jobs – Page 3 – Learning to Action ™

Theresa May & Mental Health

9 Jan 2017Jane JamesLeave a comment

An encouraging interview with Sophie Ridge of Sky News and the PM was aired yesterday morning.

Initially, I felt a bit unenthused at the start of the interview. Sophie seemed fixated on the single market. She asked three times about if we were leaving the single market in favour of securing our borders.

This illustrated to me the blinkered, reporting some journalists fixate on to get ‘the story’. Three times Theresa May explained there is no opportunity to stay in the single market as we’ve voted to leave. The negotiations will bring a different relationship. Still Sophie persisted before moving on to other topics.

This is where my interest was renewed.

The PM is highlighting mental health resources especially for children – which is fantastic news. She recognises the biggest issue is stigma. If people felt able to talk about their issues there is proven evidence they don’t deteriorate and get help quickly.

The PM is making a speech 9.1.17 – it will be interesting to see what she says on this.

Mental Health is core component of Growing Talent. We strongly believe in training participants as First Aiders. Indeed everyone on Growing Talent complete the two-day standard global course. There are many reasons for this – a key one is to remove the stigma associated with Mental Health. I’m glad the Government is finally catching up!

Let’s get talking!

Swearing allegiance – will it deliver inclusivity?

19 Dec 201619 Dec 2016Jane JamesLeave a comment

The press is full of the idea of councillors, NHS workers etc swearing allegiance to Great Britain in the hope this will ensure our diverse communities are embraced and included rather than isolated.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government as well as MP for Bromsgrove is a supporter of the idea. I’m not sure swearing an oath will carry much weight. It will certainly be meaningless to the members of our communities isolated by fear, religion, culture etc.

However, something Sajid also said made a lot more sense. He told the story of visiting his GP when he was 8. He wasn’t sick. He was attending as translator for his mum who had lived in the UK for years but never learnt the language. Sometime later she did learn English and her life, as told by Sajid, opened up.

I meet a lot of people who have family members who do not speak English despite living in the UK for decades. This of course means they can’t work, nor can they integrate with other communities. Studying is difficult. Day-to-day life – such as a GP’s visit – depends on other family members.

Wouldn’t it break down more barriers between our diverse cultures if we all spoke the same language? At least then conversation could be held, understanding would grow, integration and prosperity would then follow.

Is an oath of allegiance really needed? or is it more relevant to learn English?

What do the employers say who currently use Growing Talent……

14 Dec 201614 Dec 2016Jane JamesLeave a comment

“The Growing Talent Programme has offered Baxter Storey the opportunity to recruit some wonderfully talented people into our business. With all three parties working closely together, the candidate feels supported on their journey through the programme and back in to work. The opportunities of the programme along with having an open mind about where the journey will take them, the recruits have the chance to take control of their career with BaxterStorey.” Ed Walker, Operations Manager, Baxter Storey

‘Growing Talent has been a fantastic and valuable experience for us at the hotel; we are so pleased to be part of this programme and supporting such an enterprising initiative to get people who truly wish to work in to the work place and not necessarily in business that they are skilled for. We have learnt to recruit in a different way and changed our mind set and it is interesting to meet people without seeing a CV first! ‘ Emma Brierley, HR Director, ME London Hotel

‘Growing Talent has opened our eyes to a different way of finding driven individuals who genuinely want an opportunity to show employers what they can do – and we have not been disappointed! We look forward to working with Growing Talent again next year.’ Frances Lees, HR Manager  Meliá White House

‘I was sold on trying Growing Talent because it is an innovative way to attract new talent. There are no cvs or job descriptions involved. It’s based purely on personality. The model ensures the match is right for us as the employer and the new talent joining our business. It’s been amazing and I look forward to next year.’ Ebb Kanga, Holiday Inn

For more employer thoughts – check out the employers page on http://www.growing-talent.co.uk.

If you are looking to hire new talent in your business, why not do it a different way. Proven results…….

Google – An inconvenient truth?

25 Feb 201624 Aug 2018Jane JamesLeave a comment

As a fairly new micro business – total complement of one! – I do not know enough about the corporate world of tax efficiency/avoidance depending on which view you take to make a right/wrong judgement call.

What is clear every time I do my VAT Returns or my Annual Return and get the respective bills I would like to pay as little tax as possible! Who wouldn’t?

I don’t take the view ‘if I’m paying this huge amount (relative to my business) – every business should’. Part of my business is working in the world of getting unemployed people from all backgrounds to raise their self-esteem and be equipped to go into permanent, sustainable work. I see all the time the positive impact employment makes on them, their families and their communities.

Organisations like Google might do what we all would like and pay as little tax as possible but they are a considerable employer in the UK. They are building new offices here which has the domino effect of a positive impact on local businesses as well. Local people will secure jobs. The outsourced companies Google contract will hire more people. What is the value to UK plc of this?

Whilst the headlines are full of France’s push to secure 130bn Euros – how much will they actually secure and at what cost to France’s job market and business economy?

Instead of knee jerking at the media headlines, maybe some reflective thought before making judgements is needed?

Judging Panel Formation!

7 Jan 201624 Aug 2018Jane JamesLeave a comment

With just a few short weeks to go before kick off, Senior Managers are juggling their diaries and confirming their place on this very special panel.

The crux of the event is affirmation of the confidence and talent the Growing Talent Associates have grown over the week.

A choice is given to work alone or in small groups. The remit is to devise a social enterprise idea which will benefit a section of the community, develop a revenue stream and have development potential. A tall order for largely unemployed people with little self-confidence.

Working on this largely in their own time with one full day (broken into shorter segments) it’s amazing to all, including the Associates, the confidence with which they deliver their ideas.

It’s always difficult for the senior managers to select one winning idea. The small trophy has now been replaced with a cash prize of £10 per winning Associate – much more useful that a ‘tin cup’!

After this a buffet lunch and networking takes place. By this time some of the Associates are really ‘assertive’ in getting contact details from the panel!

Watch this blog for more stories of success, laughter and a few tears when the next Growing Talent launches later this month…….

Seated – the previous judging panel comprising Selvan – Invest In Buy To Let, Julie – Portico, Peter – Wilson James, Lois – MitieTDM, Allen – PwC – Head Judge, Sharon – Harrow Green, Shane – Invest In Buy To Let & Trevor – known by previous Associates as ‘the legend’ Harrow Green.

Growing Talent – Keeps Growing!

6 Jan 2016Jane JamesLeave a comment

A New Year sees the start of a new Growing Talent programme. Now on the 8th programme having secured over 60 people into permanent full-time jobs!

So far 23 jobs have been pledged by various corporate employers and partners. Wide ranging roles from Recruitment Consultants, to Receptionists, Administration Clerk, Security Vetting Supervisor, Industrial Cleaning Technicians, Hospitality/Food Services Assistant, Business Moves Porters, Mini Bus Drivers and Forklift Truck Drivers to name a few. With a salaries ranging up to £25Kpa.

Looking forward to the personal growth stories that will follow……………..

If you know anyone who could do with some mentoring into a permanent job – direct them to http://www.growing-talent.co.uk………………..

Information Session – GT8

11 Dec 2015Jane JamesLeave a comment

This morning saw the information session for Growing Talent 8 presenting to senior managers from all districts of Job Centre Plus – London and the Home Counties.

Some had travelled for over two hours to attend!

The venue was right on top of Embankment in prestigious offices. For the first time I travelled by boat – amazing! Just spending a few minutes taking in the scenery really put me ‘in the moment’. Everything I had on my mind just melted away.

Camilla, William and Mehmet, seen in the feature photo above, agreed to share their journey on Growing Talent. Camilla is now working for Portico, William for Harrow Green and Mehmet for MiteTDM.

Jordan from Growing Talent 2 was part of the Welcome team today!

After setting the scene, criteria to take part and showing a presentation, Camilla, Mehmet and William took the floor…………. and stole the show!

The managers were inspired as was a new employer sitting in the audience who already has ideas on spreading the word within his business networks.

Finally, Anna from the London district team of JobCentre Plus took the floor to explain the process, troubleshooting tips etc

The two hours flew past. The audience was buzzing and we left in the firm belief Growing Talent would be the best programme yet. Watch this space…….

A word from those that know………………

10 Dec 2015Jane JamesLeave a comment

This short film was made by Anita Montaldo part of Portico’s Welcome Team who has mentored many of the Growing Talent Associates. She has a personal love of film and offered to make this for the recent graduation ceremony. This was held 26 November and celebrated all Growing Talent Associates who graduates the scheme from programmes 3-7 inclusive.

See the finished product here Growing Talent Graduates

Rehana, Jane, Jacq, Mehmet, Kieran, Michael & Alechenu are great ambassadors for the programme and Julie Reed of Portico explains the process from the employer’s side brillitantly.

To date 60 people – all ages and backgrounds have secured permanent roles on Growing Talent.

Let me know your thoughts on this…………………………

Flowers say it all……..

7 Dec 2015Jane JamesLeave a comment

Following the Graduation ceremony last week, I was surprised to receive a call from James who asked for a meeting. He was in the London Bridge area and, if I wasn’t busy, he’d like to pop in.

I jumped to the conclusion that things were not going so well for him after all and he wanted to chat through options.

How wrong was I? – very!

Following the completion of Growing Talent 6, James started employment with Wilson James as a multi-site Security Guard. Working 12 hour shifts at multiple sites including a leading search engine organisation, gives him great experience.

Things are going very well for him! He’s now enjoying a few days off and wanted to pop in during his Christmas shopping trip to say thank you for the support of Growing Talent!

Apart from the beautiful flowers, James also brought a box of chocs which the office will enjoy!

It’s great to be appreciated. Finding out how people we’ve helped are doing is a fantastic boost to our egos. Let’s remember to let people know how much their support has helped us – easy to forget yet simple to do.

D Day for Growing Talent Associates!

26 Nov 2015Jane JamesLeave a comment

It’s been a long wait for some. Today is the 2nd graduation to recognise the commitment and fabulous talent of those Growing Talent Associates who have completed and started their careers.

Celebrating programmes 3 – which started in the summer last year – through to the 7th programme – which completed last week – means there will be some serious catching up to do!

From the 3rd Growing Talent we have Matt who had been homeless for a couple of years, encountered depression and despite having a HGV licence didn’t have the confidence to secure a job. His confidence flourished on Growing Talent and he joined Harrow Green as an operations specialist – packing, portering, driving etc. Now he has his own place and is the warehouse supervisor! Matt has supported many people following him on the programme. Also celebrating today are David and Kavita. Both joined a professional services Firm.

The 4th programme above features Michael, Kit, Selwyn, Daoud, Joshua, Mitchell, Maxine, Courtney and Jane all joining to celebrate today. Going into a mixture of manual and office roles, the diversity covers all ages, ethnic backgrounds, education and social issues. One of the great stories here is Jane. A single parent to two children, Jane had held a number a number of managerial roles and even been part owner in a business. She came with an open mind and willingness to do anything. The roles Baxter Storey were looking to offer Jane were Barista or Sales Assistant. Her enthusiasm, support of the team, flexibility and adaptability saw her complete Growing Talent and secure a Supervisor position for a brand new site!

From the 5th, we will be joined by Camilla, José, Shanika, Shennell, Alex, Reese, Reece, Jason and Alechenu. Alechenu made history by being employed after just four weeks! José had shown his determination before Growing Talent. Arriving in the UK with little English after working in the hospitality sector in Madeira. In the UK he worked in various hospitality roles improving his English by day and studying for his HR qualifications at night. Growing Talent was his opportunity to get the job he had dreamed of. He joined Harrow Green as HR Assistant Manager! Fabulous achievements from all the guys………….

From the 6th programme, Mali, Mehmet – already secured a bronze award from his company for outstanding service! – Leah, Marta, James, Joshua and Chelsea. Chelsea has achieved amazing things. She committed to Wilson James 100% throughout Growing Talent despite having to sort out her accommodation issues – a legacy of leaving care – and is now a strong team member. Leah has got herself noticed by everyone (not intentionally) including Portico’s Chairman Edward Griffiths! She has implemented her own processes on reception, taken part in various events including as a Magic Maker at the recent bonfire night in Chiswick, sang for the team and clients and basically never said ‘no’!

Lastly, programme 7 which only finished 20 November!

Celebrating today are Ernst, Jacqueline, Jerome, Kearon, Leighon, Maria, Michael, RoseMarie & William! All have achieved amazing things along the way. William had a bad finish to a 15 year career as a carer. He relished being in work again – even the 6am starts with Harrow Green! RoseMarie had run a theatre for 20 years doing everything from the set design and building to bookkeeping. However, three years ou of work and dented her confidence. A passion for property saw her secure a role with Invest In Buy To Let – who already had Mali from the 6th programme.

It amazes me when organisations talk about the lack of diversity in their business. I’ve never focussed on diversity. I’ve always treated everyone with dignity and respect adjusting the support I give to meet their needs. The result is diversity is delivered because confidence and trust are built!

Since the beginning of Growing Talent, we have mentored, supported, nagged and encouraged 60 fabulous people into employment.

It’s the best feeling in the world knowing you have played a small part in someone’s growth.