06.03.2025

Championing women’s futures: Procure Plus’s Keeley Danson is appointed to HMP Styal’s Employment Advisory Board to drive employment opportunities for women

In a move that strengthens opportunities for women in the justice system, Keeley Danson from Procure Plus has been appointed to HMP Styal’s Employment Advisory Board (EAB).

The Board plays a key role in helping women prepare for life beyond prison by shaping pathways into meaningful employment.

Fittingly announced ahead of International Women’s Day on 8th March, Danson’s appointment reinforces a commitment to supporting women who face the greatest barriers to employment— those who have been imprisoned and are furthest from the labour market.

Procure Plus has been instrumental in developing the first-ever construction training hub in the women’s prison estate, giving women at HMP Styal a chance to gain skills, qualifications, and confidence before their release.

Although the construction industry remains traditionally male-dominated, Danson’s work at Procure Plus is redefining opportunity. Women leaving prison now have equal access to training, support, and career prospects, breaking down long-standing barriers.

Danson’s new role on the EAB will see her working closely with HMP Styal, employers, and industry leaders to expand training opportunities and open up new career prospects for women in the justice system.

Commenting on her appointment, Danson said: "I’m incredibly proud to join HMP Styal’s Employment Advisory Board and continue the work we’ve started in creating real employment opportunities for women.

“Too often, women leaving the justice system face significant barriers to work, and without the right support, it’s all too easy to fall back into a cycle of reoffending.

“By working with the prison, employers, and training providers, we can change that—giving women the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.”

Lauren Nolan, Prison Employment Lead at HMP Styal, said: "The construction training hub at HMP Styal has already had a hugely positive impact, giving women skills that translate into real job opportunities upon release.

“Having Keeley on the Employment Advisory Board will help us build on this success and create even more opportunities for women to take control of their futures. We are delighted to have her on board."

Gwen Beeken, Managing Director of Procure Plus, added: "At Procure Plus, social value is at the heart of everything we do. Our frameworks are designed not just to deliver high-quality procurement solutions, but to create real, lasting opportunities—especially for those most distant from the labour market.

“Keeley’s appointment to HMP Styal’s Employment Advisory Board is a fantastic recognition of her dedication to breaking down barriers and creating pathways into employment for women, and we are incredibly proud to see her continue making a difference at this level."

As a not-for-profit, any surplus generated by Procure Plus is reinvested directly into communities, helping train and develop individuals distanced from the employment market. Over the last five years, Procure Plus has helped more than 2,500 people into work.

Posted by: FMJ 0 comment(s)