Six months on from launch, Compass Group UK & Ireland’s ‘Social Partner Hub’ is gaining traction in supporting those who have traditionally faced barriers to entering the job market. The initiative has seen Compass partnering with many specialist organisations including Tent UK, West Lea, Ambitious About Autism and several welfare to work providers including Ingeus, Maximus and Reed in Partnership, to provide job opportunities.
The Hub was launched in the Summer of 2023, with an ambition of supporting candidates from a variety of backgrounds that are often overlooked for employment. The scheme is now working with a range of people including those with convictions, care leavers, long term unemployed, refugees, those experiencing homelessness and people living with a range of disabilities.
The platform matches candidates with job opportunities at Compass and across its sectors including sports and leisure, healthcare and defence. The process offers tailored support to both Compass managers and external candidates, to ensure attraction and help for people from all backgrounds.
So far, the Hub has resulted in over 60 paid employment opportunities, with many more looking to be placed in the next six months. In addition, Compass has focussed on training hiring managers in how to support a range of candidates in both interview and induction, which has seen the programme gain traction and enhance inclusivity.
In Wales its Compass Cymru division took part in a pilot run by UK Hospitality, DWP and Cambrian Training, which has provided tailored training for jobseekers and concluded with an event for those looking for employment.
The Hub supports Compass’ “Our Social Promise”, which includes ‘Mission to a Million’ – a pledge to provide support to one million people by 2030 through jobs, training, community engagement and development.
Sonia Murtagh, Social Partnerships Resourcing Lead at Compass Group UK & Ireland, commented:
“At our launch event six months ago, we had many partners attend with a view to getting involved in our Social Partner Hub and since then we have been working to establish these relationships and see how we can work together to support people who traditionally struggle to find work. We are gaining momentum and are learning all the time. The Hub and our practices continue to evolve, but the feedback and results so far are really positive.”
Leonila Mencias, Manager, Ingeus UK – Restart Scheme Central and West London: “Since the Social Partner Hub was launched, we have had a total of six recruitment events and it has been a very successful partnership. Using the Hub has facilitated our candidates by removing barriers to applying and getting a job. For example, for some we have taken away the need for an online application form – where people are not tech savvy or don’t have access to technology. To date, Compass has offered around 20 jobs to our candidates, helping participants change their lives for the better.”
