Celebrating 20 Years of Southwark Works

Southwark Works, the council’s free, personalised employment service, has celebrated its 20th anniversary.

The milestone was marked with a celebration event at Southwark College in July to recognise those who have contributed to the success of the service over the past two decades.

Southwark Works has become the goto service for employment support in Southwark, providing targeted support for those who require additional support to access jobs and careers: young people, those over 50, people with mental health challenges, learning difficulties or disabilities, parents or unpaid carers, ex-offenders, history or substance misuse or homeless can all benefit from support.

The service has supported over 5,000 residents into jobs. Residents have not only found employment but have also achieved better pay and more secure work, significantly improving their quality of life.

Southwark Works has also supported local businesses and organisations with employing local talent and improving their workforce planning.

Jayne Couchman, Southwark Works Manager, said: “Southwark is a wonderfully collaborative borough and it’s been a privilege to manage Southwark Works for so long. During that time, we’ve worked with many thousands of Southwark residents who needed support to find a job and over

5,000 people have found work. I’ve met and worked with so many amazing people during this time – clients, caseworkers, providers, employers and partners and it’s the teamwork and partnerships that have been created, together with the spirit of local people that are key to the success of the programme.”

Resident Omotayo was recently supported by Southwark Works through its Work Progression Project. Following a period spent raising her children at home and volunteering, Omotayo received support in redrafting and tailoring her CV, searching for a job and preparing for interviews.

Omotayo said: “My experience has been excellent. Shahid, my work coach, helped me tailor my CV to fit relevant job roles and highlight my strengths. He also provided me with valuable guidance in choosing career paths that would best suit my skills. Thanks to his support, I have successfully secured new employment.”