Partnering with hospitality industry charity, Springboard, and Government delivery partner Spectra First, which supports young people to realise their best outcomes, the aim is to provide support for those leaving care looking for employment in the hospitality sector.
Currently there are approximately 70,000 children in care in England and, by committing to the Care Leaver Covenant, the business is giving care leavers an opportunity to start a career in the foodservice industry.
In partnership with Springboard, Compass is offering a two-week pre-employability programme resulting in a guaranteed interview for a vacancy within the business. If successful, care leavers can progress on to one of 31 different apprenticeship courses as part of their career development and sustainable employment.
Spectra First CEO Matthew Gordon commented: “We are delighted to have Compass on board with the Care Leaver Covenant. The Covenant seeks to create practical specific offers by organisations in the private and voluntary sectors to support care leavers aged 16-25 in living independently. It is a long-term commitment, not only to offer training, work, housing, healthcare or financial support, but to a different way of working and thinking that embraces the positive contributions that care leavers can make.
“It’s really important that we have major industry players involved, especially in our key sectors, to encourage their peers to commit to the Covenant.”
Donna Catley, HR director, Compass Group UK & Ireland, commented: “We think everybody deserves the same opportunity and by working with these great charities and the Department for Education we believe we can successfully help integrate young people coming out of care into the working environment.
“Our pre-employability programme has helped a number of candidates into apprenticeships and employment. We are immensely proud of our capability to mentor and train young people at Compass, both of which are key elements to achieving sustainable employment. As a business, we pledge to provide care leavers with improved access to employment and educational training, giving them a new way of thinking and helping them move forward by providing a clear career path.”
Nikki Kelly, fundraising and marketing director at Springboard, said: “I am delighted that Springboard is working in partnership with Compass Group UK & Ireland and Spectra First to deliver better outcomes for care leavers through the Government’s Care Leaver Covenant. This partnership will now see a dedicated employment programme for care leavers offering one-to-one mentoring, pre and post-employment support, work experience and employment opportunities.”