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Purposeful Employer Network

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AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR

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As a business, The Recruitment Co. are passionate about supporting and inspiring work environments that are inclusive to everyone. We firmly believe in the power of diversity and no matter background, personal circumstances or ability, we champion the positive impact and contribution that all people have on society.At The Recruitment Co. we ensure that all of our candidates find a sense of belonging in the workplace - somewhere they feel safe to be their authentic selves and reach their potential. We do this by supporting job seekers in securing employment which meets their values and goals.But businesses need to give more attention to their equal opportunity strategies in order to support those who struggle to find, or face barriers into, meaningful employment.That’s where the Purposeful Employer Network comes in. We want to bridge the gap between candidate and employer by collaborating with purpose driven organisations, charities, and back to work providers, to offer recruitment solutions aimed specifically at diverse and inclusive placements. As an experienced recruitment agency we can be a facilitator of good. We already make it our mission to learn about and understand the needs of candidates; identifying roles and environments that are right for them across our client network. But we strive to take this to new and more proactive heights.This document offers all the information you need to determine if collaboration presents an opportunity to create better, and inspire more engaged, communities of purpose driven activists.We look forward to hearing your feedback.Kind RegardsDarren Roscoe, Managing Director …FROM OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR

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People are at the heart of every business - it is therefore essential that equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is a central part of any organisation.Everyone either in, or currently seeking employment is deserved of equal opportunities. At The Recruitment Co. we are proud to attract and retain top talent based on merit - free from bias, and we reflect this in all the hiring campaigns we manage for our clients. We recognise the value and positive impact of a diverse workforce, and we’re committed to taking action to tackle discrimination; action that exceeds any legal obligation!Through our association with the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI), we have put together an action plan to bring about positive change. One element of this strategy is, where possible, to influence inclusive workplaces beyond our own business. To achieve this we have created the Purposeful Employer Network (PEN) - a community of respected business leaders and decision makers who have pledged to offer sustainable job opportunities to people who maybe need a little more help than some with getting into work.The PEN not only allows you, as a member to play a part in maximising the potential of all people; improving employment prospects and offering everyone an equal chance to succeed, but it also opens up access to untapped, eager to work talent. It’s win, win!So, if you are a business leader or influencer, who shares our mission and values, we encourage you to get involved, change lives and be part of our network.INTRODUCTIONALWAYS IN GOOD COMPANY.

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CONTENTSHIRING A DIVERSE WORKFORCEWHAT IS THE PEN?OUR PARTNERSBECOMING A PEN MEMBEROUR REFERRAL NETWORK

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The need for improved diversity and inclusion in the workplace is not new but there is more attention on the topic as modern businesses build workforces with a culture of trust, purpose and compassion.In a Glassdoor’s Diversity & Inclusion Workplace Survey, 32% of job seekers and employees stated they would not apply for a job at a company where the workforce lacks diversity.● Companies with diverse management teams are 21% more likely to achieve high profit trajectory.● Diverse companies are 17% more likely to be respected innovators within their market sectors.● 3 out of 4 employees prefer to work for a diverse company aligned to their personal values.● Diverse companies are 35% more likely to financially outperform their less-diverse competitors.WHY HIRE A DIVERSE WORKFORCEALWAYS IN GOOD COMPANY.Prioritising equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is not just a business advantage; it’s your social responsibility and testimony that you value people's viewpoints and life experiences.By creating opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups, organisations actively work towards reducing biases and promoting equal access to sustainable roles and careers. Businesses today have an ethical obligation to create environments that value fair treatment towards all employees.Putting EDI first encourages creativity, expands talent pools, enhances decision-making, increases employee engagement, boosts market reach, upholds social responsibility and considerably improves brand reputation.

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The Purposeful Employer Network (PEN) is a community of employers that will change the face of EDI hiring.It all started with the realisation that as a national, multi-sector recruiter we are well placed to support individuals from marginalised communities. We hire around the clock for roles across multiple disciplines and skill levels. We have access to national clients like you, who share our vision and are aligned with our values. We are confident in our ability to proactively make a change in the world. So, we gathered together the best minds in the social impact business to formalise a process which feels no different to a standard agency/client relationship.➮ You opt in➮ You commit to a referral quota➮ Then the rest of the process is left to us and our partnersPURPOSEFUL EMPLOYER NETWORK?WHAT IS THE THE PROCESSCHARITY REFERRALOUR DEDICATED HIRING TEAM TAKE A TACTILE APPROACH TO THE CANDIDATE PROCESS. EACH REFERRAL IS WORK READY AND IN MOST CASES WILL COME WITH WORKPLACE SUPPORT. THEY ARE ALSO THOROUGHLY VETTED AND ROLE SUITABILITY CHECKED.ORGANIC APPLICATIONYOU SIGN UP TO THE PURPOSEFUL EMPLOYER NETWORKCANDIDATE PLACED IN SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT WITH PEN EMPLOYERSYOU COMMIT TO A NUMBER OF EDI CANDIDATESEDI CANDIDATES ENTER OUR HIRING JOURNEY IN ONE OF TWO WAYS

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HOW IT WORKSALWAYS IN GOOD COMPANY.We truly believe that given a chance every person has the ability to succeed in the workplace. We therefore want to support every applicant that enters the recruitment process.Once you’ve registered interest in becoming a Purposeful Employer Network member, we will meet with you to build our your bespoke process:● Agreeing how many candidates you are open to placing, this could be one per year, a percentage per hiring campaign, or we can build bespoke agreements that work for you● Exploring acceptable candidate profiles● Defining roles, building job specs, and tailoring training and development paths● Briefing on the job support and placement, including environmental accessibility and adaptations if neededWe will then embed our inbound/outbound candidate journey, which, with a more tactile and personalised approach, has been created to meet the needs of the applicant and their circumstances.Candidate applies organically to jobs we actively advertiseINBOUND CANDIDATES OUTBOUND CANDIDATESRole is posted on common job boardsRole is posted on niche EDI job boardsRole is shared with charity partnersThe application reaches our dedicated team, trained in dealing with diverse candidates. They continually build relationships with the PEN - reviewing candidate suitability for roles, be that the one they have applied for, or others which may be availableFor equality purposes candidate goes through a (softer touch) hiring process including interviewAPPLICATIONCANDIDATE ENTERS THE PROCESSIf a candidate is hired, the aftercare process will be introduced with regular check ins from the hiring rep, or depending on the candidates personal circumstances, a charity representativeWhen we identify top talent we don’t wait for a role to become available… we spec them out to clients where we feel they would add valueEDI candidate put forward for an active roleEDI candidate CV is sent over to the clientSeeking candidates using our partners job seeker databaseSOURCINGIf a client or PEN Member is open to giving the scoped candidate a chance we will enter them into our hiring process CLICK TO BECOME A MEMBER

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To meet the objective of the Purposeful Employer Network, we have joined forces with a partner who is respected, and fully immersed in EDI recruitment. are our conduit for good, introducing candidates who come to them, via application or charity referral partners, to The Recruitment Co. as their agency of choice. In addition, collaborate with training businesses and non-profits who provide training and qualifications to help candidates become work ready. ORGANICCandidates responding to advertising or direct applications through the BoH websiteCHARITIESDirect referrals, of more sensitive case, via BoH’s charity, and non-profit partnersPARTNERSBoH boost employability by engaging with L&D and financial support providersPEN INBOUND CANDIDATES EMPLOYABILITY INVESTMENTCandidates coming through a standard application and referral journey will be funnelled into the PEN’s inbound candidate processes which mirrors a standard hiring journeyCandidates who need further assistance will be referred to the support network, but kept on our hiring radarBoH APPLICATION BoH REFERRAL BoH SUPPORTOUTBOUND Top talent we identify will be specced directly into a client

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ALWAYS IN GOOD COMPANY.79,000 candidate rich talent pool65,000 online applications in 18 months100+ non-profit candidate referral partners25 Universities* referring students/graduates(*non-Russell Group)TOP SKILLS Retail, Customer Facing, Hospitality/Catering, Warehouse & Logistics, Construction, and Professional ServicesWith the support of Bridge of Hope we will match untapped, job-ready talent from overlooked and/or marginalised backgroundswith progressive employers, like you, pursuing workforce diversity.Fast facts from :MAIN REFERRERSProgrammes'First In Family' SchemesEmployability ProgrammesCharityEx-Offenders/Returning Citz.Homeless/Housing Assn. CLICK TO BECOME A MEMBER

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No person imagines being unemployed; living without purpose, income or reason to get up in the morning. But far too many face that reality.A job is rocket-fuel for self-worth; a job boosts confidence, offers focus and allows families to flourish, plus the more of us who are in meaningful work, the better it is for the economy! We know first-hand how soul-destroying it is to be unemployed… even more so when you're ready to launch but just can't achieve ignition. Hundreds of thousands of people are overlooked for employment because of their identity or history, age, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex or gender identity, parent/carer duties, service in the military, disability, neurodiversity, previous homelessness, history of addiction or mental ill-health or their criminal record . That's wrong and an oversight - these people bring grit and resilience, loyalty, creativity, and employability into the workplace. Fortunately, employers are waking up to this… and we're here to kick them out of bed.MESSAGE FROM OUR PARTNERS

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This link will take you to a form where you can opt into the Purposeful Employer Network or request a callback to gain more information.Having opted in, we will build candidate profiles to ensure role suitability. We will treat all applicants fairly regardless of background. We do not discriminate against an individual on the basis of personal circumstances or history, but we recognise we have a responsibility to consider the particular requirements of the job role and working environment.We will also discuss the number of candidates you are willing to consider. This could be one individual per year, a percentage per hiring campaign, or we can work with you to build opportunities that benefit both you and the job seeker.BECOMING A PEN MEMBEROnce the process is agreed we will begin to advertise your EDI roles on the Bridge of Hope website whilst also promoting them on our own hiring platforms. Applicants or referrals that meet your criteria will automatically be put forward for your roles as part of the normal hiring journey. Where we recognise top talent, but there isn’t a role available, we will spec these individuals into our PEN members at zero cost.By joining our Purposeful Employer Network you are making a commitment to offer people from marginalised backgrounds, a role within your business.ALWAYS IN GOOD COMPANY.

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Our partnership with means we can tap into some of the UK’s leading charities and organisations to extend our candidate reach.This network of peers shares our values and goals, complementing our recruitment expertise with their accomplished, hands on approach to supporting people who face barriers to employment. Each partner provides training, pastoral support and ongoing guidance to prepare their beneficiaries for the workplace. Over the next pages we have summarised just some of our partners and the communities they support.

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ALWAYS IN GOOD COMPANY.Employment, mental health and care coordination programmes for those who have served in the forces.In collaboration with the NHS, Walking With The Wounded get those who served, and their families, whether mentally, socially or physically wounded, back on their feet and making a positive contribution. ✓Source funding for any required training✓Two IPS Centres of Excellence✓ Call Of Duty Endowment Seal of Distinction✓Build confidence through work placements✓Tailored employment pathwaysLaunchpad supports the transition from leaving the armed forces to returning back to civilian life.With many people leaving the forces unable to resettle and faced with challenges such as homelessness, poverty, health issues, addictions, broken families and unemployment, Launchpad step in to support.✓Confidence building activities and projects✓Workplace preparation skills training✓Health and welfare support ✓Recognised support action framework✓Ongoing assessment and supportARMED FORCES CLICK TO BECOME A MEMBER

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Ways Into Work enable people with a disability or disadvantage to gain and maintain employment. Changing lives, one job at a time, they use an evidence-based model to match the needs of a business to an individual’s skills and aspirations, continually supporting all parties, including the end employer.✓Role/environment suitability check✓Charity led workplace support✓Full aftercare programme✓Vetted, screened, RTW checked✓BASE Members (British Association for Supported Employment)Many people with a learning disability are fit to work and can be just as productive as anyone else.Mencap provide tailored support throughout the entire process. From hiring to on-the-job support and beyond. Mencap strive to ensure people with a learning disability add real value to your organisation.✓Workplace adjustment support✓Own ‘Employ Me’ work ready programme✓In placement support and candidate care✓Vetted, screened, RTW checked✓National Care Forum MembersPHYSICAL & MENTAL

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Key4Life aim to save lives - breaking the cycle of crime and unlocking the potential of young people.On a mission to reduce youth reoffending, Key4Life offer a unique and innovative rehabilitation programme to those in, or at risk of going to prison, as well as preventative support to under 18s.✓Dedicated caseworker and mentor✓Alumni role model programme ✓Vetted, screened, RTW checked✓Post-employment support✓Proven Seven-Step Rehabilitation Model The Prince’s Trust believe all young people should have the chance to embrace exciting opportunities. In line with this, The Prince’s Trust are proud to support 11 to 30 year-olds, from disadvantaged communities, to build confidence, get ready for work, access job opportunities and gain the skills to live, learn and earn.✓Free courses and mentoring support ✓Job matching skill tests✓Also promote short term work experience✓Access to advice through work coaches✓Referral support through the JobcentreYOUNG PEOPLE IN NEEDALWAYS IN GOOD COMPANY. CLICK TO BECOME A MEMBER

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Bounce Back support people to change the direction of their lives and reduce offending.Bounce Back work with people, both inside and outside of prison who may be at risk of, or have a history of, offending and/or substance use. They aim to shape a society where everyone can look forward to a bright future.✓Targeted employment support✓Essential workplace skills training✓Financial and self sufficiency support✓Assessment of service participants✓Case management supportWorking Chance helps women with convictions overcome employment barriers, find jobs and build careers.Working Chance aim to ensure that no woman is held back by her past. They offer support and encouragement whilst developing the confidence, skills and self-belief needed to rebuild their life and be self sufficient.✓Regular in role check-ins and support✓Inclusive hiring practice advisory service✓Multi-award winning community service✓Offer advice on criminal records and the law✓Support with candidate matchingPOSITIVE INTERVENTIONSupporting those who have experience of the Criminal Justice System find successInside Connections break barriers and secure long-term employment. It is set up to assist individuals with training opportunities that are labour market linked - providing a positive pathway into sustainable employment. ✓One-on-one mentoring support✓Self-delivered training programmes✓Supported living for 16-18-year olds✓Robin Corbett Award winners✓Well-qualified and pre-screened referrals

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ALWAYS IN GOOD COMPANY.Mungo’s help people who have experienced homelessness to develop their employability.Mungo’s service users want to work, either now or in the future. The charity therefore help their service users build confidence and independence, gain skills, find meaningful, paid employment and rebuild their lives. ✓Criminal record assessment as standard✓Dedicated Business Excellence division✓Award winning support services✓Vetted, screened, RTW checked✓Run the St Mungo’s Recovery CollegeCentrepoint help 16 to 25 year olds, who are facing homelessness, to find independence and land a job. Centrepoint assist young people in making appropriate, informed and well thought through career decisions, identifying strengths and assessing suitability for progressing into sustainable employment.✓Maths and English courses✓Digital skills courses✓Bursaries✓Vocational courses✓Work experience placementsACCOMODATION RELATED CLICK TO BECOME A MEMBER

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CLICK TO BECOME A MEMBER33 Soho SquareLondon W1D 3QUpurpose@therecruitmentco.ukwww.therecruitmentco.uk