Impact Newsletter - June 2023

‘Con-grad-ulations’ to our Continuous Improvement Academy (CIA) Class of 2023

and focus that a leader needs. He explained how he was hesitant about the training at first due to his dyslexia, however found the academy incredibly supportive, flexible and professional.

We were thrilled to share the day with all the excellent speakers. Thank you to Mark Leigh – Deputy Director, Head of Employability Category – DWP, Simon Elias – Director of Lean competency Systems (LCS), Stephanie E. - Business Intelligence, Alice Clements-Platt FIEP - Operational Excellence Director, and Edward Wild - Team Manager.

What’s inside...

We had a wonderful time celebrating our CIA graduates who gathered from all areas of the business to mark the achievements and business impact they’ve made successfully studying for their yellow and green belt qualifications.

Ingeus’ Chief Executive, Fiona Monahan, joined them in Birmingham to mark their successes, along with special guests from the Department for Work and Pensions, NCS Trust, and Lean Competency Systems.

The Academy has worked hard to ensure someone who is neurodivergent can have the same successful outcome as everyone else. The Academy is exceptional in being flexible, supporting everyone and making it happen.

It was fantastic to hear from Ali Clements-Platt, Director of Operational Excellence, on how her programme encouraged her to approach challenges in different ways, and the practical skills gained that have helped improve customer outcomes.

Ed Wild also shared how his training helped to prepare him for the mindset

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Dan is now inspiring others with CFO Activity Hubs

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Amrik Bhachu, shares what Pride means to him

Dan is now inspiring others

He’d been in and out of prison all his life and was battling a drug problem. Dan, aged 30, admits he was “broken” when he was referred to the CFO Activity Hubs programme for help to rebuild his life. The joint-funded contract, delivered by Ingeus’ justice division in the North East, provides tailored help and support to offenders who have disengaged from society.

“I was on probation and I didn’t really want help, if I’m honest. I wasn’t willing to accept any help because I thought I knew better,” says Dan. “I ended up getting referred to the CFO Activity Hub in Durham and I didn’t want to be there.”

The CFO Activity Hubs help offenders to reintegrate into society. Once referred by probation colleagues, service users are taken through a series of interventions and given wraparound support to help them move forward with their lives. “Meeting them was overwhelming because I was accepted there,” says Dan. “They didn’t just look at me as a homeless junkie, I was treated with warmth, (they were) kind and caring.

At the time I was broken… They helped me with things – from housing, to my rehabilitation, through my drug use.” He adds that he received the help he needed “in every aspect” of his life.

Explaining how the process works, CFO Activity Hubs head of delivery Chris O’Connor says: “We’ll do an initial assessment, just to identify areas that they would like help with. It’s tailored to that individual, it’s not one size fits all, and we’ll start looking at the help that they need.”

As well as accessing support for accommodation, health, finance and

debt, education, employment and training, service users can also meet positive role models and peers with lived experience of the justice system. Dan is now a CFO Activity Hubs peer mentor, engaging with service users and supporting them as they try to overcome their problems.

Dan says: “What I’m doing now is basically what someone did to me the day I walked into that hub. Asking how I was feeling… I was broken… I was dying inside. So, to be able to give that back, it’s rewarding. I’ve got emotional empathy for people… I’ve walked that life, I’ve lived that life and I know how hard it is to get out of that rut. To give it back… it’s amazing.”

Commissioned by the HM Prison and Probation Service Co-financing Organisation, the programme is partfunded by the European Social Fund. As well as running community-based hubs with its partners, Ingeus also has a custodial Activity Hub focusing on veterans.

I’ve walked that life, I’ve lived that life and I know how hard it is to get out of that rut. To give it back… it’s amazing.

Youth Voice Ambassadors take a stand at Every Period Counts Period Parade

Period-themed costumes at the ready, our Youth Voice Ambassadors headed to London to make a difference at the Every Period Counts Period Parade. The campaign, ran by Irise International, aims to combat period inequality, shame, and poverty, as well as celebrate youth activists who are striving to make change happen.

Rhiannon Earl-O’Regan, one of our ambassadors, shared her experience of the day:

“I think periods in general are not talked about nearly enough, let alone period poverty! It was really powerful to see people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders, come together to promote awareness on a very serious issue.”

CRS team recognised at rehabilitation awards

Three cheers for Chris Sopp, Ruth Horn, and David Southern who have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to supporting people on probation.

Chris Sopp, Dependency & Recovery Navigator of the CRS programme in Northumbria, will be honoured with an award, alongside Ruth Horn, Recovery Navigator, and David Southern, Recovery Guide, who will receive Certificates of Excellence. As Recovery Navigators, Chris and Ruth work closely with people on probation to identify their health and lifestyle risks, then create bespoke action plans to help them understand

and manage their dependency and recovery needs. David’s role focuses on delivering a close, supportive experience to guide service users through their recovery journey with Ingeus and partnering agencies.

We’re delighted that their hard work and commitment has been rewarded. Congratulations to all nominees and award winners, we look forward to celebrating with everyone at the awards ceremony in September!

‘What does Pride mean to me?’

cities and towns bringing together the diverse communities that we all belong to.

Even though I have never marched in a parade, pride in my 30s reflected on how far we had come, and where we are heading, and to take a moment to celebrate the progress that we have made. As I stood on the side-lines cheering on the giant floats, the drag queens, the activists, the mothers, the fathers, the young, and the old, pride became more about inclusion acknowledging and accepting someone’s true self.

Amrik

Bhachu, Sales Manager and LGBTQIA+ Deputy Lead, shares his thoughts and experiences in celebration of Pride month.

Pride is a celebration of love, laughter and life bringing together humanity to be more accepting and encompassing of the world around us. Pride is there to empower you to allow you to accept who you are and be proud of all that you stand for. Pride is like a big hug where you will find your people and they will be entirely welcoming to you. There are many different faces to pride and many different meanings behind pride depending upon an individual’s life story. In my 20s it was

all about the celebration of being proud, colourful outfits studded with rhinestones glittering with the light, and attending parties where you would drink a heady mixture of cocktails and dance the night away and welcome a euphoric sunrise.

The Pride parade is a symbol of activism, where we march because we can and for those who cannot. After the Stonewall Riots in 1969, the very first Pride parades began in New York and this momentous tradition carries on today all over the world in different

Now in my 40s, Pride is a celebration of equality and diversity, accepting someone’s true self. It is me accepting and being proud of who I am. It is about saying this is me, and I am proud to be me. Pride month is a reminder of our ongoing struggle for rights and freedoms within the UK and the wider world. Although I still like to party, Pride now is much more than partying and music. It is an opportunity to celebrate LQBTQA+ history, culture, activism, and life experiences. It is a time to remember all those who have gone before us and paved the yellow brick road that we walk today, remembering the sacrifices they made, the dangers they faced, and the prejudices they came across.

Pride is a celebration of equality and diversity, accepting someone’s true self. It is me accepting and being proud of who I am. It is about saying this is me, and I am proud to be me.

There is so much to be proud of and so much to celebrate during Pride, but there is also a lot more work that needs to be done until everyone can be accepted for who they are in this world. Have pride and be proud in everything that you do.

Check out our YouTube channel to watch Amrik’s video for more on Pride Month.

Work and Health Programme showcase at Digital Mindset event

Representatives from Ingeus’ Work and Health Programme (WHP) attended a Digital Mindset event to discuss how they use a blended approach of face to face and digital mental health services for the greatest impact. Laura Rodger, Senior Health Practitioner, spoke alongside leaders from Healthcare-RM, Amwell and Health Assured in a fireside chat.

Challenging perceptions about digital pathways to mental health support, and encouraging people to think differently, Laura spoke about the different backgrounds of WHP participants, the barriers that individuals may have accessing digital content and how this makes each of their cases unique, as well as our use of Silvercloud, a digital tool of interactive programmes to deliver effective support.

Jobseekers learn digital skills to fill London IT vacancies

knowledge that will equip them for a wide range of IT roles.

The jobseekers were identified for the course by Restart Scheme which Ingeus delivers across Central and West London on behalf of Department for Work and Pensions.

The scheme was launched in partnership with CodeVerse, which specialises in running technology courses for under-represented groups including those from low socio-economic backgrounds and people with neurodiverse conditions.

CodeVerse Head of Training Gautham Pai, said: “The learners came away from the bootcamp not just knowing more about computer programming but also how to use their new knowledge to learn other skills.

“I saw a lot of enthusiasm from the participants and the way Ingeus screened them, the communication we had beforehand and how seriously they took it meant it was one of the most successful bootcamps we have ever run!”

Several of the top performers at the bootcamp have been identified as ready to take on jobs with CodeVerse clients, including a global tech consultancy, after role-specific training.

Thirty participants who took part in the four-week online training programme acquired the

The bootcamp focused on the computer coding language ‘Python’ but also gave participants other skills that would benefit London businesses currently desperate to fill 29,000 IT jobs.

We wish them all the luck with their newfound IT journeys!

To find out more about how our digital advocates used these new skills, visit ingeus.co.uk/case-studies

A pool of work-ready jobseekers with new skills learned at an IT bootcamp are ready to help fill London’s chronic digital talent shortage.

On the front line of recruiting and supporting ex-service people

In fact, the business is actively seeking ex-forces personnel through recruitment sites aimed specifically at those who have served their country and are now looking for jobs on ‘civvy street’. Reliability, strong leadership, great teamwork, spot-on timekeeping, fierce work ethic, and an ability to think on their feet – all sought-after attributes that Craig Robbins says veterans can bring to any role. And the Personal Wellbeing Advisor, based in South Warwickshire, should know. When it comes to lived experience of what it’s like to come out of the forces and find worthwhile work, Craig’s been there, done that, worn the flak jacket. Wanting to use his experience even further, Craig volunteered to chair the Ingeus Armed Forces Network, which exists to help service veterans settle in once they join the business. In the lead-up to Armed Forces Day on 24 June he is helping to produce a guide for Ingeus managers on what to expect when an ex-service person joins their team. It includes a wellbeing action plan and advice on the triggers

that may bring back painful or horrific memories for veterans.

“It might sound silly but on bonfire night the sound of fireworks might affect people,” he says. “Remembrance Day and even Armed Forces Day can be a time when memories of mates lost in action resurface.”

The handbook also includes a directory of support services, many of them local charities, that managers can signpost for those who feel they need it.

Craig knows all about the difficulties some may encounter on leaving the forces. He spent 12 years in the Royal Greenjackets, serving on the front line in places like Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Kenya. He rose to the rank of corporal but decided to leave the Army to spend more time with his wife and two young children.

The 45-year-old says he experienced dark days once he left his uniform behind, despite finding work giving close protection to some well-known celebrities. Experiencing PTSD, he turned to alcohol and drugs to “dull my brain” against the memories, even contemplating suicide.

Now he is putting that experience and those memories to positive use, supporting people on probation who may be fighting their own demons. It also means he can help colleagues from across the business making the transition to a new way of life. He has introduced a section on the company

intranet with advice for veterans themselves or their colleagues, as well as regular online drop-in clinics where people can talk directly to him.

“It’s not just for those who have served,” he says, “but their partners, children and families who may all have been affected by the loss or illness of a loved one or having to deal with long periods of separation.

“The support Ingeus gave me when I joined two years ago was just what I needed, it was superb. I can’t imagine working for anyone other than Ingeus.

“We are bronze level signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, which shows we are veteran-friendly, but we are looking to go to the next, silver stage in recognition of the support we offer.

“I think Ingeus could become one of the leading employers of ex-service people. They have a niche set of skills and experience that are valuable to any business but particularly one like ours where often we are helping people who are struggling in life.

The support Ingeus gave me when I joined two years ago was just what I needed, it was superb. I can’t imagine working for anyone other than Ingeus.

When it comes to the qualities former armed service people bring to the workplace, Ingeus needs no persuading of their value.

TRIGGER WARNING: please note this content contains references to drug abuse, alcohol abuse, PTSD and suicide.

Employability Day 2023

A day to celebrate the employability sector? Count us in! ERSA’s (Employment Related Services Association) Employability Day 2023 was nothing short of fantastic as it boasted a variety of activities from organisations across the UK to raise awareness of the sector’s work transforming the lives of jobseekers every day.

ERSA represents the employment support sector and is made up of over 300 members in the private, public and voluntary sectors. All of which work towards the common goal of helping those that are unemployed to find sustainable work. But the work doesn’t stop there, and with the labour market ever-changing, the support this sector offers is more relevant and varied than ever.

This year, like every year, the Ingeus teams were hard at work up and down the country running special events for the day, including money management sessions, job fairs, workwear stations, and VIP visits. We also held LinkedIn Live events with our partners to help more businesses learn how to create a diverse and inclusive workforce.

For more information about our events and read what Julie Graham, CEO of Employment Services, had to say about Employability Day in her blog on our website.

Collette takes home Lean Competency System Impact Award

Congratulations to Collette Westerman, Continuous Improvement Academy Development Manager, for receiving the Lean Competency System (LCS) Impact Award which recognises excellence in the application of continuous improvement at an organisational, team and individual level.

Collette was instrumental in launching Ingeus’ Continuous Improvement strategy and the results since have been fantastic.

Getting to know you...

We asked Dan to answer life’s essential ‘this or that’ questions:

Summer or Winter?

Summer

Chocolate or sweets?

Dan Dixon, Project Manager

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Dan Dixion, Project Manager in our Transformation and Change Team.

“As a person who likes change, I am fortunate to work as a Project Manager within the Transformation and Change Team. One of the things I really enjoy about the role is having the opportunity to work with lots of different people across the different teams and support services within Ingeus and sharing that same passion for enabling better lives with others. I’m currently working on the mobilisation of a new Health contract focusing on the Clinical Operating Procedures.”

Chocolate

Night or morning?

Night City or countryside?

Countryside

Cats or dogs?

Dogs

Dressed up or casual?

Casual

Phone calls or emails?

Emails

Books or films?

Films

Night out or night in?

Night out

Holidays or home comforts?

Holidays