The Unlocking Potential Podcast Joe Garrihy & Mi:Lab (The Maynooth University Innovation lab)

A key inspiration for the Unlocking Potential Project came from the work of Unlock. Unlock is an award-winning organisation in the UK that provides a voice and support for people with convictions who are facing stigma and obstacles because of their criminal record. Of specific importance is their work on the ‘Fair Chance Pledge’ for universities. To discuss this and the opportunities our complementary work presents, I am delighted to be joined by Dr. Rachel Tynan.

Rachel is the policy and practice lead at Unlock and was awarded her PhD in Sociology from Goldsmiths in 2018. She has published widely in this and broader criminal justice areas including her book entitled, ‘Young Men’s Experiences of Long-Term Imprisonment: Living Life’ published by Routledge.

The importance of smoothing the path of admissions to Higher Education for people with convictions is paramount. That is the ‘getting in’ aspect but of equal importance is the ‘getting on’ and completing courses so it is imperative to explore the experiences of students who are currently making their way through Higher Education.

To share his experiences of education, past and ongoing, with us, I am grateful to be joined by our guest, Joe Clarke, who is currently studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Youth and Community Work at Maynooth University.

This episode shifts focus slightly to the overlapping and equally important issue of employment for persons with convictions. Employment represents another key protective factor in supporting people’s pathways to reintegration. To discuss these interconnected issues, we welcome Siobhan Cafferty (Criminal Justice Sector Social Enterprise Project Manager at Pobal / Department of Justice workingtochange.ie), Damien Quinn and his employer at the time Pat Callanan.

Today we again explore the experience of accessing and studying at Higher Education for people with convictions. We will discuss the barriers faced by prospective students and the ways in which we can address these with a view to provide fair admissions policies and supports for all students. Today we are returning our focus to getting in, getting on and achieving your goals.

Our guest, Wayne Hart will share his experience with us. Wayne is a project worker with the Bridge Project, a published author in academic journals and a graduate of UCD where he gained a Diploma in community drugs and alcohol work, Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science with Sociology and a Master’ Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Succeeding in gaining getting a place at college is an important step. However, it is one step in the journey through higher education and there are many pathways where support is essential for students with convictions. This is central to the aims of the Unlocking Potential Project so today we are focusing on getting in, getting on and achieving your goals with our guest, Paula Kearney who will share her education journey with us.

Paula has a Bachelor’s Degree in Community and Youth Work and is currently studying for her Master’s Degree in the same subject. She has previously completed courses in women studies, addiction studies, leadership and development, community education and equality studies, and a Bachelor’s degree in community and youth work.

Part of this project’s focus is on compliance with GDPR as some Higher Education Institutions’ admissions policies may not satisfy legal requirements. Some policies look for individuals with convictions to give up information about this part of their past despite this information not being relevant to the course to which they are applying.

In this episode, Dr TJ McIntyre joins us to discuss these issues. Dr McIntyre is an Associate Professor in the Sutherland School of Law at University College Dublin and practises as a consultant solicitor with FP Logue Solicitors. He is also the chairperson of the civil liberties group Digital Rights Ireland.