Insights from Jobs First’s charity partners

We spoke with colleagues at The Connection, The Welcoming Association and The Wise Group about their perspectives on the benefits and challenges with Jobs First.

 

How do you decide who to put forward for the programme?  

Each of our charity partners works with individuals to understand their needs and identify if Jobs First is a good fit for where they’re at in their personal journey.

“It’s important that I focus on those who show a real drive to overcome obstacles to finding work,” says Stephanie Hanlon, Pathways Executive at The Wise Group, a leading social enterprise working to lift people out of poverty. “I think about how much of a difference the Jobs First programme can make in their lives and whether it feels like the right fit to help them move forward. It’s about seeing their potential and wanting to support them in reaching it.”

At The Welcoming Association, an independent charity supporting refugees and migrants in Edinburgh, Employment and Skills Advisor Melissa Reed explains how potential participants are supported to find their independence. “We support New Scots (refugees, asylum seekers, migrants) to take proactive and independent steps toward rebuilding their lives in Scotland.

“When [Jobs First] opportunities are available we clearly communicate the eligibility criteria for these roles and provide support to those who meet the requirements and wish to apply. In this way, our members can take ownership of their applications.”

There are practical implications too, as Marina D’Arco describes. Marina is Skills and Opportunities Coordinator at The Connection at St. Martin’s in-the-fields, a homeless charity in central London that’s working to end rough sleeping.

“Once they have worked with my colleagues to secure some form of housing (short or long term) they are then eligible for the Jobs First programme. The next stage is to match their skills and aspirations to opportunities available and this is where it is important to have a variety of jobs on offer – links to sympathetic employers are essential!”

 

What changes do you see for participants involved in the programme? 

“It can be transformative for a participant not only to secure a job – already a major boost for their confidence – but to enter the world of work knowing that they are not alone,” says Marina. “Having a constant figure [their support worker] to call upon with any doubts, anxiety or niggling issues arising from the first few weeks or months in a job is invaluable.”

Melissa agrees. “Even a simple phone call regarding a potential role can instill a sense of possibility, empowering them to believe in their ability to succeed, and fully integrate into their new community. For many, this initiative marks their first opportunity to be considered for employment in Scotland.”

Transformation and growing confidence is something seen by Stephanie too. “Participants navigate both personal and professional challenges more effectively. Many also find it easier to integrate into their communities, building connections and feeling a stronger sense of belonging. The programme gives them a renewed sense of purpose, empowering them to set and achieve new goals, and envision a brighter future for themselves.”

 

What barriers do you see, either for participants in getting employment or in terms of taking part in the programme?  

Marina astutely summarises the catch-22 that can prevent people affected by homelessness finding work. “The fact that participants need to be housed before being considered for employment or other opportunities is an unfortunate ‘chicken and egg’ situation whereby no job means not being able to afford accommodation and no accommodation means your chances of employment are severely restricted.”

Stephanie sees something similar. “Most of our customers face significant barriers related to health and finances. Financial difficulties, especially for those in temporary housing where rent is high, can make working seem financially impractical.” The Wise Group provides financial and health support to help bring people closer to work.

“Many of The Welcoming Association’s service users are very motivated and determined to get into employment despite many of the barriers they face,” Melissa observes. The obstacles they face are therefore practical. “In addition to experiencing homelessness, the greatest barrier is language, as many of them are non-native English speakers. However, we have found Social Bite to be as open and inclusive as possible when considering individuals for their programme.”

 

What outcomes have you seen for your charity?  

“Our relationship with Social Bite has proved invaluable to our organisation in supporting our members into employment,” comments Melissa. “Over the past 6-months, about a dozen service users have put themselves forward to be considered for a job. As a result, three individuals have successfully transitioned into gainful employment.”

“Our partnership with Social Bite has led to several positive outcomes,” agrees Stephanie. “Many of our customers have gained valuable experience and confidence, particularly in employment. We are continually inspired by the meaningful change Social Bite brings to the community and are proud to contribute to their impactful mission.”

For Marina, “just the opportunity to be put forward for vacancies can be invaluable in itself.” But there’s also the benefits of an ongoing relationship with a support worker. “It is important to know there are partners we can work closely with to be able not only to support the participants but also to bounce off ideas and reflect on our interventions. I like to think [Jobs First Development and Support Worker] Alessio and I have a close working relationship that allows us to call on each other when necessary.”

 

What at a policy level needs to change to support people who have experienced homelessness around getting a job and a home?  

“Homelessness, housing and employment are in my opinion inextricably connected,” says Marina. “Losing or gaining any of these elements can have a devastating or extremely positive effect on the others. The main aim of a policy would be to wean people off dependency from benefits and really give individuals the necessary confidence to see what an independent future could look like. This can only be achieved if services tackling other issues relating to addictions and mental health amongst others are enabled to deliver efficient and ready available support.”

Stephanie identifies that strong governmental buy-in, a holistic approach to tackling poverty and comprehensive in-work support beyond the first months of employment are all needed. But fundamentally, there shouldn’t be a cost to someone to working.

“To better support people who have experienced homelessness in finding a job and a home, policies need to offer more financial help for those in temporary accommodation. The cost of rent can be so high once someone is in employment that it makes working feel like a setback. By providing more financial support or incentives, we can make it easier for them to take those steps towards work without the fear of being worse off.”