jobs

When you think it’s going horribly wrong……

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At the start of Growing Talent 22 I was really concerned about the few applicants referred from JobCentre Plus.  Would it be worth running the programme? where the media reports of over 2 million workless households in the UK all outside of London?  It costs so much to run each programme – currently c£3,200 per head for a group of 10 – was it cost effective to keep running it?

 

Luckily the funders have always said ‘yes – even if one person gets a job, it’s the right thing to do’.

 

After a slow start, the applications started flowing in.  Over 55 from South London District alone and a few more from North London.  Sadly West and East districts did not refer anyone.  Shame as there is a permanent job at the start of the Growing Talent Journey for all selected by employers to take part.

 

So a full week of 1-2-1 compatibility meetings are scheduled this week.  If yesterday’s schedule is anything to go by, there is so much eager talent ready for development by an employer.

 

Check back to see who gets selected at our Employer Speed Dating event on 10 June where employers including Ballymore, ISS, Firmdale, Club Quarters, Park Plaza Hotel, Pertemps & Red Personnel will be looking for their new talent.

Growing Talent 22 starts – remarkable!

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What’s remarkable? Lots of things – depending on who you ask!

 

For employers it’s likely the fact they recruit in a free, no risk way.  Selecting from a pre-screened pool of talent, employers don’t select those who can do the roles but those who have the ability to grow into their roles.  This is key.  The six week journey of Growing Talent enables both parties to be confident the match is right before the point of hire saving time and money.

 

For participants it’s likely the fact there is a permanent provisional job upfront – the prize they secure on successful completion.  They don’t have to rely on  trying to ‘sell’ their skills and potential through a cv to secure an interview nor explain gaps in skills, qualification, self-confidence if they manage to secure that elusive interview.

 

For JobCentre Plus (JCP) – it’s the fact their customers go into permanent jobs and learn skills to stay employed thereby not returning to benefits.  In addition, many of their customers not selected by an employer for a permanent role, learn from feedback given to enhance their future employment approaches.  While I quote 148 into permanent jobs – JCP will say the figure is much hire – which is great to hear!

 

For Care Leavers’ Organisations – employment is the critical key  to leaving care confidently.  Having a steady income enables everyone to make choices in their lives.  It gives us all control.  It isn’t enough to have somewhere safe to live without the means to pay the rent!

 

For me – it’s the fact a programme I designed, wrote and delivered is still being funded by a global financial services and is now on it’s 22nd programme!  I never expected this and shows the critical key of never doubting yourself – if you do, you’ll talk yourself out of doing anything!  If you keep going, you will find solutions for problems as they arise.  I also find it remarkable how difficult it is to get this unique, free tool to employers and those looking for work.

 

Seth Godin – talks about the Purple Cow.  When we have so much choice and so little time, we often don’t see what’s there unless it’s remarkable.  Cost & risk free recruitment without any catch is remarkable and still doesn’t get ‘word of mouth spread’  What are your thoughts on spreading the word?

 

 

 

 

The end of the road…………

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Today is the final day of Growing Talent 21.  Nine of the 13 who started the journey have completed and secured their permanent roles.

 

Their true grit and determination has paid off.

 

Congratulations and respect to:

 

Amar – joined MitieTDM – Specialist Internal Firm Services

Bernie -joined MitieTDM – Specialist Internal Firm Services

Navin -joined MitieTDM – Specialist Internal Firm Services

Kelly – joined Melia White House Hotel

Heavenly – joined Firmdale Hotel

Robert – joined Firmdale Hotel – initially as Kitchen Porter but his performance saw him start as Commis Chef

Natasha – joined Firmdale Hotel

Charlie-Ray – joined Portico at PwC

Katrina – joined Portico at PwC

 

We wish them all well in their careers ahead………………

 

 

Qualified #MentalHealthFirstAiders!

Jane James1 Comment

As part of Growing Talent we deliver the global Mental Health First Aider qualification for every Growing Talent Associate on the programme and invite some of the employer managers as well.

 

This intense course makes up the first two days of the Holistic Week, which for Growing Talent 21 was 29 and 30 April 2019.

 

The course teaches confidence and awareness in recognising a change in someone, starting a conversation, signposting on to appropriate help and – vitally – self care.

 

The first day sets the solid foundation of the work of mental health covering legislation, the start of MHFA in Australia the spread throughout the globe, depression and suicide.  The five global steps of intervention are introduced and used throughout the day.  ALGEE is fundamental in remembering the process to support someone and ourselves.  Keen to ensure there is no communication misunderstanding, I introduce ‘reflect back’ from the start of the MHFA course.  After listening, it’s essential in my opinion to reflect back what we’ve heard to ensure we have the facts.  Especially crucial when raising suicidal thoughts.  Day two covers anxiety, personality and eating disorders as well as psychosis – focussing on BiPolar and Schizophrenia.

 

Shennell joined us for the week to support and encourage the guys.  She did Growing Talent some four years ago.  She took a photo of her original manual and the current one for comparison.

 

 

We all agreed the new manual is a big improvement and a gym workout as well!

 

So after two exhausting days, what did the Growing Talent Associates and employers think?

 

“Intense course but essential in today’s society”

“This course has exceeded by expectations.”

“I’ve learnt a deeper understanding of mental illness and methods to support”

“This course gave me a better understanding of mental ill health”

“I can now empathise what a person may go through”

“It has changed my approach to mental health.”

“My confidence has increased a lot.  I can now understand rather than judge people”

“I have learnt so much”

“A very insightful two days”

“I now have the knowledge  to support someone and keep myself safe”

“A brilliant course.  Please continue to teach it”

 

There was unanimous agreement on increased knowledge, tools learnt, fear factor greatly reduced and confidence to plan, start and signpost a conversation with someone struggling.

 

A great day at the office then!

 

All delegates were given the homework to spend one hour on themselves before returning on Wednesday for the continuance of the Holistic Week.

 

We should all take time to nurture ourselves.  Don’t you agree?

 

As an employer – how do you know you’ve found ‘the one’?

Jane JamesLeave a comment

It’s difficult and time consuming trying to identify the right talent for your business before hiring, not just from a skillset point of view but also personal outlook, fit with the team and company ethos as well as future potential, before hiring them.

 

At the point of hire in traditional recruitment, a lot of time and money has been spent on composing the vacancy, advertising it, potentially engaging recruitment agencies, a contract has been drawn-up, payroll has been set-up – all without knowing if the individual is a good fit in all areas and has the potential to grow.

 

If there is a ‘miss-match’ there is not only a cost implication but also a decrease in team moral.

 

Surely a ‘try before you buy’ works for both sides.  Enter Growing Talent!  Now I know what some employers may think who have not been involved in anything like this before…”the unemployed never work out”, “there is no commitment from the unemployed – they’re used to not working”.

 

As the saying goes – the proof is in the pudding – as many naysayers have found.

 

Alex, on the current programme with Portico, recently had his first appraisal.  After just a few short weeks on site, he’s exceeded expectations in all areas.  Outstanding feedback from the team is a natural self esteem booster.  Alex is looking forward to the remaining training ahead.  Already, he’s been identified as a perfect addition to the team – something the employer would not have secured without Growing Talent.

 

Why aren’t all employers recruiting through Growing Talent?  I’d love to know…

 

 

http://www.growing-talent.co.uk

Ready, set …….almost go!

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Checklist!  The following is ready to go for tomorrow’s 17th Employer Speed Dating Session at Southwark Cathedral!

 

  • Employer Table names
  • Register of wannabe Growing Talent Associates
  • Profile summary sheet from employers
  • Ice breaker questions

 

With 22 talented applicants expected, it should be an amazing day!

 

Thanks to Matthew Bowden for the inspiring feature photo from http://www.freeimages.com –  it aptly shows the bright new future awaiting the selected Growing Talent Associates……….

Businesses – want to multiple your profits by 3?

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The link below – which you’ll need to cut and paste into your browser – features some interesting research from Soma Analytics.

 

HRH Prince Harry asked in a radio broadcast what affect mental health had on business. The financial cost has been well known for years as has the human cost on individuals, colleagues, families, line management etc.

 

Soma Analytics research showed  two out of three UK large businesses do not publish their mental health strategy and support for their staff in their Annual Reports.  More startling was businesses that did publish this information saw their profits increase by three times!

 

It’s well known if you look after your staff, your staff will look after your customers and business with grow and profits increase.  So why is business so reluctant to publish what they do in their Annual Reports?

 

There is no health without good mental health…….

 

Check out the feature for yourself.  What do you think?

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42512723

 

 

18 December 2017 – what a night!

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GROUP

Seen above are some of the 27 Growing Talent Graduates of 2017 after receiving their Graduation prize – a logo’d fitbit from Jon and Steve of PwC centre rear.

 

A fabulous evening of catch-up for the Graduates – some had not seen each other for almost a year!

 

Of course, it was off to the pub for liquid refreshments shortly after this was taken – very well deserved!

 

Well done to all of you………

 

What will 2018 bring?

 

More information at http://www.growing-talent.co.uk…….

 

New Year = New Opportunity!

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At the start of 2017, there were 27 people who really wanted to change their lives and get into permanent work – but being unemployed – they had no idea how.

 

At the same time there were a number of employers including some from the world of hospitality, business moves, recruitment, data management and business services looking to add new talent to their businesses but not knowing how to confidently recruit people with knowledge of their current and future potential as well as their commitment and reliability.

 

Growing Talent is the bridge between the two.  A supported journey for both sides to evaluate the other delivering sustainable recruitment and no surprises!

 

All 27 people mentioned above at the start of 2017, completed Growing Talent and went into work.  Their employers were confident they had the right match for their roles, teams and business.

 

To date, Growing Talent has seen 121 people from diverse backgrounds go into permanent jobs changing their lives and their employer’s perception on the talent that is missed in the ranks of our unemployed population.

 

It’s so difficult ‘selling’ your skills and potential on a faceless cv.  It’s even harder if confidence has dropped due to unemployment.  Some of the success stories of Growing Talent below………

 

Richard – mid-30s and never worked.  Dropped school at 15.  Secured a role with Harrow Green – still working there almost 2 years later.

 

Dan – a graduate who didn’t know what career he wanted.  Joined a front of house team on a corporate site as a Welcome Host.  18 months later – on their fastback programme progressing to team leader.

 

Chris – a little over 3 years ago, had a series of temp jobs in retail and some volunteering.  Was unwell with depression.  When asked why he should be given a chance on Growing Talent, he replied ‘I honestly don’t know’.  He joined a business solutions organisation on a corporate site.  After two years he moved to a hotel reception role and is now Supervisor there  managing a team!  He’s also started a degree course in his spare time.

 

If you are looking to get into work in 2018 and don’t know how – check http://www.growing-talent.co.uk.

 

As an employer, if you don’t recruit through Growing Talent, do you want to continue missing out on great talent like Chris, Dan and Richard?  It costs nothing other than time, open mind and commitment.

 

What are you going to change in 2018?

Shocking staff treatment…….

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It amazes me – a major name in business promotes it’s key charity – which runs through a supplier – helping homeless people whilst having a commercial yet loss making arm and immediately I thought – that’s great, making a difference to people and not worried about profits – refreshing.

 

Having spoke to someone who worked there until recently, I’m astounded at their treatment and the apparent blindness of the business in the working practices of their supplier.  There is a complete risk to brand reputation and clearly no due diligence nor operational monitoring.

 

This individual had raised several times to management the stress and pressure the team were experiencing due to the heavy workload.  The management ignored all concerns.  They raised further concerns on a lack of training again they were ignored.  They then raised the fact that despite working 1.5 hours extra every morning and 6 hours extra every Friday, the workload could not be completed.  The additional hours worked were unpaid and time off in lieu not allowed.

 

The individual was then told to leave the premises.  They would be given two weeks money and that will be it but they weren’t being sacked.  Nothing in writing.  No due process.

 

Exploitation, whistleblowing – just two unsavoury thoughts that sprang to my mind and will do every time I see the brands of the supplier and their business client.

 

It’s taught me to take everything at face value.  Great works in the community aren’t always as great as they may seem.

 

Shameful.