Society hosts a networking lunch with a difference... in the heart of Brixton Prison

On Friday 11th November, we took a group of senior professionals from the Hospitality and Leisure sector for lunch at 'The Clink' - a restaurant inside the walls of HM Prison Brixton. 

There are now Clink restaurants in four prisons across the UK - HMP Brixton in London, HMP Cardiff in South Wales, HMP High Down in Surrey, and HMP Styal in Cheshire. The restaurants help to reduce reoffending by a massive 41% by giving inmates the skills and abilities they need to enter the workforce confidently and successfully upon their release. Numerous industry professionals also offer their time and expertise to help the inmates achieve their City & Guilds NVQ Qualifications in either front-of-house service or in food preparation. The standards attained are comparable to any top London restaurant. Once released, the Clink Charity stays in touch with the people they've trained - nurturing and encouraging them towards success in the next chapter of their lives and acting as an intermediary between the ex-offenders and the new employers, supporting both through the transition and any issues which may arise.

Our event was attended by leading hospitality professionals from the likes of Meliá, the Curtain, the Albion, Running with Knives, and the Royal Garden Hotel. We were given a short talk about the charity by Mark Sillery, their Head of Group Mentoring, who spoke passionately about what the Clink does and how it trains staff to exceptional standards on site, before helping them find suitable employment upon release. After three beautifully presented courses of perfectly prepared food, and lively discussions about how the hospitality sector could work hand in hand with the Clink Charity in order to have a more socially responsible approach towards recruitment, we left satisfied in our hearts and stomachs.

Society will organise more events throughout next year, supporting organisations with shared values and bringing together top talent to foster great relationships. Our thanks go to the staff of the Clink charity, volunteers, the staff in the kitchen and the friendly waiters. Also to our guests who were great company.

For more information about the charity contact either Mark Sillery at (mark@theclinkcharity.org) or our own George Berry (george.berry@society-search.com), or visit their website here: www.theclinkcharity.org