Empowering women: Turning indulgence into impact.

Author

Esther Champion
November 11, 2025

As the nights draw in and winter settles around us, it’s easy to feel the weight of the season. But here at Myrtos Consultancy, our commitment burns bright. We continue to speak out about the importance, and the impact, of employing people with criminal records. In a system under pressure, inclusive hiring isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a practical, powerful step toward safer, fairer communities. Whether through workshops, partnerships, or policy conversations, we’re keeping the momentum going, and we’re so glad you’re with us.

In this edition we shine a spotlight on Chocolate & Grace, celebrate another prison who is doing great work at providing employment skills to the men in its care, and give an overview of why the Criminal Justice System is under pressure and over worked. Until next month…

The criminal justice system is under pressure, and the numbers speak volumes. 

In the year to June 2025, 1.58 million individuals were formally processed through the system, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. Prosecutions rose by 5%, and convictions by 4%, suggesting that despite mounting strain, the system continues to push forward. But this rising volume of cases comes at a cost: courts are facing persistent delays, probation services are stretched thin, and prisons are operating under intense pressure.

These figures aren’t just statistics, they reflect real people, real stories, and real consequences. They remind us why reform matters. Why inclusive hiring, trauma-informed practice, and community-based alternatives are more than policy; they’re pathways to dignity, stability, and change. As we navigate these challenges, let’s keep asking: how can we build a justice system that’s not only efficient, but equitable.



Business showcase; which business has impressed us this month…

Empowering women: Turning indulgence into impact

Through their artisan chocolate business, Chocolate & Grace empowers women with justice system experience by creating meaningful employment pathways and funding initiatives that help women rebuild their lives with confidence, dignity, and hope.

100% of profits go toward supporting women as they navigate new beginnings, offering not just financial support, but a sense of purpose and belonging. By combining exceptional craft with social mission, Chocolate & Grace is redefining what justice-informed entrepreneurship can look like.

Read more about their incredible work here

Prison of the month…

HMP Liverpool has opened The Lock Inn, a pub-restaurant within the prison which provides training to those inside in hospitality skills such as cooking, serving, and running a busy kitchen.

The initiative was launched by pub chain Marstons, and aims to ensure those who take the training get job opportunities on release. Its success has interested other prison estates where the Clinks Restaurant ceased operating after 10 years.

Students sign up for a 13-week chef training course inside mock pub kitchens, and work towards a qualification in hospitality. All those who complete the course are guaranteed a job interview with Marstons upon release, with help from mentors when they are free.

Since the scheme began last year, 25 people have completed the course, and 11 have gained full time employment after they left. Needless to say, the pubs do not serve any alcohol. The scheme was praised by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in its latest report on Liverpool.

Marstons hope that 40 people will be fully trained over the next year, and a higher proportion finding work when they leave the prison gates.

A green and cream sign with a coat of arms in the middle with the word Marston above, and the words Lock Inn below.

Our highlights of the month

  • Steps to wellbeing course: Our first Steps to Wellbeing course was a powerful experience, thank you to the honesty, insight, and warmth of our participants; their stories and reflections made each session deeply meaningful. We’re thrilled to be running the course again in February 2026, this time online on Wednesday evenings. If you're ready to explore wellbeing in a supportive, inclusive space, keep an eye out for dates and details. You’ll find a brief overview in the flyer below; don’t miss your chance to join us!

  • More in-depth reads: You may be aware that over the past few months we’ve been putting together some blog posts to give you a more in-depth read about topics linked to inclusive hiring, and the current state of the Criminal Justice System. To explore our blogs, click here

  • We’re thrilled to have been invited by Time for Impact to record a podcast exploring the power of lived experience in volunteering. The conversation focused on why welcoming volunteers with justice system experience isn’t just inclusive, it’s transformative. From deepening empathy to strengthening community connection, these volunteers bring invaluable insight to the organisations they support. The episode isn’t live yet, but we’ll share the link as soon as it’s released. At Myrtos Consultancy, we’re passionate about sharing knowledge that helps diversify and enrich volunteer teams across the UK, and this podcast is part of that mission.

If you have any questions, feedback, or criminal justice items you’d like us to cover, then do get in touch and let us know.

Until next time, don’t delay in increasing your inclusive work practices today