Darren Burns

Darren Burns is a dedicated Director of Diversity & Inclusion for the Timpson Group, a leading advocate for social mobility, and an expert in inclusive employment. With over a decade of experience in championing second-chance employment, he has played a pivotal role in transforming recruitment strategies for marginalised groups, particularly ex-offenders. As the head of the Timpson Foundation, Darren has pioneered innovative programmes that offer employment opportunities to those facing significant barriers, helping to break the cycle of reoffending and reintegrate individuals into society. 

Darren’s career began in law enforcement, serving for nearly a decade as a Police Inspector for Merseyside Police. His frontline experience in the criminal justice system gave him firsthand insight into the social challenges faced by offenders and their difficulties in securing meaningful employment post-release. Determined to create real change, he transitioned into recruitment and inclusion, joining Timpson Group in 2011. Over the next decade, he served as National Recruitment Manager & Head of the Timpson Foundation, where he led the development of employment pathways for ex-offenders, veterans, neurodiverse individuals, and other marginalised groups. To deepen his understanding of the criminal justice system, he pursued a Master’s Degree in Applied Criminology, Penology, and Management at the University of Cambridge, further solidifying his expertise in offender rehabilitation and social reintegration.

His contributions to social mobility and workforce inclusion have been widely recognised. Darren is a Retail Ambassador for the New Futures Network, a government-led initiative supporting ex-offender employment. He also serves as a Commissioner for the City & Guilds Future Skills Commission for Prisons, working to improve education and skills training for prison leavers. His leadership has helped shape policies that encourage businesses to engage with marginalised communities, and he frequently collaborates with organisations such as HMPPS, the Ministry of Justice, and the Department for Work and Pensions. An accomplished speaker, Darren regularly delivers talks to HR professionals, criminal justice stakeholders, and corporate leaders, highlighting the benefits of inclusive hiring and the impact of providing second chances.

As a keynote speaker, Darren Burns offers compelling insights into practical employment strategies, reducing reoffending rates, and fostering diversity in the workplace. His expertise in engaging both public and private sector organisations makes him a valuable voice in social justice and corporate responsibility. Businesses seeking to improve their diversity and inclusion initiatives and implement effective second-chance hiring policies will benefit from his wealth of experience.