Compass Group UK & Ireland, the UK’s largest food and support services provider, steps up support for young people coming out of care with the launch of its Care Leaver Covenant commitment.
Partnering with leading hospitality industry charity Springboard; and Government delivery partner Spectra First, who support young people to realise their best outcomes, the aim is to provide support for those leaving care looking for employment in the hospitality sector.
There are approximately 70,000 children in care in England and by committing to the Care Leaver Covenant promise the business is giving care leavers a great opportunity to start a career in the food services industry and really flourish.
In partnership with Springboard Compass is offering a two-week pre-employability programme resulting in a guaranteed interview for a live vacancy within the business. If successful and following completion of a probationary period, care leavers can progress onto one of 31 different apprenticeship courses as part of their career development and most importantly sustainable employment.
Matthew Gordon, CEO, Spectra First (pictured right) also commented on the signing, “We are delighted to have Compass on board with the Covenant. The Care Leaver 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 Compass Group UK & Ireland pledges to provide care leavers with improved access to employment and educational training, giving them a new way of thinking and helping them move forwards by providing a clear career path.”
Nikki Kelly, Fundraising and Marketing Director, Springboard, (pictured centre) sums up the partnership, 'I am delighted that Springboard are working in partnership with Compass Group UK & Ireland and Spectra First to deliver better outcomes for care leavers through the Governments 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.
“Our partnership demonstrates the benefits of working together, engaging with national initiatives that deliver local outcomes, and discovering new talent within our communities that provides support and nurtures talented young people into the hospitality sector.'
Also pictured left, Jonathan Foot, Head of Apprenticeships & Early Careers at Compass.