Meet Lady Val
The Lady behind the network.
The Lady behind the network.
“There is a special place in hell for any woman who doesn’t help another woman” Madeline Allbright
I adopted this short sentence as our motto and it’s the ethos of our Network.
We kick off every session with our ice-breaker: How can I help you and how can you help me?
These few words are powerful – they help with introductions, contacts and so many connections result.
We continually strive to build an invaluable Network that supports, empowers and encourages other women, whilst raising invaluable charitable funds for our prison reform work.
How do we use the money? Well 100% of those profits launched the Founder’s Helping Hand, a fund Network members could use to assist those released from jail with clothing vouchers, groceries, fares, training courses etc. This Fund has helped a terminally ill woman released from with food and taxis for hospital appointments, assisted a pregnant women with appliances for her new home; helped three women released with sleeping bag and tent into accommodation, and helped many returning citizens for training courses, work clothes and other items to help them with jobs that reintegrated them back into society. This wouldn’t have been possible, without the donations from bookings for the Professional Women’s Network lunches. Grateful thanks to everyone who attended and supported this work.
A recipient of another Corbett Network Fund was Emma Freivogel, Founder at Radical Recruit. Her enterprise bridges the gap between disadvantaged job seekers and the business world and has placed 87 people released from prison into permanent employment and was our unanimous choice. We proudly awarded the Growth Fund of £10,000 to Radical Recruit to grow and develop her enterprise (which she has done).
“I am chuffed mate! £10k goes a long way – it’s three months operating costs and we are aiming to get 15 more ex-offenders into work using the dosh so I am delighted!” – Emma Freivogel
Some examples of how our Networks help.
“James”
After job searching for over 6 months with no success, he says: “Even in my wildest imagination I could not have hoped to be where I am today. The Corbett Network put me in touch with the force of human nature that is Emma Freivogel at Radical Recruit. She convinced me to start up my own business and after I spoke with one of her many contacts, I was offered help with my proposal/pitch document resulting in being offered my first contract of my fledgling business ! A game-changing moment.”At the first anniversary of his business in 2021, James has just employed a returning citizen: “I could not have achieved this without the help and support of your Network, specifically Emma. I hope my story gives hope and inspiration to anyone else who may find themselves in a similar position, there are good people out there – like the Corbett Network – who can, and will help. More importantly, never give up, I am proof of that.”
“Clare Driver”
After the death of her father, she packed up his wardrobe of nearly new clothes and sent to our member to give to people after release. Clare writes: “I am delighted to say the clothes arrived safely and am hoping they will give dignity to anyone applying for jobs.”
“Franky”
Trained in coding inside HMP Peterborough by member Code4000, he needed £850 for relocation costs to Leeds to start a job in March with Lloyds Bank – the first person they’ve ever hired with a criminal record. The actual amount raised was £935, helped with some money from the Corbett Network. So his room deposit, first month’s rent and transport costs were all covered. “Franky is 100% sorted!” said CEO Code4000, then Rod Anderson. “Considering he left prison on December 10 with £46 in his pocket, no job and was heading to live with his Nan this is life changing!” Franky is still working there and has been promoted.
a“Dean”
He had been in prison no less than ten times but then joined our member RMF Equine. Having never been near a horse in his life, he had a thorough training in how to look after these gentle creatures. Today he works at a Livery stable far from his former haunts and oversees a a former Derby winner worth £80 million in stud fees. He will never reoffend.
My late husband, Robin Corbett, was an MP.
He was awarded a Peerage when he decided to vacate his House of Commons seat after 18 years of hard slog.
Unfortunately whatever they say about a title, I find it makes no difference when trying to get a table in a fully booked restaurant or upgrade on a flight!
“I believe that returning citizens deserve the very best chance for a fresh start after they have served the time for their crime.”
The Robin Corbett Award for Prisoner Re-Integration was established by members of Lord Corbett’s family in conjunction with the Prison Reform Trust. Profits raised from our Network’s events go straight in supporting this worthy cause.
The Corbett Network for Prisoner Re-integration is our other main enterprise.
It is a coalition of more than 80 decision-makers of major rehabilitation charities and organisations dedicated to reducing re-offending by supporting people with convictions find and keep a job.
We’re so proud to have welcomed a number of inspirational speakers over the years.
From leading CEO’s, to game-changing leaders, to engaging high profile professionals, each with an exceptional story to deliver to our Network.
Take a look below at some of our incredible speakers.
Lady Val’s Professional Women’s Network, The Robin Corbett Award and The Corbett Network are trading names of The Corbett Foundation registered not-for-profit Limited by Guarantee Company, (Social Enterprise) No:11846765 (UK) Email: corbett.castlevale@gmail.com Web: www.robincorbettaward.co.uk
