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TAKING THE FIRST STEP

 

 

On this page you will find our Employer’s Participant Pledge and information on How to run a Pilot, as well as a link to our Get Involved page which covers many of the FAQs people enquire about when starting out.


Employer’s Participant Pledge

Movement to Work is committed to helping young people (those aged 16-30) who are not in education, employment or training, to move closer to the world of work, by creating vocational workplace opportunities and work experience placements.

In order that quality outcomes are ensured and impact is maximised, we stipulate the following requirements for membership:

  • Commit to a sustained plan of work placements or direct entry level jobs (See Appendix for definitions) that can impact the lives of young people who are not in employment, education or training:
    • Employers aim to offer placements and/or direct entry positions at a scale that is significant to their entry-level/apprenticeship recruitment;
    • Placements will last approximately 2 weeks* combining vocational training, employability skills and work experience (*in some sectors different length placements will be appropriate).
  • Placements will, wherever possible, be linked to jobs – including apprenticeships, in order to meet Movement to Work’s aspiration to collectively support 50% of the young people trained into employment – including apprenticeships, further study or training.
  • Be a responsible employer in support of young people:
    • Adhere to our quality standards (as listed below);
    • Comply with applicable UK workplace legislation, including health and safety regulations, working time regulations, minimum way regulations and data protection regulations;
    • Ensure appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures are in place – especially when working with vulnerable children and adults;
    • Have a clear plan on driving diversity and social mobility;
    • Offer a fair wage to all employees;
    • Drive opportunities for advancement and career progression within your organisation.
  • Actively participate in sharing and learning across the network, by participating in our forums for best practice, and commitment to advertising placements on our Talent Platform.
  • Share and promote your membership, alongside acting as an ambassador to other employers: Employers will cascade their commitment via their supply chains and business networks, where possible, to create a nationwide multiplier effect – encompassing employers large and small across the UK.

Licence to use trademarks

By accepting the employer pledge, you are participating in the Movement to Work Programme. During your participation you may use the ‘MOVEMENT TO WORK’ name and logo – in accordance with our brand guidelines.  Any goodwill arising from your use of these trademarks will accrue to Movement to Work. You may not sub-license the trademarks to anyone else, but if any of your suppliers wish to participate in Movement to Work, please refer them directly to the Operations Team.

Termination

Your participation in Movement to Work and your licence to use the trademarks may be terminated by the Operations Team if you do not follow the principles of the pledge, do anything which could cause harm to a young person (including but not limited to failing to comply with any applicable legal requirements), or damage the reputation of Movement to Work.

Movement to Work quality standards

  1. Young people receive appropriate training, whether provided by the employer or by another specialist organisation, such as, a youth charity or training provider;
  2. Young people are supported in the workplace on a day-to-day basis, for example by a designated buddy or mentor;
  3. Young people undertaking unpaid work experience are not used as a substitute for paid staff;
  4. Young people are safe whilst on the placement – and where necessary, requisite safety clothing and equipment is provided;
  5. Costs, which might present a barrier to young people on low incomes participating, are alleviated – e.g. provision of uniform or specialist clothing, or making necessary food and travel arrangements;
  6. Where unpaid, placements are designed to allow young people to retain their Jobseeker’s allowance whilst taking part.

APPENDIX: DEFINITIONS

Work Experience Placements (WEX) are defined as:

  • A programme that is eligible for Government drawdown, e.g. Sector Based Work Academy or Traineeships generally delivered via a Training Provider leading to WEX with your company;

OR

  • Bespoke programme to suit your employer’s requirements at your employer’s cost, generally delivered via a Training Provider and leading to WEX with your company;

OR

  • In-house programme generally delivered by your L&D team with no involvement from a training provider.

In addition:

  • The participant must be NEET, i.e. not in employment, education or training at the time of joining.
  • Work experience placements must provide an overview of your company and/or industry. If a participant completes the same task for the entire WEX alongside those doing the same job for a wage, this is not a suitable WEX and could be considered as unpaid labour.

Direct Entry into paid employment is defined as:

  • Opportunity to go into a sustainable role in your company with suitable training;

OR

  • Opportunity to join an apprenticeship in your company.

In addition:

  • The participant will be an employee of your company;

  • The participant must be NEET, i.e. not in employment, education or training at the time of joining.


How to run a pilot

Movement to Work is here to help you with the planning, development and running of your employability programmes. A number of our employer members have started their journey with a pilot, generally specifying a location and/or specific skill which would benefit both the participant in the area and your company. 
 
A pilot is a great way to introduce the concept of employability programmes to your company and the feedback from participants and lessons learned are valuable prior to rolling out your employability programmes more widely. 
 
Further information can be provided by contacting the Movement to Work team at info@movementtowork.com or by contacting debs.gordon@movementtowork.com. Explore Movement to Work branding and guidelines here.

Get Involved