At Beacon Bangalow we often say, ‘jobs before judgement’ – have you ever wondered what this means?  In this article we unpack our unique employment model, so you can better understand and appreciate our mission.  

In today’s ever changing and often challenging world, we know many people face barriers to employment – which can have nothing to do with their ability to contribute. They may have experienced mental health challenges, homelessness, or addiction; are living with a disability; or have spent time in the criminal justice system. Any of these experiences can shut people out from employment.

This is why we believe open hiring is so important, and fundamental to the work we do at Beacon Bangalow (just for clarity, Beacon Adelaide operates under a different model).

Practically speaking, ‘open hiring’ means:

  • Hiring based on potential, not qualifications or background checks.
  • Creating a supportive workplace where people feel safe, respected, and part of a team.
  • Providing real jobs with award wages, clear expectations, and opportunities to grow.
  • Offering wraparound supports such as access to housing assistance, legal aid, financial counselling, and addiction/mental health services through a network of internal supports and external partnerships.

At Beacon Bangalow, we follow this model. When we say ‘jobs before judgement’, it is ultimately about removing judgement from the hiring process. It means no CVs or background checks are required when people apply for a job with us.

This reflects our belief that potential should be judged by present capacity and commitment, not past mistakes. This is a view supported by international evidence, human rights principles, and psychosocial rehabilitation models, which consistently show that meaningful work is a key driver of recovery and community reintegration, and that any type of exclusionary screening undermines that goal.

We’re not the first to do this. This approach was pioneered by a social enterprise in the United States called Greyston Bakery (who has actually trademarked the term ‘Open Hiring’ in the States). Their model has been adopted by many other organisations, including The Body Shop internationally. These organisations have successfully demonstrated that criminal history screening is not a prerequisite for safe and productive operations when robust support systems are in place.

At Beacon Bangalow, that support comes in many forms, including our wrap-around support services, trauma-informed leadership training, weekly workshops and mental health first aid certification.

The way we see it, if someone is ready and willing to work, we’ll meet them where they’re at and do all we can to support them to succeed.

Why do we operate this way?  

We believe everyone should have access to decent work.

Today, more than one million people struggle to find work because of their background or life experience. These include people with a disability, those with lived experience of mental illness or homelessness, or people who’ve interacted with the justice system.

At Beacon, we look past these barriers because we know a job is so much more than a paycheck. For many in our community, the second chance a job provides is the first step toward stability and independence. Further, it offers purpose, structure, dignity, and connection to community – so crucial as people seek to improve their lives, and themselves.

If you’re curious to know more about our employment model, drop in and see the team at Beacon Bangalow, or subscribe to our newsletter. to receive updates.