Charityworks’ Post

As is the case in many places across the country, my hometown of Chicago has long struggled to address racial and economic inequities. In considering where we are today I am encouraged by our highly engaged and civic minded business community, along with organizations such as #CorporateCoalitionofChicago and #JustActPartners that are working with businesses to advance equity.  Recognizing Chicago’s communities are rich with assets that can uniquely meet business and talent challenges, they launched Invest Together (https://lnkd.in/gkg9MgAk). This new effort seeks to identify employers who might be willing to move jobs to the South and West sides of the city and matches those employers with development projects seeking corporate tenants. This week I joined a neighborhood tour of four South and West side community development initiatives. All are in different stages, and all have tremendous promise. These initiatives will contribute significantly to creating more equitable and vibrant communities, bringing jobs and wrap around services. And their approach of engaging communities in the planning process will help ensure sustainability. Here are some details about the initiatives: Greater Grand Crossing: https://lnkd.in/gzRZdjRu Woodlawn: https://lnkd.in/gfzatrMc West Garfield Park: https://lnkd.in/gdMCYmNN & https://lnkd.in/gpCHsHYc North Lawndale: https://lnkd.in/gTBiF39G This is just a sampling of the great work being done by so many across the city. Very grateful for the individuals and organizations committed to making a real difference towards equity. #Advancingequity #BusinessUNusual #PlaceBasedInvestments

Thanks for sharing your reflections Stuart. Terrific to hear about more successful peer-to-peer reviews being undertaken across all sectors of education. Thanks also for undertaking the facilitation training which is so essential to ensure the reviews remain focussed, delivered with consistency and positive challenge. Sir John Holman had confidence in this approach to quality and continuous improvement, recommending in his systemic review of Careers Guidance - I just love hearing about its scaled inplementation happening now theough Careers Hubs and Trusts #careersimpactsystem #careersleaders #careershubs #careersguidance #educationleaders

It’s all too easy to go through the year working hard and not really taking in exactly what you’ve accomplished, but a review is the perfect opportunity to take stock of just how much you’ve achieved. Lucky for me today, I had my half-yearly review, with the inimitable Dale Wood and I was excited for the chance to review and share just how much I've stepped up and the impact I've made at Capita Local Public Service Local Government and Housing! Over the last six months, I've been rocking the sh*t out of Social Value! Here's a look at some of the key accomplishments I'm particularly proud of: I've supported bid teams across multiple sectors, ensuring our Social Value (SV) and Environmental bid responses are strong, well-researched, and cost-effective. I’m crafting a comprehensive strategy for Local Government and Housing that aligns with our broader goals. It’s still in draft form, but it's shaping up to be a game-changer. I’ve built and maintained key relationships with internal stakeholders and externally, I’ve connected with various partners to deliver impactful outcomes in education, environmental initiatives, and mental health. In passing the IEMA Foundation in Environmental Management Certification and becoming a certified Social Value Practitioner, I’m bringing a level of rigor and assurance to our Social Value commitments. Setting us apart from competitors and ensuring we are making a long-term positive impact. I’ve found and facilitated volunteering opportunities across Capita Local Public Service that benefit communities, ensuring that our social initiatives are not only meaningful but also strategically aligned. My ongoing Data Management apprenticeship, Social Value UK training, and involvement in industry networks like ICRS are equipping me with the tools to not only understand data better but also to tell compelling stories about the impact we’re making. Enhancing our SV offerings and strengthening our position in the market. I’ve been deeply involved in discussions and initiatives with councils to deliver Social Value commitments tailored to their needs. Whether it’s organising donations, facilitating apprenticeships, or planning long-term strategies, I’m ensuring Capita delivers on its promises in meaningful ways. It’s been a busy and fulfilling six months, and I’m excited about what’s to come. There’s still plenty of work to be done, and I’m ready to tackle it with the same passion and dedication that has gotten me this far. Looking forward to continuing to grow, learn, and make an even bigger impact- oh, and take you along for the ride of course! #SocialValue #Sustainability #HalfYearReview

Big News for Wyre's Future Stars! 🌟 We've secured a £67k grant from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund to bring life-changing career education to 20 primary schools. From live Career Conversations to interactive Career Carousel events, 1,600 children will get to dream big and see beyond traditional roles, learning that anyone can achieve their dreams. During the launch Career Carousel at Manor Beach Primary School, a year 6 pupil shared their insight, “I’ve learnt that anyone can be anything in a job, it doesn’t matter what age or what height or if you’re a girl or boy, jobs can be really fun!”. This is what it's all about for us - making career education engaging and accessible. 😊 Thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund & Wyre Council, we're #ShapingBrighterFutures, one positive footprint at a time. 💡 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDjkrivS #PositiveFootprints #Wyre #CareerEducation #CommunityGrowth #LevelingUp #UKSPF

DID YOU KNOW: In 2023, we supported over 5,870 young people and offered 147 work experience opportunities. We delivered 10,289 hours of work experience and hosted inspirational career seminars for 5,483 children and young people. Our Corporate Advisory Board supports the development of career learning and pathways for the children served by Urban Synergy into employment through corporate insight days, job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships and other work experience. We are grateful to our Corporate Advisory Board members who include: Goldman Sachs , LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) , UK Power Networks , Dynamic Planner , Citi , EC1 Partners Ltd , DMGT plc and Sony Interactive Entertainment . The aim of our Corporate Advisory Board is to help us create a more ethnically diverse City, as well as supporting our mission to build a diverse work-ready talent pipeline of Black Minority Ethnic and disadvantaged young people. Each Company and Board Member supports us with expertise, mentors and funding, along with our Corporate Donors, which include: Allen & Overy , BlackRock , FE fundinfo , The International business of Federated Hermes , Lloyd's, M&G plc , Moody's Corporation , Morgan Stanley , Newable , PwC , RWS , Salesforce and Stryker. Urban Synergy CEO, Leila Thomas FRSA, said: “I am proud that these business leaders have chosen to commit their energy and resources, to creating a better future for thousands of Black Minority Ethnic and disadvantaged young people in London and beyond. Talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not. Organisations have been trying to resolve the imbalance of opportunity for decades and we believe we have a blueprint that will drive change.” Read more about Urban Synergy and how you can get involved, here: www.urbansynergy.com/about #ukcharity #ukyouth #ontheboard #ukcharity #corporatepartners #advisoryboard

Indigenous Connections is a great new website by entrepreneur Renée Boucher. It gives companies an opportunity to connect with new Indigenous employees. It’s an easy-to-use database that helps match Indigenous workers with companies that need them. What a great idea. And a positive step towards economic reconciliation. As Boucher explains, “A lot of these companies have really jumped on board and are trying to do proactive things, but it's still new.” At NWAC, we know that businesses have benefited from partnering with us and our National Apprenticeships Program, to ensure their workplaces include Indigenous Women in skilled trades. The more opportunities for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and include Indigenous employees in their workplaces, the better it is for the companies, our communities, and our economy. https://lnkd.in/gjR94EWS

Last week, our #GoodEmployment news highlighted: 🔵 Sheffield Charity Launches UK’s First Careers Website for Modern Slavery Survivors | Causeway Charity Sheffield charity Causeway, in partnership with Bright Future Co-operative, launches the UK's first careers website for modern slavery survivors, offering fast-tracked, safe employment opportunities. The platform aims to connect survivors with companies committed to ethical hiring practices. Businesses can post job vacancies and receive training to support the integration of survivors into the workforce. 🔵 Action to tackle UK engineering skills gap | Enginuity The manifesto outlines five actions: making qualifications more flexible, incentivising recruitment in skills-shortage industries, ensuring adequate funding for technical education, creating a skills observatory, and refining the Apprenticeship Levy. Supported by major organisations, the manifesto aims to prepare the workforce for future challenges. 🔵 Bolton Neurodiversity Toolkit shortlisted for a health award The Bolton Neurodiversity Toolkit, created by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust staff to support colleagues with neurodivergent conditions, has been shortlisted for the GM Health and Care Champion Awards 2024. The toolkit includes guidelines for fostering conversations on neurodiversity and workplace adjustments. Read more: https://ow.ly/6hBs50S6w1G

To celebrate LEBC turning 30, we brought together 30 of our Top Business Contributors to celebrate and reflect on LEBC’s success and impact, and to identify new opportunities to continue advocating for young people together. Our business partners go above and beyond to support our work, in support of social mobility, and bridging the gap between young people and professionals, whether that’s providing valuable work experience placements, promoting the STEM industry, or volunteering in schools.  Our partnerships with businesses, from the private, public, and the voluntary sector, has grown to around 5,000 organisations and together we help young people prepare for the world of work and the transition from education. The event was a great success, and an opportunity to thank our employer partners for their unwavering support. They generously dedicate their time, skills, and energy to support LEBC services. During the event I was able to share LEBC’s impact statistics and highlight to our employer partners the crucial role they play in enabling young people to reach their potential when working in partnership with us. During the 2022/23 school year – ·   LEBC provided over 6000 work experience placements, with over 1500 businesses… some students, including those with SEND, went on to gain employment and apprenticeship opportunities with their work experience provider. ·  LEBC created just under 1000 volunteering opportunities for local employers to engage with students, this led to 3732 hours of in-kind time given by volunteers in local schools and colleges. ·  LEBC led 13,561 students through careers education events and workshops, linking curriculum learning to careers, and created meaningful encounters between young people and employers/professionals from a wide range of sectors. We also heard from students, those who benefited from our services and wanted to say thank you to those businesses who have played a crucial role in their transition from education to the workplace. It was great to hear about the transferable skills they have gained, and to see their confidence when delivering their speeches. A great night was had by all, and our hosts Chutney Ivy, did a great job of feeding us well! A special thank you to Shaf Islam, for supporting our event. If you wish to know more about LEBC’s services for employers, please get in touch. I would be keen to share with you how we can together reduce the widening skills gap and upskill your future workforce – the young people in your community. #careerseducation #workexperience #schoolengagement #STEM #Giveback #volunteer #employerengagement

When leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors work together, it’s possible to begin breaking down systemic barriers that limit access to economic advancement opportunities for so many people. San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW), a two-year-old training, education, and job placement program in San Antonio, Texas, has shown early signs of success and has delivered a strong return on investment. At JFF, we believe it’s built on a model that cities across the country could replicate. A July 2023 analysis of the return on investment RTW had delivered projected lifetime income gains of more $780 million for the 511 RTW participants who had completed training and secured new jobs. Learn more about this workforce development program and how it could be replicated: https://lnkd.in/egGbSMiV #wkdev #workforcedevelopment #readytowork #rtw #sanantonio

The value of Discover Work's Challenge Fund for 2024-2029 is an estimated £2.6m per annum!  It is open to eligible organisations who want to realise the strategic vision and goals set out in our Discover Work Strategy 2022-2027, and support our Community Wealth Building approach to economic development.  We will build upon improvements to date with further funding due to be devolved from The Scottish Government to Local Employability Partnerships via No One Left Behind.   Our aim is to remove structural inequalities experienced by local residents that prevent their access to employability support, and their potential participation and sustainment in education, training, or employment. We ask the network of potential Employability Providers and wider partner organisations to maximise this opportunity for system change and rethink the way we work for the benefit of customers and employers… Simon Hewitt Robin Presswood Evonne Boyd Alison Henderson Julie Grace Andy Smith Craig Strachan Discover Work Dundee City Council The Scottish Government