The 3rd December 2025 is International Day of Disabled Persons (IDDP). This year's theme, "Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress" speaks directly to the Civil Service's commitment to creating opportunities through our Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) Pathways.
Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress is achieved by creating equitable opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment, including those with a disability and a past criminal conviction.
Facing Two Hurdles: Conviction and Disability
It's much harder for someone to find a good job when they have to deal with the stigma of a conviction and manage a disability (which can be a visible or hidden condition).
The evidence is clear that these two challenges often go hand-in-hand, making our work through GFiE so vital:
- High Rates of Disability in the Criminal Justice System: More than half (57%) of prisoners who started an education course had a learning difficulty or disability (LDD). (Source: Prison Education and Accredited Programme Statistics 2024-2025)
- Hidden Conditions: People who have been involved with the Criminal Justice System often have higher rates of conditions like Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia (known as Neurodivergence), compared to the 15–20% in the general UK population.
These twin challenges often push talented, resilient people out of the job market.
GFiE: Providing a Clear Path to Civil Service Careers
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) is how the Civil Service steps in to help. It’s a direct way to bring in people who face big disadvantages, turning their resilience into an asset for public service.
The GFiE People with Convictions Pathway is a powerful example. This pathway gives life-changing careers to eligible individuals. By doing this, GFiE:
- Reduces Re-offending: A stable job is one of the best ways to reduce crime, leading to safer, more stable communities—a clear benefit for society.
- Makes Government Better: Bringing in people with diverse backgrounds makes the Civil Service stronger, more informed, and better at serving the UK public.
We look at a person’s potential and the valuable skills they’ve gained from overcoming challenges, not just their past record. When you combine this supportive GFiE entry route with the ongoing support and flexible working arrangements we provide once people are hired, we create a stable environment where everyone can thrive.
The Civil Service is committed to fostering an inclusive future for the country by being an employer where potential is not limited by background. Through the hiring and support of individuals from all walks of life, we are actively contributing to a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive society.
You can find more information about this Pathway and our other GFiE Pathways at Civil Service Careers GFIE Pathway Page, or can contact us at GFiE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
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