Paul Cowley MBE

Managing Director, Second Chance Partnership; Director of Rehabilitation, Iceland Foods

Paul is Managing Director of Second Chance Partnership and Director of Rehabilitation at Iceland Foods, where he leads one of the UK’s most progressive employer-led rehabilitation initiatives — supporting individuals leaving prison into sustainable employment. 

With lived experience of homelessness and incarceration, Paul’s life and leadership are rooted in restoration and practical second chances. His work has helped thousands of individuals reintegrate into society through structured employment pathways, employer engagement, and faith-informed support. 

After serving over 17 years in the British Army, including the Royal Artillery, The Royal Green Jackets, and the Royal Army Physical Training Corps, Paul went on to complete a degree in theology and was ordained into the Church of England. He founded Caring for Ex-Offenders (CFEO), which has supported over 2,000 individuals in rebuilding their lives. 

Paul received the MBE in 2016 for Services to Ex-Offenders and continues to advise nationally on criminal justice reform, employer engagement, and sustainable reintegration models.