublin city centre. We heard experts by lived experience, academics and practitioners all speak passionately about the vital role employment plays in the reintegration of people who have been in prison. We were also able to honour and acknowledge some of those who have contributed in a positive way to supporting people who have been in prison. In the audience, there was a who’s who of the criminal justice sector, and probably more importantly, representation from some very influential employers. It was an honour for us personally to be given the responsibility to host such an event, and we hope our mix of opinions, experiences, and humour made for an enjoyable event for all who attended.”
— James Leonard & Timmy Long, The Two Norries
*Roles and titles are listed as held at the time of the event.
Reflecting Back
The event demonstrated that employment is more than a job – it is about dignity, inclusion, and the opportunity to redefine one’s life. By combining dialogue, lived experience, and practical insights, Generation Change highlighted the transformative power of support, self-development, and opportunity for people exiting the justice system.
