Social Mobility – The JJC Ltd

Roller Coasters come in all shapes….

26 Jul 2021Jane JamesLeave a comment

19 July saw the start of the first Growing Talent hybrid for ten fantastically talented, currently unemployed people keen to work.

Selected by one of the ‘Big 4’ organisations for permanent roles in their growing virtual business support teams, they commenced step one – the orientation and holistic week – virtual of course!

So what did we cover over this week?

Monday – communication – a vital area to get right in all areas of our lives – no matter what our social status is nor our seniority in the workplace. But how much time do we put into making sure we get this right? Have you considered the following?

Speaking – what is the aim of the conversation? what content will you cover? where and how are you going to hold this conversation? what are the possible outcomes of this conversation? have you considered your tone, clarity, volume and pace?
Listening – do you automatically listen without judgement? do you ensure there will be no interruptions nor distractions? Do you listen with empathy or sympathy – do you know the difference?
Reflect back – paraphrasing is essential to ensure you have understood what you have heard – get the evidence, don’t just assume.
Body Language – did you know non verbal cues make up the biggest part of communication?
What method is appropriate for the conversation you are going to have?
What types of conflict might you encounter?
What’s your conflict style? accommodating, avoidance, collaboration, competitive, compromise
You statements – also known as the communication destroyer. Do you know why?

There is more to communication than most think!

Tuesday – invest in yourself. Critical – not selfish. Airline safety talks ‘state put the oxygen mask on you BEFORE helping others’ That makes sense, so why not scheduling in some self care windows throughout the day? This section covered:

Stop avoiding fear
Mantra and personal values
Overcoming negative thoughts
Control your brain – stop letting it control you
Self care toolkit
Dealing with imposter syndrome
Nurture your soul

Wednesday – nurturing your body – a car only runs on the right fuel. So does your body. Fuel it mindfully!

Food fads – the power of marketing vs facts
Superfoods – really
Understanding sugar – in all it’s forms
Exercise
Social media – good, bad and ugly

Thursday – Money talks! Sharing basic financial tips together. 3 little bottles – waste and recycling, why is it so important. Moving on. Encompassing…..

Managing debt
How to increase savings
Ways to increase income
Considering credit cards, debit cards and cash
Money mantras
How to apply for new roles uniquely

Friday – I-act – Managing and Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing

How to look after yourself and those around you. This accredited course delivers a solid understanding of what mental health and wellbeing is, over 50 tools for self care and evaluation, robust evidence reporting – amongst a whole lot more.

So what did the fabulous 10 participants feel about the week? Below are some of the feedback – anonymous in line with GDPR:

“The content was exciting and engaging – which surprised me. I was expecting it to be a bit boring because it’s delivered by Zoom”

“The journey book which accompanied the week was clear and helped me understand the course. I can refer to it ongoing.”

“This week was so worthwhile – it’s taught me how to be more professional”

“I’ve been implementing things I learned in my personal life such as delaying my response in conversations until I understand what’s been said. It’s easy to misunderstand people if you jump in too soon.”

“The contents of the week were fantastic, very informative and engaging with loads of tools to assist me going forward”

The accompanying book was significantly relevant”

“I found everything insightful and enlightening. There were a lot of topics. I especially liked mental health and how to engage with someone who might be struggling. I feel I can now demonstrate a lot more empathy. I also really enjoyed finance considering how much I wasn’t taught much about the topic at school.”

“I’m glad to have the accompanying book as I can go back and refresh my knowledge anytime.

“This is probably the best training course I have every attended. T/he contents cover life inside and outside work”

“The book will be extremely useful going forward. On the course it enabled everyone to read at their own pace.”

What were the thoughts on the trainer?

“I loved how Jane had everyone engaged and included in all of the topic areas. She allowed us to digress within reason, which helped explore the topic further but she was also able to control anything that was not relevant to our learning.”

“Jane’s style was inclusive, warm and welcoming. Everything was clear.”

“Jane is very interactive and gives off a very positive vibe. I really felt like my opinion was relevant when she asked questions and she’s always very impartial so we didn’t feel like we were being judged. It was a pleasure doing my training with her”

“Jane’s compassionate and a very good listener”

“”Jane’s style was nice and precise, she knows what she is talking about and is a confident lady who taught us in a respectful professional manner.”

For me, the week was a mutually positive experienced. When we see each other as humans, we can learn so much together. Essential for work and life – don’t you agree?

“Thousands of jobs & no one to fill them” – can that really be true?

4 Jun 2021Jane JamesLeave a comment

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57349802 This features a report by KPMG on the situation UK PLC finds itself in: “thousands of job vacancies but no people to fill them” How can that be so?

In other reports from @BBC we know there are 1.7m unemployed and over 4m on furlough who may not have jobs to return to when furlough finally ends.

There seems a huge disconnect.

From the people I’ve spoken to over the past fourteen months I think there’s an elephant in the room we are not addressing. Fear.

Fear of stepping outside their door.

Fear of leaving their family.

Fear of stepping onto public transport.

Fear of walking into a new environment.

Fear of getting to learn a new role.

Fear of a new routine

Fear of not being respected by colleagues

Fear of not ‘gelling’ with the team/management

Fear of losing this new job

Fear of failing

There is an expectation employers will address this fear. Those integrating the new ISO45003 guidelines will go a long way to achieving this. Using Growing Talent to gain new talent will see them go even further in achieving the goal of sustainable new talent who have grown into the available role through the methods taught on Growing Talent to flourishing adding real value to everyone.

If you have a real job to fill, why not consider www.growing-talent.co.uk? It’s completely free and not a Government funded programme.

The global pandemic has seen businesses change the way they operate to get the results they want.

Isn’t now the time to change the way you recruit to reveal those hidden gems of talent you’ve potentially been missing?

#psychosocial #risks #business #leadership #talent #socialmobility #inclusion #diversity

Inspiring….

14 Dec 2020Jane JamesLeave a comment

Despite Growing Talent, an inclusive employment programme I run, being on hold due to the pandemic, it’s always lovely to catch-up with some of the people who have participated over the years on how they are doing especially now.

Amongst the doom and gloom, uncertainty and insecurity the global pandemic has spread, some heart warming news!

Catching up with Jane, Debbie & Sharlene from past Growing Talent programmes, it was great to see their ignited self-belief and drive for personal growth has not been diminished by the challenges presented by Coronavirus.

Jane updated me on her current role. Still with Baxter Storey, who she joined on completion of Growing Talent 4, but now at a different account, she decided to use some of her personal time volunteering in her local community to help young people. Despite the application and joining process – rightly thorough screening – Jane is determined to support and encourage those that need it. Just as enthused as she was at the start of her journey all those years ago, it was a joy to learn how well she’s doing.

Debbie contacted me to share she had made it into print! Yes, her Christmas jumper, almost as bright as her smile, lights up the PwC welcome floor in the Welcome Team’s newsletter to raise money for charity on the annual ‘Christmas Jumper Day! Despite a challenging year – more so for Debbie who loves her intrepid travelling to far flung places, Debbie has also just won a new internal role after being interviewed by a Partner at PwC! Fearless as a lion and always up for a challenge – Go Debbie!

Just this week I learned Sharlene had come full circle. After completing Growing Talent in 2019 she joined a national facilities company in their facilities administration team. Unfortunately, like so many, Sharlene was made redundant earlier this year. Did she retreat into herself? Of course not! She moved house and got a job with Department of Work and Pensions as a Work Coach encouraging unemployed people to find the right role for them – and hopefully referring some to Growing Talent once the pandemic is over!

I am always in awe of the spirit, determination, innovative, empathetic DNA of the amazing people I work with on Growing Talent.

I know the next chapter for Jane, Debbie & Sharlene is going to be amazing because they will make it so.

For more information on Growing Talent check out – http://www.growing-talent.co.uk

Speed dating – Growing Talent style!

29 Oct 2019Jane JamesLeave a comment

The toughest thing to overcome when looking for employment after a period of unemployment is being judged on your label(s).

By that I mean recruiters/employers ofter see your label(s) and the assumptions they make about the potential impact of those label(s) without speaking with you to understand the facts.

For example, a homeless, single parent who is unemployed will often be perceived as someone who is unstable and unreliable with zero transferable skills into the world of employment.

In reality, homeless doesn’t always mean ‘sleeping on the streets’ – although I think sleeping is the wrong word. No one can sleep soundly on the streets with all the dangers that environment presents.

Single parents, in my experience, have an array of skills which add value to employers. All are great problem solvers, they are life coaches, highly organised solution finders with strong time management skills along with the drive and attitude to succeed to be positive role models for their children as well as establish a career path for themselves. Any employer can train in their area of expertise but they can’t train ‘attitude’. They are missing an excellent talent pool.

At Growing Talent, based on my own experience, we do not allow traditional recruitment methods. There are no cvs nor job descriptions. Employers select based on their belief of someone’s attitude to grow into their vacancy. As every applicant has usually more than one barrier to employment, we partner with JobCentre Plus to ensure a financial safety net if someone is selected but doesn’t complete and secure the provisional permanent job offer. This removes the ‘fear’ from those unemployed people who really want to work but have that nagging ‘what if’ in their heads.

So, to ensure employers and applicants are on the same level playing field, we have a speed dating session. These always start really quietly. Within 10minutes everyone is relaxed, laughing with each other and showing who they really are.

In small groups, applicants spend 10 minutes at each employer table finding out a little about the company and permanent jobs on offer. The employers have the same window of time to find out a little about all applicants.

Some examples of previously employer speed dating events:

Employers select their shortlist from this event. Shortlisted applicants attend a 1-2-1 meeting on the employer site where the job is based to learn more details.

At the point any offers are made to go on the Growing Talent journey with the employer, everything is known upfront about the end job. There is no mystery around salary, bonus, benefits, hours, shifts etc.

How often do you go for a traditional job interview and leave as mystified as when you went in?

Growing Talent removes any doubt for both sides and everyone loves the spontaneity of speed dating – who not use it in recruitment?

Social Enterprise Challenge!

26 Jun 2019Jane JamesLeave a comment

Challenge is the right word! Faced with the prospect of having to devise and deliver a project to benefit a local community and have a revenue stream, really tests our workshops on ‘Fake it until you make it’!

Negative overthinking gives way to confidence and ownership. It’s a privilege to watch everyone learn together, nurture each other and step up to this challenge on the final day of the Orientation Week.

So, how did the Growing Talent Associates so?

Stallion Cycles by Calum, below who is joining Park Plaza Hotel at Westminster. Living in a small village, Calum had noticed how congested the single road in and out was – especially when on his driving lessons! Calum’s idea was based on the ‘Boris Bikes’ of central London but for those living out of London in semi rural areas or traffic hotspots.

Pegasus devised by Brendon was set in the Brookhouse Road community centre where he lives. Addressing self esteem, personal belief using a mixture of sports and professional encouragement. Brendon is a little camera shy so no photos of his excellent presentation.

Scripts by Romain, above based in part on his own experience discovering acting as a vehicle away from the wrong path and crime. Taking over a disused cinema, Romain had a number of strands to using art. Life skills would be taught to 5-11 year olds – kindness and respect of others. His core audience were 15-25 using all the potential career opportunities in a theatre for them to try and consider. In addition, rooms above the theatre would be rented out for studio space and similar. Romain joined Park Plaza Hotel at Westminster.

Life Advice by James seen above focussed on working with high school students on mapping personality to potential industries for career consideration, he also covered mentoring, investing, general life skills and opened up the opportunity to parents as well. Using a mobile unit he could visit estates/schools easily. James joined Red Personnel.

Strictly Dancing Elderly by Miyuki seen below tackled fitness and isolation in the over 65s combining tea dances with social interaction, tea and of course cake! She based this in Lewisham where she lives and shared her story of isolation since her longterm friend found a partner leaving her alone. With a growing over 65s population , Miyuki’s idea was simple yet effective. Miyuki joined ISS at PwC More London

Street View by Stephan is based in Forest Hill where he lives. An area which has missed out on investment and regeneration over the years, Stephan had noticed how there was a growing population of homeless people on the streets and also the burgeoning art community who had no platform to showcase their work. Street View married the two. A magazine featuring the artists’ work sold by the homeless delivered a solution to address these two important issues which would easily be replicated in other areas. Stephan joined ISS at More London. Stephan presenting below.

Steel Games was Jordan’s idea seen below. Having stumbled into playing the steel drums as a child, he ended up as part of an orchestra which entered into a competition. Jordan’s orchestra come 2nd and they performed on Junior Panorama. Based in Anerley with multiple recent stories of knife crime, Jordan believed his idea would give those at risk of being involved a different path to consider. On one floor, he would have gaming consoles and teach young people ways to use this technology safely as well as a selection of steel drums on the bottom floor. Encouraging all to try out this diverse instrument. Jordan joined ISS at PwC More London

A.I. delivered by Stephen was based on using artificial intelligence to deliver administrative innovations to large organisations such as JCP, NHS etc. The idea being appointments are never missed as A.I. removes the use of human error. A unique interpretation of the Social Enterprise Challenge. Stephen joined ISS at PwC More London seen presenting below.

Lastly Michael worked hard on his E-Library idea even though he was not attending the Social Enterprise Challenge as his employer Churchill Services had a large senior management meeting which Michael presented at instead- see below! Just as nerve-racking I suspect! Michael clearly shone as two senior managers contacted me after this Churchill event to say how impressed they were!

Judges l-r – Mariatu – ISS, Geoff – North London JCP, Patricia – Red Personnel, Jon – PwC and head judge, Judith – Club Quarters Hotel, Pedro – Pertemps & Anna – JCP South London and overall lead for Growing Talent at JobCentre Plus.

As you can see the judges above had a tough job deciding on the winner. After much deliberation the £50 cash prize was won by……

Jon presenting a very surprised Miyuki with her £50 prize for her winning idea ‘Strictly Dancing Elderly’! Very well deserved.

Every judge made a point of saying how good the ideas were, how doable and how socially aware they were. Empowering for all Growing Talent Associates!

Challenging ourselves can be scary, but the sense of achievement in pushing ourselves that little bit further is so worth it.

If you are facing something daunting, don’t overthink it. Fake it until you make it! The benefits are amazing. Just ask the Growing Talent 22 Associates!

Growing Talent 22 starts – remarkable!

28 May 201928 May 2019Jane JamesLeave a comment

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?

New look Growing Talent is open!

3 Jan 20193 Jan 2019Jane JamesLeave a comment

To mark our 5th anniversary in February 2019 of our planned one-off pilot in 2014, we have streamlined the framework of Growing Talent.

It retains all the core elements including selection without cvs, provisional permanent job offer upfront on selection by an employer, orientation week before going on site, a total of four weeks training in the vacant role and a holistic week during which life skills including personal finance, fitness, nutrition on a budget and qualification as a mental health first aider. So what has changed? instead of 12 weeks, it’s now six weeks long. All parts have to be completed. There is no uncertainty when someone will be employed.

This will deliver transparency for employers, participants and those referring them. Provision has been put in place to enable an extension based on individual circumstances and only by agreement with all parties. Equally, those going into roles requiring minimum training, such as barista, will be employed after the orientation week and return for the mental health first aider qualification on the holistic week – again, by arrangement.

This year we move to a new training venue – etc venues – away from Southwark Cathedral. As a public venue the facilities at the Cathedral were not appropriate.

Those selected by employers – known as Growing Talent Associates – will enjoy a breakfast, choice of lunches, afternoon tea plus unlimited refreshments throughout the day. This investment should return commitment and focus thereby pushing numbers up of those going into work.

Diverse employers took part in 2018 including Ballymore, Connect Plus Services M25, Acuity Services, Portico, MitieTDM, Pertemps, Harris & Hoole, Scotscape, ME Hotel, Firmdale Hotels, Harrow Green & many more.

Some great life changing stories lie ahead no doubt………

Growing Talent’s Holistic Week…….

25 Jun 2018Jane JamesLeave a comment

The definition of ‘holistic’ aptly fits what we cover on Growing Talent’s Holistic Week……. Dealing with the mind as well as the body delivers lifelong learning and empowerment.

18-23 June inclusive saw our return to Southwark Cathedral for this element of the Growing Talent programme. We generally start with the two day Mental Health First Aider course which delivers a qualification. An intense two days of growth in how we see mental health. This time we were joined by Sirio an employer from Ballymore. The MHFA is so thick, the guys get a gym workout by default – who needs weights!

‘I think it was very informative and raises awareness on the importance of our mental health’

‘I felt confident in my knowledge of mental health before the course but I had no idea how to deal with it. I do now!’

After an intense couple of days, we relaxed a little with ‘fun learning’. In Everyday Finance we cover amongst other things bank accounts, standing orders, direct debit, credit and debit cards, debt management, the power of money, saving and basic investing options – generally how to make the most of our money.

‘This workshop made me more penny conscious!’ ‘It made me challenge the way I currently bank’.

Just as putting the right petrol in a car is key to it’s efficient running, so is eating/drinking the right things for us humans! Kate from HBN (Health Bites Nutrition) shared some myth busting knowledge as well as healthy swaps and eating nutritionally on a budget. The practical was making a healthy pot noodle which the guys reported on the following day as being great and something they would repeat. Shae even said she might reduce her visits to the chicken shop!!!

A curve ball on the Holistic Week is always the Art project. The guys have to agree on which art gallery they will visit – The Tate Modern or The National. Armed with their project sheet, they pick a piece which ‘speaks to them’. Either love it or hate it. They then have to ask a series of questions and bring their completed sheet in the following day. The purpose of this is to make everyone make use of these free institutions we’re lucky to have in London. By asking questions whilst looking at exhibitions, it makes appreciation easier and effectively reduces stress levels without even realising it! Although there was some hesitancy at the start, all the guys enjoyed this exercise…..

‘It wasn’t something I’d choose to do but it was a new experience. I enjoyed it. Art is a tool to de-stress’.

‘I haven’t visited an art gallery for years. I liked this visit and it made we realise my appetite for art is maturing and growing. I found the drawing exercises therapeutic and will use my drawing kit as an escape from my work life’.

Next time you think of grabbing a quick bite at your desk, why not grab a quick bite outside with a pad and pencil. Just drawing what you see is a great de-stresser, reboots your energy levels and makes you way more productive in the afternoon. Why not try it?

Mr Fixit!

8 Jun 2018Jane JamesLeave a comment

With Growing Talent 17 in full swing, I’ve been making site visits all week. One of the stand out ones was Delroy at Ballymore in Vauxhall.

Ballymore were taking part for the first time – so no pressure on Delroy to impress! Joining the GM’s team at their Empress Gardens estate, Delroy is currently looking after the day-to-day maintenance of one building. As a high end residential block, everything has to be pristine.

Located adjacent to the new American Embassy the area is developing quickly with new businesses and executive homes being built in the area.

Ballymore not only build residential and commercial properties, they maintain and run them as well. Meaning customer care and relationship building are just as key to success as job ‘know how’.

Delroy is already being looked at for promotion as the estate is growing to nine buildings and he’s only been on site four weeks! He’s absolutely loving it.

As his first job since 2010, no formal qualifications and only with the experience of running his own business, it was almost impossible for Delroy to secure the right role for him through the traditional route. Through Growing Talent, he’s been able to showcase he is right for the role with Ballymore and changed management’s mind on the talent and potential amongst the ranks of the unemployed! They confirmed they will recruit through Growing Talent again – great news, thanks to Delroy’s attitude and enthusiasm.

Delroy below in his own office complete with his own tropical fish tank for those mindful moments essential in any working day!

A strong career with Ballymore lies ahead for Delroy if he stays on course….. A great role model for others following him.