Salford Supported Employment Newsletter

 Thanks to everyone who has been involved in our Supported Employment Service so far.

We’re really proud to see three job starts, 67 programme starts and 70 referrals since we launched in March. We’ve had a great response from employers too, with many more signing up in the last few months.

Feedback and case studies

Nicholas' story

Nicholas started work on 28 July with Jigsaw, cleaning offices across three floors of a Victorian building. Not only was Nicholas “Over the moon” when he was offered the job, but he is very happy with the battery-powered vacuum cleaner we provided, saying “It makes it easier to get up and down the stairs”. Carer Amanda said “Nicholas loves the job, he has a real bounce in his step about it.” Housemate Andrew, also a Supported Employment participant, said “now that Nicholas has got a job it won’t be long before I get one”.

Alex's story

Alex attended what was advertised as an open day for candidates to find out more about cleaning and catering roles with Salford City Council and CityWide. He waited patiently with his sister and key worker, and when it was his turn we were all surprised to find it wasn’t just an information session, but an interview! Alex took this in his stride and answered questions with minimal prompting, stating his preferences clearly. He agreed after the interview – his first ever for a paid position – that the experience was less scary than he thought interviews would be, but it was easier with someone there. Alex has recently been offered an additional day volunteering with RHS at Bridgewater garden after impressing staff there with his work ethic as well.

Feedback

“I just wanted to say thank you for the support you have both given Michael. As a staff team we are so proud of him and know he will be 100% committed.” - Feedback from Manager Sharon Chaplin Lodge supported tenancy.

Meet Agata

Hi, I’m Agata, and I work with employers who want to diversify their workforce. I can match your company and roles with candidates who have the right skills and strengths, and provide guidance on potential adjustments you’ll need to make. Here are just a few benefits of working with us and details of the support we can offer your business: 

Diverse Workforce: By partnering with us, you not only tap into a fresh talent pool but also enhance your workforce diversity. This can drive innovation, foster a more inclusive work environment, and cast a positive light on your brand.

Legislation and Responsibility: Our service ensures you are well-informed about your responsibilities, ensuring workplaces remain safe and promote the health, well-being, and safety of all participants.

Vocational Profiling and Job Matching: Our rigorous vocational profiling ensures you receive candidates that match your job requirements, reducing the onboarding time and increasing job performance.

Tailored In-Work Support: We provide extensive in-work support, ensuring a smoother transition for both the employer and the employee. This includes regular updates, training, and addressing any barriers that might affect the individual’s participation.

Disability Confident Network: Your organisation can benefit from becoming Disability Confident, joining regular events and networking opportunities, showcasing your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Supported Employment Employer Forum: As a member of our Supported Employment Employer Forum, you gain access to a bi-monthly meeting where we share information on the support and training available for employers. This forum also provides valuable insights into how to adjust recruitment processes effectively, ensuring that you stay up-to-date with the latest best practices in inclusive hiring.

Let's work together to bridge gaps and create opportunities. 

Salford Futures Supported Employment Ask

Salford City Council are looking for businesses to host work placement opportunities for the next round of the Salford Futures work experience.

Salford Futures offers Salford residents who are unemployed or under-employed (overqualified for current role or on low or zero hours contracts) a voluntary work placement and the opportunity to develop work experience, skills and competencies. It also provides you with a chance to access a hidden pool of talent which may be useful if you are struggling to recruit right now. Placements are usually up to 30 hours per week for at least eight to ten weeks.

If you’re able to be involved, contact the team today and let us know what placement(s) you’d like to offer. The team are happy to meet any interested colleagues/partners to provide further information.

Email sebastian.young@salford.gov.uk or call 0788184582.

We have three fantastic candidates looking for work opportunities. Find out more about their background and skillsets below and if you're able to offer an opportunity at your organisation or want to know more about the candidates please email mailto:agata.potoczek@gcemployment.uk

Participant 1 - Job Goals: Reception host
Strengths: Positive and bubbly personality, strong interpersonal skills with previous experience in administrative and reception roles
Challenges: Mobility
Location: Walkden

Participant 2 - Job Goals: Finance role or apprenticeship
Strengths: Good analytical skills, strong academic background and desire for learning. Their proficiency in Excel is noteworthy. Previous experience at placement at A.J. Bell
Challenges: Limited experience
Location: Swinton 

Participant 3 - Job Goals: Evening cleaner
Strengths: Meticulous approach to repetitive tasks. Consistent and committed worker. Previous experience working in retail and cleaning sectors
Challenges: Communication
Location: Pendleton

Does your business recruit or support Salford residents who may have neurodivergent conditions and characteristics? Join the upcoming awareness session for employers and learn more about the positive impact having neurodivergent employees can have on your business.

This free session will cover the following:

• What does neurodivergent mean
• The range of neurodivergent conditions
• What does this mean for your business in relation to recruitment for future talent
• How we can offer advice and practical support to your organisation
• Benefits to your organisation of supporting individuals with neurodivergent conditions

The session will be held on Thursday 30 November. For more details and to register please email Georgia.boland@salford.gov.uk 

Find out how you can refer someone for support or how your organisation can get involved

Salford Supported Employment Service is commissioned by Salford City Council and provided by the Growth Company. The service helps people with learning disabilities and/or autism who are currently unemployed to find suitable paid jobs. The service provides people with one-to-one support, including in-work training and guidance for both participants and employers, which can include workplace adjustments to benefit all employees.

We’re hosting drop-in sessions at Gateways across Salford where you can come and chat to the team and ask any questions you may have. If you know someone who could benefit from our service please share this with them, we have lots more places available so please pop along to find out more 

September

• Wednesday 20 September, Swinton Gateway 10 am – 2 pm
• Friday 29 September, Walkden gateway 10 am – 2 pm

October

• Wednesday 4 October, Broughton Hub 10am – 2pm
• Thursday 12 October, Walkden Gateway 10 am -2 pm
• Wednesday 18 October, Swinton Gateway 10 am – 2 pm
• Tuesday 24 October, Eccles Gateway 10 am – 2 pm

If you would like to find out more about Supported Employment and / or benefit from the free training and support available to you and your organisation, please contact Nicola Griffiths or David Timperley below.

You can reach us at SupportedEmploymentService@salford.gov.uk or call us on 0161 793 2533