SSE’s long term partnership with Barnardo’s has been selected as a finalist in the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) 2016 Employability Awards which aim to celebrate the hard work and dedication achieved across the employment support sector.
Following almost a decade of working together, and the recent publication of SSE’s report measuring the significant economic benefits of the Barnardo’s Works young employability programme, Barnardo’s nominated SSE in the Large Employer of the Year category. The judging panel decided SSE deserved to be selected as a finalist ahead of a number of large private companies, charities and other organisations.
John Stewart, SSE’s Director of Human Resources, said: “Our work with Barnardo’s really compliments SSE’s recruitment and business needs, and at the same time is helping many young people find work and long term careers.
“The partnership beat off some impressive organisations to make it as a finalist in the ERSA awards so it is a real privilege to even be selected.”
Tommy McDade, Assistant Director for Employment, Training and Skills at Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Barnardo’s is delighted our work with SSE is being recognised by the ERSA.
“We really value our partnership with SSE which has developed and grown over the last ten years into something very special. The report published by SSE earlier this year demonstrates just how much society benefits from these kinds of partnerships, and this latest accolade clearly shows that this value is being recognised by others too which is brilliant.”
SSE’s “Changing Lives, Growing Value” report quantifies the economic benefits for society from giving young people struggling to access education, employment or training an opportunity to join SSE on a six month work placement; and makes the business case for other firms to do the same.
Since 2008, over 230 young people have joined the programme and SSE has invested over £1million in the initiative – but this has paid dividends.
The report found for every £1 spent by SSE, £7.67 is returned on the investment, split between the young people themselves, SSE and other businesses that have gone on to employ the individuals after the work placement, as well as wider society through increased tax payments and reduced payments of unemployment benefits.
Last year, the ERSA awards received over 200 entries and recognised efforts from jobseekers, frontline advisors and employers. Entries were received from across the employment spectrum including local authorities, house associations, universities, specialist providers and private companies, from both ERSA members and those delivering employment support services.
To read the full report, click here.