According to the CIPD Trust’s annual impact report, it has helped over 500 people find or return to employment.
The report was launched today, 6 November, at the HR body’s annual conference in Manchester. It highlights the impact of the Trust, which helps people with greater barriers to employment.
The trust’s coaching and mentoring programmes helped 509 people through Access to Work. 178 were helped through webinars for jobseekers, and 72 received bursaries.
Nearly three quarters (74%) of respondents reported positive employment outcomes as a result. 89% also said that they felt more confident about the future. Nearly nine out of 10 respondents said that they felt better equipped to advance their careers.
The report found that HR professionals who offered mentoring and support through the trust also saw benefits in terms skills and advancement.
Four hundred and thirty-two of the 475 participants were mentors or coaches. Nearly two-thirds of participants (63%) reported that they had improved their empathy and understanding with others. 60% said it increased their pride in their HR profession. 69% thought it helped their professional lives.
43 per cent said that the experience improved their understanding of what someone with real-life experience can bring to the workplace. And 40 per cent said it improved their awareness of diversity and inclusion.
In terms of skills, 59% reported that they used the skills acquired in the trust activities to improve their communication.
Participants who worked with mentees reported that they were more engaged with the CIPD – 43% of them said so.
The trust has a number of schemes that benefit parents returning to the workforce, young job seekers, older employees, refugees, and those with criminal justice experience.
A parent returning said: “My mentor gave me amazing advice and support in my job search journey.” I can see a difference between when I entered the program and how my job search has evolved now.
I know what to do, where to go and how to best present my experience. I also know how to customize my CV and my application to the role. I am much more confident than I was when I first started.
The CIPD Trust partnered with RefuAid, City & Guilds Foundation and RefuAid to provide mentorship support to newly hired refugees.
Krystyna Babych, one of those mentees, described the regular sessions as “invaluable”. They helped her to progress in her career.
She added, “My mentor is also a great motivational source and has helped me stay positive through the entire process.”
We’ve planned a practice interview so that I am fully prepared for the real thing. “I am truly grateful and appreciative for your support,” she said.
The Aspiring HRD Programme, run by this trust, has led to an improvement in the employment status of 81% participants. 88% also said that they feel more capable to achieve their goals.
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