Updated 12.05.14
Home Group's 'Human Library' Hailed for Improving Equality
Home Group beat off tough competition from other social housing providers to win the TPAS northern region Equality and Diversity award for 2014.
The housing provider was recognised for its 'Human Library' initiative, which it established to help colleagues better understand the needs and sensitivities of minority and underrepresented groups of customers and clients.
The Human Library works by bringing diversity to life through the real stories of customers and clients. Members of the library take part in interactive events and help to deliver bespoke training for Home Group colleagues.
One popular event has been the 'life swap' sessions where colleagues are encouraged to meet customers and clients and ask awkward or difficult questions and see life through a different perspective.
The Human Library was established in April 2013 and during its first year involved more than 300 clients, customers, colleagues and stakeholders. Home Group intends to at least double this figure during the next six months as it further develops the programme.
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Affinity Sutton Launches New Employment and Training Partnership with its Maintenance Contractor
Affinity Sutton marked the launch of its new employment and training partnership with Osborne Property Services at an event at centre in Penge.
It provided the opportunity to showcase a new training programme designed to take participants through structured training that leads to a work placement and a guaranteed interview opportunity for paid employment with Osborne Property Services.
Osborne Property Services has already demonstrated its commitment to the new partnership, taking on six Ready2Work customers who are currently undertaking training at its Bromley and Reigate offices - one has already successfully secured a paid fixed-term contract.
In addition, it has ring-fenced six work placement opportunities which will offer on-the-job experience in repairs, ranging from plumbing to plastering and general maintenance.
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Radian to Provide Disabled Residents Crucial Work Experience
Radian Group is working in partnership with Ways into Work, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, to provide opportunities for their residents with disabilities to get valuable work experience.
Based in the south, the housing and care provider has dedicated Employment Support Training (EST) and Community Involvement teams who are organising a 'Work Placements for Disabled Residents'.
A number of our managers based in their Windsor offices will be available to talk with disabled Radian residents about work experience opportunities available in their teams. Last year, Radian's Disability Forum - made up of residents with a wide range of disabilities - asked that the not for profit organisation do what they can to support disabled people to find work. This request comes at a time when 57% of people with disabilities face barriers to accessing work compared with 26% of non-disabled people.
Placements available include: Taster sessions from 2 to 7 hours or 1 day; short term sessions up to 37 hours spread over a period of weeks or 1 complete week; a medium term session of up to 72 hours spread over a number of weeks or a fortnight.
