Jobs First beats three-year goal ahead of schedule

Jobs First Programme Coordinator, Emma Colgan-Blair, explains what’s at the core of the programme’s success: “it’s about the quality of support we provide and empowering people to reach their full potential.”

“It’s incredible to see confidence grow in Jobs First employees, both in their work and personal lives. We’ve seen people move into their own accommodation, become financially stable, receive their leave to remain in the UK [where applicable], and make future plans.”

Jobs First is about much more than just a job and a pay cheque. The supportive model leads to positive effects on employees’ physical and mental wellbeing as well: “We see increased engagement with health services and recovery services. People work on building their social networks and rebuilding relationships with family members,” Emma explained.

Strong partnerships are at the heart of Jobs First’s success. The programme works with 10 employer partners in sectors including hospitality and facilities management, providing placements across Scotland and in London.

For employers, there’s even more to working with Jobs First than the committed and hard-working colleagues the programme matches them with. “The feedback we get is that Jobs First employees add to the culture of their organisations and there’s educational value in bringing people with diverse experiences into the workplace,” said Emma.

Jemma Brown, General Manager for RBS’ Gogarburn campus, works alongside Social Bite to support the Jobs First programme, which she describes as “amazing.”

“It’s taught me to look past words on paper and really see the people behind the CV. As a team, we’ve grown in understanding, empathy, and compassion through our involvement with the programme and I really believe we’re stronger because of it.”

As well as employers, Jobs First works closely with numerous charities to identify anyone who might be a good fit for the programme. Over the past two and a half years, Emma and her team have built a charity partner referral base, collaborating closely to support employees and potential candidates on their chosen path.

Jobs First’s success simply wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our wonderful supporters. Big or small, these donations contribute to the delivery of every aspect of the programme.

One example of incredible support is the £2,000 awarded to Jobs First from legal firm CMS’ Social Impact Fund. Funding like this can help to match an employee with a support worker, pay for an appropriate job interview outfit, or provide training for employers to assist them with appropriately guiding a Jobs First employee.

CMS also provided a formal office environment for training sessions, helping to introduce people from a background of homelessness into a traditional workspace. A huge thank you to the team at CMS and every person who has supported the Jobs First programme.

We’re so incredibly grateful for all the support we receive and how it enables us to achieve pioneering, long-term solutions like Jobs First, which work towards the goal of ending homelessness for good.

Emma reflected, “I feel the areas for growth are endless for enabling people with a background of homelessness to transform their own lives. Thanks to everyone for their continued enthusiasm – our wonderful employees, employers, and charity partners, as well as our own amazing support team.”

Here’s to the next 60 Jobs First employees – and beyond!