CEF and the Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) are excited to announce that we are launching a Fair Chance Hiring Certification for local businesses in Orange County, NC! Fair chance hiring considers an applicant’s qualifications first, without the stigma of a conviction or arrest record. 

Fair Chance Hiring is an incredibly impactful practice, especially considering that one-third of Americans have a criminal record. At CEF and SCSJ, we know that people are so much more than a record.

To become certified, local businesses commit to certain fair chance hiring practices.  Certified businesses will join a growing network of private sector fair chance employers and receive resources from CEF and SCSJ. 

The certification is free and open to any small business* in Orange County, NC. 

Fair Chance Business Certified businesses must:

• Remove all questions about criminal records from the initial job application form.
• If you must ask about a criminal background, delay asking questions about criminal records until the applicant is given a conditional offer.
• Give applicants a chance to see any background checks you run.