The Socially Just Justice initiative began in 2020 to explore the challenges faced by young adults in the justice system. In 2022, with funding from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), the project engaged six young adults aged 18 to 25 through seven workshops to co-design fairer opportunities for justice-experienced individuals.
Key Focus: Employability
Although employability wasn’t the top priority for all participants, it emerged as a significant area of concern. Young adults highlighted challenges including a lack of quality job opportunities, feelings of judgment and discrimination in the workplace, and systemic barriers like the inability to gain job experience without first having a job. The young people involved in this project worked alongside employability professionals and employers to co-design potential solutions.
Collaborative Efforts and Partnerships
The project was a collaborative effort involving the University of Strathclyde (Beth Weaver), the University of Dundee (Trish McCulloch), East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, and the Glasgow School of Art. Boxdog Inc. created a short animation to complement the project, aimed at engaging both young adults and professionals in the field of employability.
Key Findings and Recommendations
- Understanding and Flexibility: Young adults expressed a need for employers to be educated about their experiences and backgrounds, fostering a supportive and safe workplace environment.
- Improved Communication: There was a strong desire for clear communication regarding job and training opportunities, constructive feedback on job applications, and clear expectations for new roles.
- More Opportunities: Participants called for expanded access to training and job opportunities tailored to their qualifications, convictions, curfews, and caring responsibilities.
- Fairness: The young adults emphasised the importance of fair wages, including compensation for travel time, as they often face lower pay and lengthy commutes on public transport.