How we worked to create the Blueprint
Bromley by Bow Centre, Clarion Futures and Well North Enterprises
The OCS Foundation works in partnership with organisations including Bromley By Bow Centre, Clarion Futures and Well North Enterprises to deliver a UK-wide People into Work program, aimed at bringing meaningful employment opportunities to local people with anticipated outcomes of improved health and well-being and economic gain.
The program was designed to create a blueprint for employers which the OCS Foundation. From our initial pilots in 2019, we have developed a model of good practice and a holistic, person centred approach. The program engages with people furthest removed from the workplace, for example, who may be entering the workplace for the first time, returning to work after illness, or who do not have the necessary written, reading or language skills to find suitable employment.
To develop and refine the program, the OCS Foundation has initially placed candidates in roles with OCS. To date, candidates have been successfully placed at several participating customer sites.
Young people and veterans
Before the program, the life experiences and challenges of some of our new candidates included homelessness, alcohol addiction, returning to work after raising children, and being a full-time carer living with stress and anxiety. The OCS Foundation is now also focusing on young people and veterans and supporting them into work.
Our learnings
Our pilot project in 2019 enabled 60% of applicants to be successful in securing a sustainable job and 44% remained in post.
A full evaluation report, detailing good practice and learnings, and a Toolkit to support delivery of the program has been produced and are shaping and informing the development of our two-year program.
This will generate a proof of concept that will be shared with the wider Facilities Management sector in support of opening opportunities for people who would otherwise not have them.
People into Work - a case study
Our program partners each identify the uniqueness of the project because of its front-end support and the extremely caring approach of the OCS Team. The program helped Christiana get a permanent job meaning she can enjoy a better financial position and improved health and wellbeing.
Christiana says, "My managers have been very supportive in the work I do. I feel strong now I am working".
Watch our team share their experiences of the People into Work program.