It's a Shaw thing as Hampshire Ambassadors visit leading-edge employment charity

Thursday, 28 February 2013

How do you help disabled and disadvantaged people find fulfilling and rewarding jobs?

That's what a group of Hampshire businesses will be finding out when they pay a visit to the charity Careers Development Group's (CDG) offices in Southampton on 6 March. CDG merged with Shaw Trust at the end of last year to create a new charity and together they offer support for people across Hampshire with disabilities who face disadvantages in gaining unemployment. During 2011-12, together they supported 46,000 people on their journey into employment.

The visit, organised by Hampshire County Council under the Hampshire Ambassadors scheme, will be attended by around 30 Hampshire Ambassadors from companies including small consultancies through to 'blue chip' organisations. The Ambassadors will discover what services are offered by CDG and Shaw Trust, which includes matching the requirements of businesses to pre-screened candidates based on ability, temperament, skills, experience and attitude. These candidates will have already received sector or employment training, work placements and trials. The charity also continues to support workers with career development opportunities following their recruitment.

The Hampshire Ambassadors scheme aims to stimulate investment and encourage business development in the county. More than 1,200 Ambassadors - during the course of their professional and private lives - promote business and support Hampshire's economy. Every month a group of Ambassadors visits leading-edge companies in Hampshire with the aim of encouraging other local firms to strive for business excellence, develop their own best practice and improve competitiveness.

Shaw Trust is the UK's largest third sector provider of employment services for disabled and disadvantaged people, helping them achieve a more self reliant and rewarding life, leading to work, inclusion and independence. The charity recently merged with Careers Development Group (CDG), a leading back-to-work charity helping those who are unemployed to find and sustain employment.

Councillor Ray Ellis, Executive Member for Economic Development and Rural Affairs at Hampshire County Council, said:

"Hampshire Ambassadors play an important role in raising the profile of commerce and industry in the county. Business growth is vital for our continued prosperity and yet the work that companies do often goes unnoticed by the wider public. A visit from the Hampshire Ambassadors helps to highlight and showcase the achievements and successes of our local businesses.

"Shaw Trust provides an invaluable service to Hampshire businesses by sourcing trained, dedicated and enthusiastic candidates to help companies retain a fulfilled and diverse workforce that benefits the business as a whole. Jobs give people independence and pride and help them participate more fully in society. Shaw Trust provides a win-win solution for both businesses and job seekers."

Roy O'Shaughnessy, CEO of the Shaw Trust said:

"We are thrilled to be hosting the Ambassadors event next month, and looking forward to welcoming local businesses to our office in Southampton. This will be a great opportunity not only for guests to learn about the services we offer across the county, but also for us to share and discuss ideas with them."

• The Shaw Trust

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