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)

Organisations which can provide business support with a care leaver focus:

• Drive Forward Partner with us! – Drive Forward Foundation
• Barnardo’s https://barnardos.org.uk

To learn more about recruitment opportunities relating to care leavers in each of the three Local Authorities in Cheshire and Warrington please follow the links below:

Cheshire West and Chester Council

• contact Anne Lewis, Care Leaver Employment Co-ordinator lewis2@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Cheshire East Council

• https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/care-and-support-for-children/services-from-childrens-social-care/local-offer-for-care-leavers.aspx

Warrington Council

• https://www.warrington.gov.uk/care-leavers

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