Dom Celebrates his Sixth Month in Work at Chester Zoo

From Setback to Success: Dom Celebrates Six Months in Work at Chester Zoo

A Second Chance, A Fresh Start, and a Future to Look Forward To

At Tempus Novo, we often speak about the power of employment to transform lives. Few stories demonstrate that more clearly than Dom's.

Having now successfully completed six months in employment at Chester Zoo Dom has become a shining example of what can be achieved when determination, support, and opportunity come together.

Dom joined Chester Zoo on 7 January 2026 through the Fresh Start Project a partnership supported by the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner designed to help people rebuild their lives through sustainable employment.

Today just six months later he has not only established himself as a valued member of the team but has also secured a permanent contract as a direct result of his commitment reliability and hard work.

Turning Life Around

Dom's journey has not been without its challenges.

At the age of 57 he received a suspended sentence following a single offence in 2024. It was his first and only offence arising during a difficult period in his life when he was struggling with personal issues and a developing alcohol dependency.

The consequences were significant having spent more than 15 years in stable employment prior to the offence Dom ultimately lost his job and faced an uncertain future.

However rather than allowing that setback to define him he made a conscious decision to turn his life around.

Since his offence Dom has completely stopped drinking and focused on rebuilding his life his confidence, and his future.

A Job He Loves

Since joining Chester Zoo Dom has made an outstanding impression on everyone around him.

He has not missed a single day of work; his dedication, positive attitude, and willingness to simply get on with the job have earned praise from colleagues, visitors, and management alike.

Dom describes his role as "the best job I've ever had."

Having lived in Chester all his life he admits he can hardly believe he never considered working at the Zoo before.

What began as an opportunity has quickly become a career he hopes to continue until retirement.

Praise from Employer and Family

Dom's Line Manager at Chester Zoo speaks highly of his contribution, describing him as someone who arrives every day ready to work, gets stuck in, and consistently demonstrates a positive attitude.

Having joined the Visitor Operations team in January 2026 on a temporary contract, Dom quickly settled into life at Chester Zoo, building strong relationships with colleagues and developing an excellent understanding of the role. His enthusiasm, proactive approach and willingness to learn led to him securing a permanent contract just two months later in March 2026. His manager says Dom has embraced every challenge presented to him and regularly speaks about his enjoyment of the role and his desire to build a long-term future with the organisation.

The impact of Dom's success has filtered through to his home life too.

Dom's wife, who has stood by him throughout his difficult period, is delighted to see him thriving once again. After years of uncertainty, she says she is "over the moon" to see him back to normality, enjoying secure employment and looking forward to the future.

What Success Looks Like

Dom's story is exactly what the Fresh Start Project and Tempus Novo are designed to achieve.

It is not about a past mistake, Its about recognising potential providing support, and helping people build sustainable futures through meaningful employment.

Six months on Dom is thriving his employer is benefiting from a dedicated and reliable employee, and his family has regained the stability and optimism they once feared had been lost.

We are incredibly proud of everything Dom has achieved and grateful to Chester Zoo for recognising his potential and providing the opportunity that has helped change a life.

His story is a powerful reminder that when people are given a genuine second chance remarkable things can happen.

Jobs change lives. Dom's story proves it.