Issue 19 / Winter 2014
Remploy’s Quarterly Magazine
Remploy’s digital revolution Page 6
{ Reaching more people online / Making work pay / Scheme allows disabled students to shine / Flying high with Bluebird Care } Also in this issue: Royal Mail celebrates milestone / Be your own boss
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Welcome
From the chief executive’s chair Remploy’s journey out of public ownership and into the private sector as a social business is progressing well. As I write we are negotiating with four shortlisted organisations which have said they want to partner with us. The investment these prospective partners bring will enable us to support many more disabled people into work and we are on target to leave government ownership by March next year.
It requires cooperation and collaboration at a local level between organisations and bodies such as local councils, education authorities, social services, transport agencies and employers. Using this holistic approach we can ensure that disabled people receive the appropriate support to move into employment, helping to transform their lives and achieve the economic benefits that work brings.
There is much more to be done to reduce the 30 per cent gap in the employment rates of disabled people and non-disabled employees.
This approach would particularly help people with mental health problems and young people with learning disabilities who make a valuable contribution to the workplace given the chance and the right support.
The key to closing this gap is for organisations like Remploy to develop and deepen relationships with employers who have the jobs and with local agencies so that disabled people have the right kind of support to help them into work.
And employers can do more by recognising the business benefits of employing trained and well prepared disabled people who will stay in the job longer and take less time off than non-disabled colleagues.
We have been conducting a pilot in the west Midlands in which we examined in depth the barriers that can make it difficult for disabled people to find and keep a job. It’s early days, but first indications from our research are that issues other than disability are more important barriers in two thirds of cases. These can include transport, healthcare, addiction and housing and addressing these barriers requires a holistic approach.
As we move out of public ownership I look forward to working with local stakeholders to develop this new approach.
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Employer focus
Lloyds banks Partnership on Remploy counts for Abacus A Swansea-based recruitment company’s partnership with Remploy has helped it find more jobs for disabled people in south Wales. Banking giant Lloyds is working with Remploy to boost equality and diversity in its workforce. The multi-national bank, famous for its black horse logo, has been working with Remploy for almost two years providing four-week supported placements for disabled candidates at its Glasgow-based central payments office. The placements have proved popular with candidates from Remploy’s Glasgow branch, some of whom have been offered permanent jobs at the end of their placements. Sandra Steenson, Lloyds Bank’s central payments office manager said: “Remploy candidates have fitted in so well. We didn’t want to lose them. “With Remploy’s help, we explored simple workplace adjustments through the government’s Access to Work scheme, to enable the candidates to work productively. These modest accommodations have allowed the interns to perform to their full potential.” Stephen Leishman, Remploy’s account manager in Glasgow added: “The great thing about Lloyds is the word ‘disability’ never entered their vocabulary. They were very much focused on what our people could do, not what they couldn’t.” Remploy’s Quarterly Magazine
Abacus Recruitment, which has found jobs for about 150 Remploy candidates in the last five years, credits Remploy’s pre-screening and development services for its success. “We work with Remploy because they have a very good understanding of our needs and the qualities we are looking for in a candidate,” said. Helen Buckingham, a branch manager for Abacus. “We know we can trust the pre-screening and development Remploy carries out for prospective employees.” “If someone is capable of doing the job then we should support them into the role. It doesn’t matter what their background is – if they are right for the job, they are right for the job.” Partnering with Remploy meets Abacus’s ethical standards and has commercial benefits. “It provides us with access to a large pool of pre-screened, job-ready candidates, which saves us the cost of advertising and means they can often provide candidates at short notice when required,” said Helen. “And because Remploy candidates are committed and hard working we are less likely to incur fines from clients that occur when employees leave before a contracted period. “We always find Remploy’s advice and guidance helpful – after all, they are the disability experts.”
Established in 1999, Abacus Recruitment supplies industrial, commercial and technical labour to clients in South Wales and south-west England.
Issue 19 / Winter 2014
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News
James Howden
Thanks my Sun – and Remploy, too! A Lincolnshire man who has Autism and other health conditions is crediting Remploy and The Sun newspaper with helping him land his first-ever permanent job.
Emma Swetez, assistant manager at the restaurant said: “James has made great progress since he has been with us. He is a shining example of how someone with a disability can, with the right level of support, successfully work alongside non-disabled colleagues.”
James Howden, who was referred to Remploy’s Hull branch for specialist support with his job searching, was encouraged by his employment advisor to attend a Sun-sponsored jobs roadshow in the city. One of the first stands he visited was McDonald’s. “They read my CV and told me I was a strong candidate and should apply for a job there and then,” recalled James, who within days was offered a job at McDonald’s busy restaurant in Willerby, near Hull. “At the interview I had to serve five customers to show what I could do. I thought I had made a mess of it, so I was over the moon when I was told I had got the job. I asked them to tell me again because I thought I had misheard.” { 04
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“Improving my self-confidence was a turning point. Remploy helped me write an effective CV and encouraged me to believe in myself. Everything then happened at lightning speed – thanks, of course, to The Sun and McDonald’s.” James Howden
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News
Partnership will help more disabled people find apprenticeships “This project will help to ensure disabled Remploy has joined with Skills young people have equal access to modern Development Scotland and the children’s charity Barnardo’s to increase the number apprenticeships and the chance to make a positive contribution to Scottish businesses of young disabled people entering and help grow our economy.” modern apprenticeships in Scotland. The project will use Remploy’s experience of working with employers and disabled people to improve access to modern apprenticeships. Angela Constance, cabinet secretary for training youth and women’s employment in the Scottish Government said: “We are aware that those with a disability can often find themselves cut off from the labour market.
As part of the new approach, Remploy will work with 60 employers and training providers to support 55 young disabled people on to modern apprenticeships or the pre-employment support package Employability Fund. Anne Marie-Barclay, Remploy’s operations manager in Scotland added: “Remploy has a fundamental belief that every disabled person can, with appropriate support and specialist advice, secure sustainable employment.”
“Programmes like Skills Development Scotland’s Employability Fund and modern apprenticeship programmes are crucial to helping disabled and young people take their first steps towards sustainable employment.” Anne Marie-Barclay, Remploy’s operations manager in Scotland
Remploy’s Quarterly Magazine
Issue 19 / Winter 2014
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Digital
Reaching more disabled people online Remploy’s online support for disabled people – iRemploy – is now well established and growing every day. Since its launch in April 2014, we’ve had over 4,000 people register and make use of our online advisors, forums and development tools – 180 disabled people have found a job after receiving our support. Eric was one of those who benefitted from registering with iRemploy. Aged 51, he had been out of work for four years and was recently diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. His online advisor made him feel: “inspired, that there was help out there to be had that is tailored for each disability, and that is free!”. Eric found a job as a call centre agent soon after his online support.
All in day’s work Our team of online advisors are trained to the same high standards as their branch colleagues. They are available from 8am until 12 midnight weekdays and 10am until 4pm at weekends. This is an extra 47 hours of availability compared to branch opening hours. Thirty eight per cent of online chats happen outside our branch opening hours, showing that we really are filling a gap in support. Our advisors are there for anyone who visits our website and they can: Respond instantly to questions and queries. Have regular chats to people who need more in-depth support. Offer one to one help on an ad-hoc or structured basis to meet each individual’s needs. Hold one to one CV writing sessions to support people who want additional information and guidance. When people chat with an online advisor it is often their first contact with Remploy. We think of it as Remploy’s digital front door. Anyone can take their first step into our world of online support at www.remploy.co.uk
iRemploy
38%
25%
of online chats happen outside of office hours
of online users also go into branches
4,000 people registered
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180 twitter.com/remploy
jobs found in
7
months
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Self employment
Richard Inglis, left, is one of many Remploy candidates who have received help to set up their own business. He started his own egg-delivery business in 2013 and won 50 new customers in his first month of trading.
Calling all entrepreneurs A record number of people are now self-employed in Britain, with figures released by the Office for National Statistics showing that more than four and a half million people are now working for themselves. Remploy is playing its part in helping budding entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses. How Remploy can help you start your own business Candidates interested in self-employment can take advantage of: Professional advice and guidance from our self-employment advisors – in branch, over the phone or through our online iRemploy service. Help with writing a business plan. Advice on market research, funding, bookkeeping and tax. Support all the way, from blueprint to start-up.
Remploy’s Quarterly Magazine
“Self-employment is not going to be right for everyone,” said Tom Jackson, Remploy’s business implementation director. “But it could be an option for people who require flexible working patterns as a result of their disability or health condition. It also aligns with Remploy’s mission to help support more people into sustainable employment.” To find out more about self employment, contact us on: Tel: 0300 456 8110 Email: RSCenquires@remploy.co.uk
15 per cent of the total workforce are self-employed now, compared to 13 per cent in 2008 and nine per cent in 1975 People are most likely to be self-employed in London (17.3 per cent), followed by the south-west (16.6 per cent) The area with the lowest proportion of self-employed is the north-east (10.8 per cent)
Issue 19 / Winter 2014
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Q&A We talk to
Stephen Jacques, chief executive of Bluebird Care (Wirral), a leading provider of social care at home, explains how a flourishing partnership with Remploy is helping meet the company’s recruitment needs. Q: Why did Bluebird Care choose Remploy as a recruitment partner? A: We’ve been working with Remploy for three years, both to help us to recruit and retain staff. We place great importance on recruiting high quality carers, and once we find great staff we want to keep them. Remploy helps us do that. Q: How has the partnership helped you? A: Remploy’s service saves me a huge amount of time. Their screening procedure is so thorough that 99 per cent of interviews result in us taking the candidate on. Remploy candidates always come to us with security checks completed, which ensures the recruitment process is hassle free. They also stay in the job longer compared to recruits from other sources.
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Additionally, because many Remploy candidates are disabled, they often have an extra degree of empathy, which allows them to relate better to the people they are caring for. Q: Are there any extra elements to Remploy’s service that makes your job easier? A: The ongoing support is important. Remploy not only find us some very good candidates, they also provide tailored in-work support for anyone that needs it, which is very reassuring. Remploy’s advisors are very knowledgeable about the services available. So far I’ve not needed to call on Remploy’s help but it’s good to know the advice and support is there should I ever need it.
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We talk to
“I can’t speak highly enough of the quality of Remploy candidates and the brilliant relationship we have with the Remploy team.” Stephen Jacques, chief executive of Bluebird Care
Q: You said Remploy candidates have empathy for the people they are caring for. Is this reflected in comments from your customers? A: As part of our commitment to providing a high quality service we formally review customer satisfaction every six months. I’m delighted to say that we’ve had a constant stream of feedback and messages of thanks from grateful families praising the service their relatives receive. It’s very important for me to keep lines of communication open with our customers’ families and it makes my day when they tell me how wonderful our carers are. They just can’t find enough good things to say!
Q: How would you summarise the relationship with Remploy? A: We have been so impressed with the calibre of candidates and the excellent service provided by Remploy. In fact, we recently recommended Remploy to one of our competitors! We value the partnership that has developed over the years. I can’t speak highly enough of the quality of Remploy candidates and the brilliant relationship we have with the Remploy team. They work hard on our behalf and there’s real continuity of service.
About Bluebird Care nationally In the last eight years it has opened one new office on average every 15 days it now has 200 offices in the UK and Ireland, and; provides 20,000 care visits to over 9,500 customers every day.
Remploy’s Quarterly Magazine
Issue 19 / Winter 2014
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In the know
Making work As welfare reform is rolled out across the country, Remploy is playing an important role in guiding disabled and disadvantaged job seekers through the changes. The Government is undertaking one of the biggest overhauls of the welfare system in a generation. Over the next two years, every person claiming out of work or in work benefits will be affected, including thousands of Remploy candidates. “The introduction of Universal Credit is the most high profile reform,” says Sharon Hughes, Remploy’s Universal Credit and welfare reform manager. “A single benefit paid to people when their income falls below a certain level, Universal Credit will eventually replace most existing benefits and tax credits.” Launched in 2013 in north-west England, Universal Credit is designed to support those who work hard and want to get on. Most claims are made online and money is paid directly into a claimant’s bank account each month. Remploy is already working with several local authorities and third sector organisations in the north-west to show job seekers how to manage their claim online and, crucially, how to budget their money, as Sharon explains.
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“Universal Credit completely changes the way people claim and receive benefits. It replaces a wide range of benefits including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit and when a claimant starts work, Universal Credit is steadily withdrawn as income increases. “For some people, receiving a lump sum and having responsibility for paying their bills including rent, is a very real challenge. For others, filling out forms online is a completely new experience. In both cases, Remploy can help.” As part of its support package, Remploy is working with claimants to improve their budgeting skills as well as providing intensive and tailored help with job searching. “A partnership with Warrington Borough Council has been very successful,” added Sharon. “People referred to us by Warrington Council want to engage with us because we are helping to change their situation – not just manage their benefit money. Helping them find work is the catalyst for future independence.”
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“Helping people find work is the catalyst for future independence.” Sharon Hughes, Universal Credit and welfare reform manager, Remploy
Adrian Webster, head of benefits and exchequer services at Warrington Borough Council said: “Remploy’s holistic personal budgeting strategy is delivering mentoring and support to our vulnerable and disadvantaged customers, which enables them to take ownership of their journey towards independent living and employment.” www.remploy.co.uk/partners
Universal Credit – how it works Universal Credit will help those who are in work and on a low income, as well as to those who are out of work most people will apply online and manage their claim through an online account as people on low incomes move in and out of work, they will receive ongoing support, providing an incentive to work for any period of time most claimants on low incomes will still be paid Universal Credit when they first start a new job or increase their part-time hours claimants will receive one monthly payment, paid into a bank account in the same way as a monthly salary support with housing costs will go direct to the claimant as part of their monthly payment rollout of Universal Credit is expected to be completed by 2019.
Remploy’s Quarterly Magazine
Issue 19 / Winter 2014
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Real work, real results
L-R, Tony Allen, Yvette Cooper MP and Stephen Curran
Remploy’s thriving partnership with Royal Mail Group (RMG) has resulted in more than 2,000 disabled and disadvantaged people moving into work. The milestone was marked by a visit to RMG’s busy distribution centre in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, by local MP and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Ms Cooper met Stephen Curran and Tony Allen, two recent recruits who were supported into work by their local Remploy branch. Stephen, who has a learning disability said: “I enjoy my work here. There is variety in what I do and my colleagues are very supportive.” Tony, who also has a learning disability, added: “I enjoy working as part of the team, sorting mail. Everyone has worked hard to help me gain more skills and confidence. It’s a great place to work.”
Remploy and Royal Mail celebrate employment milestone Ms Cooper said: “It’s great to see how Royal Mail is supporting disability employment through its active support of the Remploy programme. “I really commend Royal Mail and Remploy for their hard work and hope they inspire more companies to support people with disabilities in this way.” Matt Reed, Remploy’s director of employer services highlighted two reasons why the partnership with RMG has been such a success. “First, it has had backing from the very highest level at RMG. Second, the entire RMG workforce has embraced the partnership and its aim of increasing workplace diversity to the point that it is no longer seen as a ‘special project’ but just another way of accessing high quality talent.”
“We’re delighted that we have reached this significant and important milestone with Remploy. It demonstrates our commitment to supporting people – no matter their background – with employment opportunities in the diverse communities Royal Mail serves in the UK.” Jon Millidge, RMG HR director
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Real work, real results
Learning disabled students given a chance to shine in Leicester An innovative employment scheme in Leicester is helping young people with learning disabilities prepare for work.
Leicester Works, a partnership between Remploy, Leicester City Council and Leicester College provides training and internships for students. Crucially, it is also raising awareness of the business benefits of employing people with learning disabilities. “Employment rates for people with learning disabilities are depressingly low, so schemes like Leicester Works have a vital part to play in changing attitudes,” said Kelly Porcas, Remploy’s Department for Education grant manager. “Young people with learning disabilities are crying out for an opportunity to show what they are capable of, which is why supported internships are so important.” In the last six years Leicester City Council has provided work experience for dozens of young people with learning disabilities, giving them an opportunity to work alongside non-disabled employees.
Helen McLean, a senior practitioner for the community inclusion and employment plus team at Leicester City Council manages interns during their placements at the council. She said: “Having a job, no matter who you are, gives you a sense of self-worth, enables you to meet people and builds confidence. “The partnership with Remploy has been great – not only for the people with learning disabilities who are gaining new skills and confidence – but also for us as an employer. It has helped to raise awareness about the abilities and potential of people with a learning disability among our staff. “The interns put forward by Remploy are capable, enthusiastic and often exceed our expectations, proving that they can do work far above what people initially thought they would be able to do.”
Leicester Works provides supported internships with Leicester City Council and other employers. Students spend two days a week in work and one day at college to attain core qualifications. Remploy prepares students for their placements and provides employment support during and after their 39 week placement. Find out more about supported internships at: remployemployers.co.uk/traineeships
Remploy’s Quarterly Magazine
Issue 19 / Winter 2014
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Around the UK
Veterans commissioner Eric Fraser, centre with James O’Hare, left and David Davidson
Commissioner meets veterans on Remploy visit Scotland’s first-ever veterans commissioner visited Remploy’s Stirling branch to see firsthand the wide range of support available to former service men and women. Eric Fraser, who was appointed to the post in June 2014 to work with service charities, local authorities and health boards to identify areas in public services that might provide greater support to veterans, spoke to candidates and branch employees. He said: “It is not that veterans are looking for special attention, what they are looking for is something to make sure that their service doesn’t put them at a disadvantage. “They want to be able to leave the service and have the options to do what anyone else would.” Mr Fraser met Remploy candidate David Davidson, 36 from Stirling who served in the Argyll regiment for seven years before a freak accident left him with a fractured spine.
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“I was thinking that I was never going to work again,” said David. “But I came back. I hadn’t heard of Remploy but I am now signed up to do a security course and I can’t wait to get started.” James O’Hare, 23, also from Stirling, told Mr Fraser how Remploy had helped him find work as a security guard at the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles last year. “It was brilliant,” he said. “I can see myself doing this work for a while.” More than 150 people have been supported into work by Remploy’s Stirling branch since it opened in early 2014. Meanwhile, Lesley Griffiths, the Welsh government minister for communities and tackling poverties, visited Remploy’s Wrexham branch. Afterwards she said: “I appreciated the opportunity to meet Remploy candidates. Our goal in Wales is to promote people’s independence, confidence, health and well-being and I very much welcome Remploy’s efforts towards achieving this.”
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Around the UK
Andrea swaps the kitchen for a new life at M&S Andrea Khodakarami from Loughborough, Leicestershire, feared she might never work again when deteriorating health ended her 32-year career as a chef.
Andrea Khodakarami
But Remploy’s Leicester branch put Andrea back on track and she recently celebrated her first year as a warehouse operative at Marks & Spencer’s distribution centre in Castle Donington. “Unemployment was tough because I had always been busy and in work,” said Andrea. “But Remploy’s support was fantastic. I was nervous about applying for this job because I had never worked in a warehouse before but the preparation was first class and I went to the interview full of confidence.”
“I could see Andrea had enormous potential. Anyone who has been a successful chef for more than 30 years clearly isn’t afraid of hard work.” Marie Mann, Remploy employment advisor
...and Cathy bounces back Cathy Clements from Derby is another former Remploy candidate who has been given a new lease of life at M&S’s Castle Donington site. She has had Peripheral Arterial Disease, which restricts the blood supply to her legs, for almost 30 years and has had other health setbacks in recent years. But Cathy never considered giving up and has now been working as a warehouse operative at the distribution centre for almost two years. Remploy’s Derby branch helped Cathy create a standout CV and worked to build her confidence.
Remploy has supported more than
150
disabled and disadvantaged people into work at M&S’s high-tech distribution centre.
“Both Remploy and M&S have been absolutely brilliant,” said Cathy, who is now an elected employee representative, helping to shape decision making at the distribution centre. Remploy’s Quarterly Magazine
Issue 19 / Winter 2014
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Valuing our impact Social Return on Investment (SROI) is a way for us to put a value on activities such as improving people’s confidence, reducing reliance on other services and protecting the environment. Between April 2013 to March 2014: For every
we created
invested
in social value
£1 £2.51
We saved the NHS
Staff satisfaction increased to the value of
We reduced our greenhouse emissions by the equivalent of nearly
We saved the State
in benefit payments Together we generated in excess of Our staff gave back
We supported
individuals by improving candidates’ motivation, resilience and confidence
Read the report at www.remployblog.co.uk/sroi
volunteer hours