in Partnership

in Partnership

The Prospects Group Magazinewww.prospects.co.uk

National Careers Service LaunchSchool Improvement

WorldSkills UK — The Skills Show

18

See inside: Prospects New Outdoor Education Centre

2 | Issue 18

Contents

Prospects for excellence and valueProspects is a leading education, employment and training company, working nationally and internationally. We estimate we help more than one million people each year, through an extensive range of high quality services. We are one of the first and largest new public sector mutuals, an employee-owned company with shares allocated to managers and staff. Our services include:• Careers services for adults

and young people• Advice and guidance for

offenders• Work Programme, the government’s

major initiative to help long term unemployed people back to work, in the South West and London

• The largest Ofsted Early Years Inspection Services contract in the country

• Education consultancy and school improvement services

We are also widely recognised for expertise in event management, recruitment, community regeneration and educational resources. Gabbitas, one of the most trusted names in independent education, is part of the Prospects Group. For more information please visit. www.prospects.co.uk Prospects welcomes comments or suggestions on any stories covered or for future content, please contact:mary.palmer@prospects.co.uk

Prospects in Partnership is available free of charge to partners of Prospects Services Ltd. Annual subscription to non-partners is £10 (single issue £3.50). Prospects in Partnership is an independent publication, bringing together news, opinion and information. The views expressed in articles are those of the authors or organisations and copyright in articles remains solely with them.

Printed on: Chromomat which contains recycled content. Inks used are all vegetable oil based.

Prospects in Partnership is printed by SPM Print, a clean, green printing company that is ISO 14001 accredited. Every aspect of its printing and finishing process has been examined, from the way files are received and the plates are produced to the substrates involved. All paper is sourced from EMAS registered mills that hold FSC chain of custody and SPM Print has also achieved FSC accreditation for chain of custody.

Setting the standards for careers education and guidanceRay Auvray

3

‘Education Company of the Year’ The Prospects Group has been named Education Company of the Year by ‘Assignment Report’

4

Prospects new outdoor centreSecuring the future of the South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre in Gloucestershire

5

Bright future for Gloucester AcademyPlans revealed for new school building

6

‘Prospects Improve’One of the country’s leading school and academy improvement service providers

Go4it — be part of itTap into London’s young talent with the Go4it Programme

Bridgwater YMCA caféThe George Williams café helps customers gain valuable work experience

7

8–9

9

National Careers Service launch Helping customers to get on in work and life

10–11

Prospects Careers Advice PlusCareers guidance under the new statutory duty

12–13

Gabbitas appointed to recruit educators in ChinaGabbitas has been appointed to recruit the best and brightest educators to instruct children aged two to twelve

13

Headline successThirty young job seekers are making headlines in Hackney, through a new project for Prospects London Work Programme

14

Inspiring ‘Work Heroes’Employment Minister, Chris Grayling, visits the South West Work Programme team in Truro

15

Meeting the recruitment challengeChief Executive of CfA, Richard Evans, explores recruitment

News in brief

‘WorldSkills UK — The Skills Show’The UK’s biggest skills and careers event

16

17–19

20

Comment

Issue 18 | 3

Our young people are facing unprecedented difficulty in making

the transition from education into employment:

4NEET numbers over a million — even before this year’s leavers4Graduates generally downgrading their job expectations4Many thousands of graduates facing unemployment or part time or sporadic work

It is ironic that at a time when the future skills of the country’s workforce are perceived as of paramount importance to the nation, we are taking so little care over the support structures available in schools, colleges and universities to ensure that our young people have an awareness of employers’ needs and are helped to make appropriate decisions over careers, courses and jobs.

While the launch of the National Careers Service as an all-age

service is to be welcomed, the problem is that the service is at its weakest in the provision for young people, arguably those who need it most.

The Statutory Guidance, following the 2011 Education Act, for head teachers, school staff, governing bodies and local authorities on the “duty to secure independent and impartial careers guidance for young people in schools”, has been viewed by many as “disappointing” or “a missed opportunity”.

A recent Institute of Careers Guidance (ICG) survey shows that more than a third of schools have yet to decide how to fulfil their new duty — which comes into force next term!!

It is interesting, however, that many of the best schools are putting into place quality careers education and guidance. They realise the motivational impact of top quality guidance for their pupils

and the intrinsic importance of young people pursuing appropriate pathways through school, further and higher education.

There may also be increased pressure on schools, from parents and pupils, to ensure that they receive the highest quality information, advice and guidance. In the tough climate that our young people are facing, they need proper professional help to get into training or further or higher education.

This is not an “add-on”, or an “extra”, but an integral part of what a good school should be providing.

I suspect that young people will judge us harshly, schools and providers alike, if we let them down and do not put this in place. And they will be right to do so!

Ray AuvrayExecutive ChairmanProspects

Ray Auvray

Prospects Events has recently won two contracts to work for WorldSkills UK — The Skills Show. The event will be the UK’s biggest skills and careers event and builds on the success of WorldSkills London 2011.

Prospects will be working to attract the 100,000 target audience and selling the exhibition stand space for the event, being held at the NEC Birmingham, on 15–17 November.

Ray Auvray, Executive Chairman of Prospects, said, “Following our work to deliver the visitor audience and exhibition sales for WorldSkills London 2011, we are delighted to be working with the Skills Show team on the 2012 event. This will be an excellent showcase for skills, which we encourage everyone to attend.”

For more information on WorldSkills UK — The Skills Show, see the back page advertisement in this issue or please contact 01823 362800 or visit www.theskillsshow.com

The Skills Show

Setting the Standards for Careers Education and Guidance

and achievement to support local authorities and government departments with their plans to spin off as new mutuals,” Ray Auvray added.

The Assignment Report also highlighted Prospects’ success as prime contractor for the Work Programme in the South West and a leading sub-contractor in London.

Vincent McDonnell commented, “To be named as the Assignment Report’s Education Company of the Year is a great honour. I am very proud of the contribution we make to the education market. We are committed to making a difference to the lives of adults and young people, not only by helping them into sustainable jobs, but through our work as a leading school and academy improvement partner, a contracted Ofsted inspection company and an academy sponsor. We estimate that we help more than a million people each year in education and employment. This level of commitment by all our staff is behind us being named as the Assignment Report’s Education Company of the Year.”

The Assignment Report is a main point of reference for companies in the education business. It provides the most comprehensive analysis and comment on all education companies operating across the UK. It is written specifically for those concerned with financial performance, transactions, buy-outs and mergers across the 250 companies that make up the business.

*Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation

4 | Issue 18

The Prospects Group has been named Education Company of the Year by the prestigious

‘Assignment Report’ which praises Prospects for adapting to the requirements of its clients and for continued growth. It states, “Led by Executive Chairman, Ray Auvray, and Managing Director, Vincent McDonnell, Prospects has demonstrated great skill in adjusting its business model to the changing needs of its diverse range of clients, while maintaining growth in revenue and profits. In the five years to 31 March 2011, Prospects has seen earnings (EBITDA*) increase 57% to £4.2m, and revenue increase 50% to £76.9m.”

Ray Auvray commented, “I am delighted that Prospects has been named as the Assignment Report’s Education Company of the Year. I am proud of the way Prospects has adapted to the current, highly challenging economic environment, while continuing to grow and provide excellent services to our clients and customers. The dedication and expertise of our staff have been crucial to our success”.

Education

“Prospects is a good example of how a business can be successfully created and spun off from local authorities, bringing together the best aspects of the private and public sectors.

Going forward we aim to use our strong record of innovation

...Our move, to become one ofthe largest wholly employee-owned mutual companies working in the education, employment and training sector, reflects the outstanding contribution of our staff.Ray Auvray,Prospects Executive Chairman

Education Company of the Year

Young People

Issue 18 | 5

Prospects NewOutdoor Centre

More young people are to get the chance to explore the great

outdoors, with the sale of the South Cerney Education Centre in Gloucestershire to Prospects.

Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet has given the go-ahead to exciting new plans for the Education Centre, which will benefit young people from the county and beyond.

Prospects will invest in improvements to the facilities and accommodation, to offer a wider range of outdoor pursuits, building on our track record in delivering activities, education and training for young people, working in partnership with the County Council.

The creation of a Prospects ‘Green Centre’ is also proposed, to promote environmental learning, and interest in the countryside and rural crafts among pupils. The vision is that more young people will benefit from using the facility, including students from Prospects Academies and young people on training schemes, alongside existing users.

Ray Auvray, Executive Chairman of Prospects, said, “We are delighted that Gloucestershire County Council has approved the deal withProspects to secure the future of the South Cerney OutdoorEducation Centre.”

He continued, “The project builds on our partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, in which we have worked for several years providing services for young people.”

“In addition to the outdoor education activities, we are planning to create the first Prospects ‘Green Centre’, an environmental study centre on the site, so young people can gain a better understanding of ecology, the environment and the countryside”, Ray Auvray concluded.

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive,Gloucestershire Cabinet Member for Communities, said, “These plans for the South Cerney site are really positive news for young people in Gloucestershire. Prospects has an impressive track record in delivering activities for young people and in training and developing them.”

The South Cerney Centre was set up in 1971 to promote outdoor learning and provide day and residential activities for youth, school and college groups. Nationally recognised courses are offered to individuals and corporate groups, and for volunteers, instructors and people on work placements.

Located in the Cotswold Water Park, near Cirencester, the South Cerney Centre extends to over 52 acres with a large lake for canoeing and sailing, surrounding woods and open space. Prospects will take a 125-year lease on the site and staff will transfer to the new business. Meetings are also planned with groups currently using the site.

To find out more about the South Cerney outdoor centre please visit;www.southcerney.co.uk

... Prospects plans significant investment to create a better and more widely used facility for the young people of Gloucestershire and beyond.Ray Auvray,Prospects Executive Chairman

6 | Issue 18

Schools and Colleges

Bright Future For Gloucester Academy

A bright £14.9million future is promised for Gloucester Academy, with the release

of exciting artist’s impressions and plans for the long-awaited new building.

This development, which will largely replace current buildings, will cater for up to 1,250 pupils. It will feature a two-storey, 950sqm atrium, anoutdoor terrace, and new science and technology departments.

There will be different study areas, including a school of transition for Year 7 and 8, a school ofachievement for Years 9 to 11 and a sixth form, working alongside Gloucestershire College. A new sports hall, fitness suite and drama studio will be created. Work will start in July 2012 and the newbuilding should open its doors inSeptember 2013.

Head teacher John Reilly said, “This new building will really help us take a big step forward, by transforming our learning environment to meet each pupil’s needs.”

Cheltenham-based KierConstruction is working with Mace Ltd — Project Managers & Technical Advisers, and Gloucester architects Roberts Limbrick, on the development.

Kier Construction RegionalManaging Director, Robin Butler, said winning the project was fantastic news. Kier will provide apprenticeships and summer placements throughout the construction.

Academy Chair of Governors and Prospects Vice Chairman, Paul McGee, said exam results have risen from 23% of pupils gaining five or more A* to C in 2010, to 32% in 2011, and are predicted to reach 40% in 2012.

“We are confident that the new, IT-rich facilities will enable us to improve results even more quickly than we have so far,” he said.www.gloucesteracademy.com

When Gloucester Academy was first set up the sponsors, Prospects and Gloucestershire College, had a clear vision for the future and we have been working hard to realise this.John Reilly,Gloucester Academy head teacher

Gloucester Academy head teacher John Reilly, with Robin Butler, Managing Director of Keir Construction, and pupils

Issue 18 | 7

Over 1,000 schools and academies have been helped in the last two

years by Prospects Improve, one of the country’s leading school and academy improvement service providers.

Sean O’Toole, Head of Prospects Improve, explains, “We support schools across the country providing dedicated, bespoke, professional development, training and support, and a wide range of school and academy improvement courses.

Prospects Improve recognises that no two schools or academies are the same. We provide an individual service, tailored to the needs of your school or academy, to raise the quality of teaching and learning and improve learning outcomes for all your pupils and students”, he added.

Prospects Improve is successful because it offers high quality expertise in school and academy improvement, and a personal service. Schools develop dedicated relationships and can select from a menu of ever-expanding activities and opportunities.

Lynn Clark, head teacher of Marston Green Junior School, Birmingham, praised the help

Schools and Colleges

and support she received from the Prospects Improve team, and said, “Working with Prospects in preparation for an Ofsted inspection has been an excellent professional development opportunity for the Leadership Team.”

Jan Edwards, head teacher of St Georges Church of England Primary School, Birmingham, also endorsed the Prospects Improve approach. She said, “As a newly appointed head teacher, I asked Prospects to support me in writing my first ever Self Evaluation Form. That first consultation was the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.”

Prospects Improve has an excellent reputation for working with clusters or consortia of schools, offering advice and

Prospects ImproveMeeting your needs

Prospects’ ASSET Toolkit will:

4 Make accurate judgments about your school4 Contribute to your understanding and knowledge of inspection processes4 Guide you on producing evidence to support the judgments in your self-evaluation.

Your school has the opportunity to become a ‘Prospects Improve School’ and work more closely with the team in the future.

support on matters such as community cohesion, the Early Years Foundation Stage, parental involvement, governance and supporting children with learning difficulties. Options from which schools can choose include:

Prospects Improvement PartnersSchools and academies can take up this new offer of working with skilled and experienced advisers in a long term relationship to help build capacity and support school improvement.

Prospects Schools and Academies Quality MarkThis is a robust improvement package leading to the achievement of the Prospects Quality Mark.

www.prospectsimprove.co.uk

Work & Skills

— Be part of it

recognises the different needs of each group of young people. Employment and Skills Advisers provide a range of activities including group work and one-to-one guidance. Opportunity Brokers negotiate places in education, training and employment for individual participants.

Support is on-going, so even after the young people have found places in education, employment or training, they can access advice and guidance to help them maintain their commitment and achieve their full potential.

Nanette Higgins, Prospects Go4it Programme Manager, said, “We

We offer a tailor-made programme for young people from vulnerable groups. Participants benefit from extra time and support to help them through the maze of options available.Nanette Higgins,Go4it Programme Manager

Tap into London’s young talent

Recent figures show unemployment among young people in the UK

at over one million. Although the situation for young job-seekers across the country is challenging in the extreme, for some there are even tougher hurdles to overcome as they search for long term education, employment and training.

This is where Go4it steps in. A London wide, Skills FundingAgency and EU funded project run by Prospects, it provides targeted support for care leavers and teen parents aged 16–19. Staffed by careers and employment professionals, the programme offers individual advice and guidance which

So how does Go4it help?

8 | Issue 18

Work & Skills

Issue 18 | 9

talent and enthusiasm by offering work experience, work shadowing or apprenticeships. This is not just altruism. Employers who take part support their local community and demonstrate corporate social responsibility, but also benefit from a rich source of potential new recruits, carefully matched to company needs. Care leavers and teen parents are among the most disadvantaged young people, but have faced and dealt with some of life’s greatest challenges and developed positive personal qualities and skills to make a sound contribution to any organisation.

are looking for support from employers across the capital to help with work tasters/shadowing and offer interview experience, pre–apprenticeship, training or work experience. If your organisation is working with young parents or care leavers, we would like to hear from you to see if we can help any of your customers through the Go4it programme.

We will sort out all the details such as the reporting line for the young person, your expectations about their experience and skills, basic health and safety and company policy checks, to make the process as smooth as possible and hassle free for you. No matter what size your company is, or how complex, young people and their interests will be matched to what you can offer and they will make a real contribution while they are with you.”

Competing for opportunities in today’s labour market is tough for everyone, but for those whose

background has been local authority care, there are even more formidable obstacles. They have few role models on which to base their aspirations, limited access to advice or guidance, or the encouragement and supportavailable to their more fortunate peers.

Another group facing no less challenging obstacles is teen parents. These young people are often driven by a strong motivation to improve their life chances so that their children do not suffer disadvantages associated with single parent families. They work hard to overcome the demands of juggling parenthood, family budgeting and job seeking and are highly motivated to take up career opportunities.

Employers are essential to support our young people — but you can tap into a rich source of

Care Leavers

Teen Parents

EmployersMaggie.Cowan@prospects.co.uk07703 972 313

@Go4itProspects

Go4itProspects

Please contact one of our Opportunity Brokers to discuss how we can work together; Amanda.Duffy@prospects.co.uk07703 972 318

The George Williams Café is a new project to help Work Programme customers gain valuable work experience. It officially opened in February. Prospects is enabling customers to become volunteer catering assistants, supervised by qualified staff, working in partnership with YMCA in Bridgwater.

The volunteers are learning all aspects of running a small business, from stock control to delivery of orders, food preparation, customer service, till training and deep cleaning, health and safety and risk awareness.

The small team currently operates the café on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and will open on further days as volunteer numbers increase. The team also caters for functions held at the YMCA and offers a range of food from set menus.

Each customer has made a commitment to remain a volunteer for a minimum of three months, working on a split shift pattern, whilst on the Work Programme, unless they secure permanent, full time work.

Graham Humphreys, Prospects Delivery Operations Manager for the Work Programme, said, “Volunteers are looking forward to updating and developing their skills, playing a part in the local community and using this opportunity as a stepping stone to finding sustainable future employment.”

graham.humphreys@prospects.co.uk

Stepping stone to success

introduce a careers service that will deliver on its promise.”

The minister spoke at length with customers Reza Daneshnia and Najma Hassan, who had both been unemployed for several months when they first met a Careers Adviser. They were given support with creating a CV and valuable advice about interview techniques, which has since proved useful in their job search. Reza and Najma took further careers resources away from the event.

Customers visited the launch stand throughout the day, to discuss their situation with a qualified Adviser,

10 | Issue 18

Customers are to be helped take the next step in their careers by the new National

Careers Service (NCS). The service was launched at Westfield Shopping Centre, London, in April, by Skills Minister John Hayes, with the assistance of TV chef Lorraine Pascale and record producer Pete Waterman.

John Hayes was given a demonstration of the new National Careers Service website by NCS Advisers, Christine Ferguson and Gloria Brackett. Mr Hayes said, “With competition for jobs fiercer than ever, now is the time to

Adult Skills

National Careers Service LaunchHelping customers to get on in work and life

have a demonstration of the National Careers Service website, and make a later, face to face appointment in their local area. The website allows customers to use tools such as a CV builder and skills health check, open a Lifelong Learning Account and store information on skills, careers and financial support in a personalised and secure online space.

Prospects holds the National Careers Service contract for the face to face service in Greater London and organised the launch.Lorraine Pascale spoke of her experiences in search of a long

Skills Minister, John Hayes with Lorraine Pascale

As one of the largest providers of careers services nationally, we are delighted that the Minister has secured the future of this very important and well regarded service for our customers. He emphasised the importance of its accessibility and the quality and professionalism of the service.Brenda Cabras, Prospects Director of Employment Services

term career as a chef after giving up modelling. Lorraine said, “Having independent careers advice can really help you find the thing you want to do. I’d encourage everyone to make the most of the National Careers Service, to take their careers forward and realise their ambitions.”

Pete Waterman also backs the National Careers Service, having a keen personal and professional interest in skills and training, ranging from basic literacy to apprenticeships.

“I know from my own experience that it’s never too late to learn a new skill. It’s one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about helping people to get the skills they need to fulfil their ambitions.”

The National Careers Service combines access to highly-trained Advisers for adults with an interactive website and helpline, helping people of all ages fulfil their potential and plan their future. NCS will handle up to one million telephone advice sessions and at least twenty million online sessions each year.

In addition to the contract in Greater London, Prospects is a partner in the consortium delivering the National Careers Service in Yorkshire and Humber, and a major

sub-contractor for the service in the West Midlands, South West and Hereford & Worcester.

Issue 18 | 11

Group of Prospects National Careers Service Advisers

John Hayes, Pete Waterman, Lorraine Pascale and Advisers look at the new National Careers Service website

guidance can benefit pupils, particularly those fromdisadvantaged backgrounds, to make informed choices andsuccessful transitions.”

Prospects Careers Advice Plus is a flexible menu of activities:

Careers guidance, face to face for individuals and groups; specially designed sessions, class or assembly size careers talks, parents’ evenings and options events. You can buy in the services of a single Adviser or several different specialist Advisers. There is no minimum or maximum number of days.

Employability, including direct experience events with employers through Prospects in the City. Our events give young people theopportunity to learn first hand, from employers and employees, what is

12 | Issue 18

Schools and Colleges

East Specialist Learning Centre, Leeds

required for a successful career in a variety of occupational areas. Targeted support, for alllearners, including children withspecial learning needs or otherdifficulties.

Curriculum development, Careers Education, Information, Advice & Guidance (CEIAG) support and development opportunities for guidance practitioners, training providers and other professionals. Data Measurement, to demonstrate success and assupporting evidence for Ofsted inspections.

Prospects also offers a number of highly popular opportunities for students including Prospects in Play and our Careers Pod.

Prospects in Play helps pupils with employability skills, career choices and motivation through interactive drama.

The Careers Pod is an inflatable structure equipped with multi-media, Wi-Fi enabled resources including iPads and plasma screen TV. Schools have booked theCareers Pod for apprenticeship

Our Careers Adviser is a dedicated, wonderful campaigner for our students.

Why Choose Prospects Careers Advice Plus?

New statutory guidance on schools careers guidance has been published by

the Department for Education. Prospects has developed a unique package of support to help schools meet statutory requirements.

Judith Denyer, Prospects Operations Director, says, “Prospects Careers Advice Plus is designed in consultation with academies, schools and colleges to meet their statuory requirements, and support their learners to achieve success.”

The guidance says, “The Education Act 2011 places schools under a duty to secure access to independent careers guidance for pupils in school years 9–11.

Careers guidance under the new duty must:

4Be presented in an impartial manner4 Include information on the full range of post-16 education or training options, including apprenticeships 4Promote the best interests of the pupils to whom it is given.

Head teachers, school staff and governing bodies must have regard to this statutory guidance.

Welcoming the statutory guidance, Skills Minister, John Hayes, said, “Schools will be expected to work in partnership with external and expert careers guidance providers, as appropriate, to ensure pupils get good advice on the full range of post-16 options.

The statutory guidance makes it clear that face to face careers

Schools and Colleges

Issue 18 | 13

roadshows, STEM days, andparents’ events.

We offer education resources to schools, colleges, further and higher education institutions, employers and training providers.

Prospects Careers Advice Plus enables schools and colleges to mix activities, to design a package of services tailored to their individual requirements. Careers Advice Plus is applicable to individual schools, clusters of schools and colleges, or area wide consortia and our prices are highly competitive.

For more information please contact:

Southern England/LondonJudith Denyerjudith.denyer@prospects.co.uk,020 8315 1500

Helen Robinson,helen.robinson@prospects.co.uk020 8315 1500

Paul Welchpaul.welch@prospects.co.uk020 8315 1500

South West EnglandAlison Williamsalison.williams@prospects.co.uk01452 833600

The MidlandsSue Mattocksue.mattock@prospects.co.uk0121 521 2301

Northern EnglandJenny Cryerjenny.cryer@prospects.co.uk01274 377888

Gabbitas is recruiting the best and brightest educators to instruct children aged two to

twelve, in an intensive programme at Disney Language Learning Centres throughout China. The organisation is growing fast and has established centres in several cities, with more to come.

tools and audio-visual aids is used with formal exercises and language games, to deliver a dynamiccurriculum that emphasisesdialogue, story-telling, singing and role-playing.

Over the next year, Disney plans to place six hundred educators in China. If you are interested in working at a Disney Language Learning Centre in China, or you know someone who is, please contact Katie Robinson for further details;katie.robinson@gabbitas.co.uk

Qualifications required are aBachelor’s Degree, at least one year of post-graduate teaching experience (although more is preferred) and an enthusiasm for teaching and engaging young learners.

Established in 1873, Gabbitas is one of the UK’s leading educational consultancies offering advice and support in all aspects of independent education. Gabbitas is part of the Prospects group.

Visit www.gabbitas.co.uk

Gabbitas appointed to recruit educatorsfor Disney in China

Foreign trainers follow aninnovative and immersive Disney inspired programme, leveraging state-of-the-art technology, using Disney characters and stories to engage students with a highly effective, premium learning tool.

Once recruits complete training they will be proficient in teaching Disney English content. A variety of printed materials, multi-media

Headline Success

Thirty young jobseekers are making headlines in Hackney, through an exciting new project for Prospects London Work Programme. Three groups of young people aged between 18 and 24 are taking part in a multi-media journalism, personal development and learning programme.

Designed to help participants overcome barriers to employment though the use

of creative and media tools such as TV, radio/podcasting, photography and print, the programme gives young people the chance to gain real hands-on experience. In addition the course helps to improve communication, literacy and critical thinking, whilst raising aspirations and developing social skills. Participants undertake work experience placements and progress through vocational training.

During the course the jobseekers interviewed Andrew Gunter-Smith, Prospects Operations Director, London Work Programme, for an article for the glossy magazine they are producing. This will be widely circulated to jobseekers, offices and learning centres throughout the area.

Andrew said, “This is a highly innovative approach to helping young jobseekers fulfil their full potential. The training helps the learners to develop transferable, work based skills and the confidence to progress into further training and employment.”

Two of the three groups have completed their training, organised by Sarah Lang, Prospects Quality and Innovation Manager. Colleagues from the Headliners charity are delivering the training.

Sarah says the emphasis on highly practical experience helps with the search for work. She explained, “The young people are given specific, practical training in technical media, journalism and reporting. Participants are challenged to engage with people in the local community and conduct

interviews with community leaders and decision makers. Working as a team, they develop communication and social skills which lead to improved confidence. Advisers have already seen the difference; participants are using their new skills to gain interviews.”

Prospects is responsible for delivering the Work Programme, as a sub-contractor to Seetec in six London Boroughs: Hackney, Greenwich, Southwark, Lambeth, Sutton and Merton. Customers are supported with employment skills, training, workshops, and individual and group activities. Prospects makes sure each customer is given personalised support, based on their individual circumstances, to help them find work.

To find out more, contact:sarah.lang@prospects.co.uk

14 | Issue 18

Headline Success

Work Programme

The Work Programme has improved my state of mind and self-confidence. Ultimately I would like to be self-employed and make a reasonable life for my family.”

Mr Grayling was so impressed that he praised the scheme at length in a BBC interview following the visit. As a result the BBC Politics Show filmed again at the centre, this time with a group of young apprentices undergoing telephone training. The story was also featured on ITV South West, local press and news websites.

Nicola Squibb, Prospects Operations Director for the Work Programme in the South West, said, “This programme is providing an innovative approach to overcoming worklessness. It has been designed to provide flexibility, individual help and responsiveness to local needs.”

Prospects is delivering the Heroes to Inspire workshops with Groundwork, one of our sub-contractors for the Work Programme.

To find out more contact;guy.squibb@prospects.co.uk

Employment Minister, Chris Grayling, recently visited a ‘Heroes to Inspire’ workshop

intended to help unemployed customers overcome barriers to finding work. The workshop was led by Colour Sergeant Marty Wilkinson, Royal Marine Al Henderson and members of the Prospects Work Programme team.

Mr Grayling was visibly moved by Marine Henderson’s account of how he lost his right leg while on duty in Afghanistan, and the efforts he was making to prepare himself for future employment when he leaves the service.

Al said, “I have to look at different types of work following my injury. I used to be a carpenter before I joined up but obviously I will no longer be able to scramble about on roofs or do the things I used to do.”

He went on to tell participants in the workshop about the work experience scheme he was about to start with a charity in London.

The workshop is intended to inspire unemployed customers in their search for work and show how they can overcome barriers to employment. Recuperating Royal

Work Programme

Marines act as mentors and role models for participants, to increase their motivation and change negative mind-sets.

The Minister joined in the discussions and answered the trainees’ questions on self-employment, training and other aspects of the current job market. Anthony, one of the customers, said, “The Adviser gave me confidence and encouragement.

Issue 18 | 15

Inspiring Work Heroes

Employment Minister, Chris Grayling with Royal Marine, Al Henderson

Colour Sergeant Marty Henderson with Prospects Operations Director, Nicola Squibb

16 | Issue 18

Recruitment

These are challenging times in the recruitment industry, with many companies downsizing

and looking for managers and staff who can deal with change and the uncertainties of the current economic climate.

Richard Evans, Chief Executive of leading search and selection recruitment specialists CfA, says that recruiting for executives in the current market is about meeting change head on. Richard said, “Being successful in getting a job is rarely about maintaining the status quo. Organisations cannot stand still. Top executives have to offer a much wider range of skills, from being the public face of their company to creating a highly motivated work force, going beyond the boundaries of their professional responsibilities.”

Founded in 1984, CfA initially specialised in the recruitment of senior executives and trustees for charities and not-for-profit organisations. Now part of the Prospects Group, the company has expanded to cover recruitment for

fundraisers; advice and guidance professionals; managers, support staff and employees in the education sector.

Richard says the success of CfA is based on the company’s uniquely personal approach, which has driven the growth of the business — here in the UK and internationally.

He continues, “Recently we have acted for major charitable organisations including the Royal Free, Treloar Trust, Mentor Foundation, Westway Development Trust, and many others.”

Nigel Edward-Few, former Chief Executive of Jubilee Action, one of

CfA’s leading clients, commented, “I have known and worked with CfA for some 15 years, as a candidate and as an employer. Their low key, but always highly professional, approach has never disappointed. The process is always collaborative.”

Organisations call on the team to provide psychometric profiling, human resources consultancy, coaching and mentoring, board level strategic planning, team building, training and remuneration advice.

Finally, what is Richard’s advice for candidates seeking a job in the charity and not-for-profit sector? “Anyone wanting to join the sector should be able to demonstrate a real commitment to its values. It is helpful if you can show what motivates you, what makes you tick and your connection with the cause,” he concludes.

For more information visit www.cfappointments.comor contact 020 7220 0180

Our mission is to use our knowledge, experience and expertise to help our clients to succeed.Richard Evans, Chief Executive of CfA.

CfA ServicesExecutive Search & SelectionFor charities and not-for-profit organisations seeking high-quality candidates for senior positions, CfA delivers a specialist service designed around our clients’ individual needs.Education RecruitmentOur consultants bring in-depth expertise in recruiting talented senior leaders who can drive the progress and development of schools.Trustee RecruitmentThis specialist service matches charities and not-for-profit organisations with the talented leaders they need to grow and succeed.Fundraising Recruitment ServicesDedicated to recruiting highly skilled and motivated fundraising professionals for the charity and not-for-profit sector.Advice and Guidance and Support Staff RecruitmentSourcing careers professionals and advisers.

Meeting the Recruitment Challenge

News in Brief

Issue 18 | 17

The Parent Partnership is a free and impartial service offering information, advice

and support to parents/carers of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN).

Prospects has won a new three year contract with Sandwell Council to deliver the Parent Partnership, and has secured an additional contract to provide a Parent Participation Service based within it.

Their main roles are to support parents and families, and make sure their views are heard and understood by the schools and local authority. The service helps parents and families with day-to-day issues and challenges such as school choices, appeals, resolving disagreements, assisting with exclusions and gives information about other support services and organisations.

As well as providing an advice service, Sandwell Parent Partnership offers training on special educational needs. This covers areas such as travel training, understanding the National Curriculum, SEN processes and Disability Equality Scheme. In Sandwell, parents/carers have the opportunity to participate in SEN forums, where they can find support from other parents and professionals.

With the growth of these forums, Parent Participation has significantly developed and more parents/carers are involving themselves with all aspects of their child’s educational needs. Children’s Minister, Sarah Teather commented, “We want to give parents more influence and control over local services”. She adds, “Increasing parent participation means services are more responsive to the needs of local disabled children”.

“By increasing Parent Participation, schemes such as the Short Breaks Programme have become a huge success.” Sarah continues. “This is clearly down to local authorities

Unemployed people in Sheffield will have a better chance of getting a job thanks to the City

Council’s Employability Programme, which will be run by Prospects for the next two years.

“Our success in Sheffield meant we achieved 41% above our target for this project”, said Linda Orridge, Operations Manager for South Yorkshire. “This was thanks to the hard work and commitment of our

Supporting parents in Sandwell

Sheffield employment successFor more information contact;linda.orridge@prospects.co.uk

working in partnership with parents of disabled children, so that services are shaped by their needs”.

Srabani Sen, Chief Executive of Contact a Family, added, “The results speak for themselves. More and more parents’ voices are being heard, parents feel more in control and this has led to a range of improved outcomes for children, young people and their families”.

For more information contact;lorraine.attwood@prospects.co.uk

Adviser Jenat Shah, who assisted seventeen young people into work,” she added.

Prospects was also awarded a similar contract for one of the most deprived areas in Sheffield, in the North East of the city. Jenat has already started signing up young people for the new contract and another Adviser will work alongside her soon.

News in Brief

18 | Issue 18

Prospects in the City first ICT walk

Students saw first-hand how ICT plays a vital role in business through a new

ICT themed city walk this month.

Students and school staff from Woolwich attended the Prospects in the City walk, which included visits to QA Training, Bloomberg and a talk from HMRC on tax and setting up your own business.

The morning session included a tour and a ‘meet and greet’session with current IT apprentices. Students asked questions, received advice from those working in the sector and were told about life as an apprentice and how to apply for similar roles. They also took part in an interactive session on employability and CV writing.

One of the staff commented, “The questions and answers were very relevant for me and my students. The day was very enjoyable and educational”. Students echoed this, commenting, “It was really helpful for future decisions regarding my career”.

HMRC’s talk was of great interest to the budding entrepreneurs in the group, who found out how to turn a bedroom based website company into a money-making, legallyestablished, business.

The students were extremely keen to visit Bloomberg, and saw adifferent slant on the company from other walks, which concentrate on its financial role. The focus was on IT and the crucial part it plays

National Careers Service Adviser Trudy Nieto was recently invited to

take part in BBC 4’s PM news show, as part of its seven day focus on unemployment.

Presented by former journalist Eddie Mair, the feature centred on Cam, a young jobseeker, who had become disillusioned with the work opportunities available to

her. Although highly qualified and committed to finding work, she was concerned that her chosen field of journalism had become toocompetitive and this had caused her confidence to waver.

Trudy listened to Cam’s interview and offered tailored advice. This included producing a skills-based CV, aimed at targeting five areas of strength or achievements. Trudy suggested Cam should widen the geographic area of her search and discuss her skills with those who knew her well. This would boost her self-esteem and maintain her motivation.

Jonathan Portis, from the National Institute of Economic and Social

Research, offered advice andconcluded that she would“Successfully find work withperseverance and using the specific strategies Trudy had suggested.”

Trudy was pleased with theinterview and commented, “This was an excellent opportunity to offer practical advice, as well as publicising our ability to support people back into the job market.”

Also, as part of the BBCUnemployment Week, Prospects’ Linda Orridge and colleagues in Yorkshire arranged an interview for one of their clients for BBC Radio Sheffield.

within the business and the world of the City. Bloomberg’s technologies and designs keep it ahead of the competition. Participants gained an insight into work experience andimpressing employers. Prospects in the City is looking forward to running more ICT walks.

For more information about these events please contactprospectsinthecity@prospects.co.uk, call 020 8315 1245 or visit www.prospectsinthecity.co.uk.

Young people participate at a skills session during a Prospects in the City ICT walk

Careers on BBC Radio 4

Leeds students were recently given help to find a career in the media at a ‘Media

Inspiration Day’ run by two Leeds University students and Prospects. The event involved a tailor-made day for 26 students to gain experience in different performance and media industries, starting with a tour of the Grand Theatre. They then participated in a world of work workshop, where they were involved in a practical decision-making session and learned more about marketing and programming. Isi Abebe, from Saville and Chrome production studios, gave a presentation about employment in media. This highlighted a range of opportunities, with practical information and advice on creating portfolios and how tocontact employers.

The day continued with a tour of the ITV studios, where students watched filming of the live lunchtime news broadcast for the Calendar show. It finished at the University of Leeds with a talk from Glynn Ryland, from 4Talent, and Chris Birchall a media admissions tutor, who advised on courses onoffer, writing personal statements and grade requirements.

“Demand for the day wasexcellent and all the places were filled quickly. Feedback from the students was very positive and everyone involved found the event very informative.

The big advantage from our point of view was that we were able to offer the event at very little cost. The student organisers gained valuable practical experience which they can use in their CVs to

assist with future job applications,” said Simon Hewitson, Prospects Support Services Manager.

Many participants praised the experience, a typical comment; “Listening to the guest speakers talk about their life experiences, and their advice, was really helpful and useful”.

Students from St John’s school for the deaf attended and their support assistant said, “The information provided by Channel 4 wasexcellent. The students were able to see some of the editing skills they have learned being used live on air.”

To find out more contact; simon.hewitson@prospects.co.uk

Leeds Media Inspiration Day

Issue 18 | 19

News in Brief

Job seekers in West London recently took part in the Enfield Jobs and Training

Fair, at Southbury Leisure Centre.

The event, opened by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, was aimed at helping unemployed people in the area get back to work. Over 40 companies and services attended to provide information and guidance. A range of seminars included “My Experience as a BTApprentice” and “Finding Work in the Events Industry.”

Prospects National Careers Service Advisers Kelly Vella and Yvonne Hurrell were busy throughout the day, giving visitors on-the-spot advice regarding CVs, interview skills and training options.

They were joined by team members Anahita Aminossehe and Wendy Nurse, who provided support and booked future appointments for customers.

Organisations recruiting at the event included Virgin Media, Greggs, the Army and the Fire Service. Visitors discussed specific training schemes with representatives and enquired about the roles on offer. Severalrecruitment agencies were present, as well as the NationalApprenticeship Service andJobcentre Plus. The fair was once more organised by Enfield MP, Nick de Bois, who had been encouraged by thesuccess of last year’s fair. He thanked the Mayor for attending and commented, “Today’s event would not have been possible without the companies and organisationsgetting involved. I am very grateful for their support.”

“This was a great opportunity to highlight the service and support customers. It was beneficial to us as Advisers as we could widen our knowledge and network

Enfield Jobs Fair 2012

with partner organisations,” said team member Wendy Nurse.www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

London Mayor Boris Johnson with team member Wendy Nurse

Follow us on www.facebook.com/worldskillsukofficial twitter.com/worldskillsuk

I AM … AN EXHIBITOR

Set to be the skills event of the year, the show will highlight the vital importance of skills to economic growth in the UK. Taking place over three days, with over tens of thousands of visitors, this will be a unique opportunity to profile your organisation, on a large scale.

To book a stand or to find out more, please call our team on 0845 475 3356 or email exhibition@theskillsshow.com.

worldskillsukThe Skills Show

the nec birmingham15 - 17 November 2012

To book call 0845 475 3356 or go online at www.theskillsshow.com

Prospects are working in partnership with The Skills Show.

The Skills Show is a unique annual celebration, that offers exciting opportunities in further

education, skills, training and Apprenticeships, and is set to inspire the fashion designers,

web developers and engineers of tomorrow.

I AM … THE SKILLS SHOW

The Skills Show will play host to a range of skills competitions, awards and activities. Visitors will be inspired by skills in action as the best of the nation’s young talent perform at the WorldSkills UK Competitions; they’ll be given the opportunity to have a go at new skills, get up to the minute careers advice, and access Apprenticeship and real job opportunities from employers - to help them make that next important step!

I AM … A VISITOR

Visit as part of a school, college, community, group or individual, for the opportunity to:

• Meet top employers and talk to real people about real jobs

• Speak to experts and get impartial advice

• Find out about different routes into a host of career sectors

• Learn key employability skills

• Try interactive Have a Go’s

To register call 0845 475 3356 or go online at www.theskillsshow.com

I AM…THE UK’S BIGGEST SKILLS AND CAREERS EVENT