First progress report on employment strategy for former offenders

Jim O'Callaghan

Key developments in 2025 include:

• KickStart Scholarship funding provided for Semester 2, 2025 – 2026
• Preparatory work for KickStart Round 4
• The graduation of the first cohort of the Lived Experience Leadership Programme (LEAD)
• Establishment of the Criminal Justice Employer’s Network (CJEN) and Criminal Justice Employment Advisory Committee (CJEAC)
• Gaisce Generation Change: Embracing New Horizons Event
• Commencement of Building Pathways Together website development

Speaking on the publication of the report, Mr O’Callaghan said: “I welcome the publication of the first annual report on progress to implement the Building Pathways Together Strategy, which seeks to provide effective interventions to ensure that those who have ceased offending, and those looking to move away from a life of crime, have the appropriate supports and opportunities to maximise their chances of success.

“The report sets out the many important actions taken to inform, educate, and empower people with criminal convictions, as well as employers, throughout the first year of the strategy.”

Work has commenced on progressing the 2026 actions identified in the Building Pathways Together Strategy and efforts remain ongoing to continue to implement the actions initiated in 2025.