What is a Care Leaver?

Care leavers are defined as young people aged 16-25 who have previously spent more than 13 weeks in care since the age of 14 including their 16^th birthday.

Children are taken into care for a variety of reasons and the impact of their challenging life experiences may hinder them from accessing work.

How can I engage with care leavers?

Employing a care leaver can bring many benefits to your business and increase diversity within your workforce.

There are several ways you can get more information:

Apprenticeships:

For more information about supporting a care leaver with an apprenticeship and accessing bursaries, please visit:

Apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Care Leaver Covenant is a government initiative in the UK aimed at supporting young people aged 16-25 who are leaving care. Employers can pledge their support by offering various opportunities, such as work experience, paid employment, internships, apprenticeships, or discounted goods and services. By signing the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter, employers commit to creating a supportive environment for care leavers. 

How Employers Can Support Care Leavers:

• Signing the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter:

This charter outlines principles for creating a welcoming and supportive workplace for care leavers.

• Offering Employment Opportunities:

Employers can provide paid employment, internships, or apprenticeships, tailoring recruitment processes to be more inclusive.

• Providing Work Experience:

Offering work experience placements can help care leavers gain valuable skills and experience.

• Discounted or Free Goods and Services:

Some employers offer discounts on products or services as part of their support.

• Building a Care Leaver-Friendly Workplace:

Employers can create a supportive environment by providing mentors, offering career guidance, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. 

How to Get Involved:

• Register as a Covenant Signatory:

Organisations can register their support and make offers to care leavers through the Care Leaver Covenant website.

• Promote your Offer:

Once registered, employers can promote their offers to care leavers through their own channels and through the Covenant’s network.

• Utilise the Inclusive Employer Toolkit:

This toolkit provides resources and guidance on employing care leavers, including case studies of successful programs. 

Engaging with ex-offenders may be a way for your business to reduce skills gaps and increase diversity in your workforce. The government has produced guidance and toolkits on employing prisoners and ex-offenders.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/unlock-opportunity-employer-information-pack-and-case-studies/employing-prisoners-and-ex-offenders

The Probation Service’s Education, Training and Employment programme helps men aged 18+ with gaining new skills and qualifications, training and finding work: see https://recruitmenthub.maximusuk.co.uk/employers/

Employers can sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant Employment Recognition Scheme:

Details about the covenant can be found at:

https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/employing-armed-forces-community/

And further government guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/corporate-covenant-guidance

Marius Leon is the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Armed Forces Champion (AFC) covering Cheshire. The AFC provides a key role between Jobcentre Plus and the Armed Forces community. Armed Forces Champions help raise the profile and maintain the Jobcentre Plus commitment to support the Armed Forces and their families and veterans.

Contact: MARIUS.LEON1@DWP.GOV.UK

People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Welcoming individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) into the workforce enables businesses to benefit from a wider pool of talent and create a more inclusive workplace culture. By recognising the unique strengths and skills that SEND individuals bring, organisations can foster innovation, enhance teamwork, and truly reflect the communities they serve.

Employing people with SEND demonstrates a commitment to equality and opens the door to creative problem-solving, resilience, and adaptability. When businesses champion diversity, they set themselves apart as progressive, compassionate, and forward-thinking.

One way to demonstrate this commitment is by participating in the Disability Confident scheme.

Become a Disability Confident employer