Inclusive Hiring
RBIJ empowers businesses in the U.S. and U.K. to open up career opportunities for people with criminal records and those at risk of justice system involvement.
Our businesses, communities, and economy can’t afford to exclude skilled talent from the workforce.
Across industries, businesses are facing labor shortages, skills gaps, and costly turnover. Yet one of the largest sources of talent remains locked out of opportunity: people with criminal records and others impacted by the justice system.
Outdated hiring practices routinely overlook these candidates, shutting the door on millions of skilled, motivated workers.
The result? Employers miss out on a proven talent pool that could help close workforce gaps, strengthen teams, and build fairer pathways to opportunity.
1 in 3 Americans have some form of criminal record.
Untapped Talent Is Waiting
When businesses access untapped talent, everyone wins.
Companies gain skilled, committed employees, and communities gain opportunities, stronger local economies, and pathways that keep people out of the justice system.
Meet the candidates your business might be missing.
Workers with Criminal Records
According to SHRM, more than 80% of business leaders believe that employees with criminal records perform as well as — or better than — employees without.
Opportunity Youth
Opportunity youth are young people ages 16-24 who are not currently employed or in school. They are resilient, coachable, and ready to work.
Did you know?
1 in 3 of America’s 19 million veterans report having been arrested in their lifetime — and many face employment barriers as a result.
RBIJ helps employers rethink what makes a great hire.
Our Inclusive Hiring Team works with companies to help them build a stronger, more resilient workforce. We offer:
Practical tools and resources for creating fairer, more effective hiring practices.
Training opportunities that strengthen recruitment practices, organizational culture, and more.
Connections to community partners to expand companies’ talent pipeline.
Featured Opportunity
[Webinar] From Service to Second Chances: The Role of Business in Veteran Reentry
Get Our Employer-Informed Resources
Second Chance Hiring Roadmap
Learn the business benefits of hiring workers with criminal records, how to partner with local organizations, and strategies to support these candidates’ long-term success at your company.
Employer Guide for Hiring Opportunity Youth
Based on two years of RBIJ’s award-winning opportunity youth hiring program, “Unlock Potential,” this guide shares data, best practices, and real-world case studies to help employers successfully recruit and retain this talent pool.