Speaking to delegates from councils, charities, trusts and recruitment organisations at HMP Belmarsh, Hanson highlighted the importance of hiring ex-offenders.
While in prison, many offenders take the time to improve their vocational skills and the Government has committed to getting more people who have been in prison back into the workplace as a means of reducing re-offending.
He said: Prisons are not outside society, they are part of the communities they serve.
A recent survey showed UK organisations are far times more likely to report a positive experience when employing an ex-offender than a negative one. Around 80% of these say ex-offenders settle into work well with colleagues, perform well and are reliable.
Call for employers to hire ex-cons to reduce re-offending
Prisons minister David Hanson has urged employers to help get offenders into work and away from crime when they are released from prison.
