Fulltime job for Anna

Business Action on Homelessness was launched  with the aim of working with business to equip homeless people with the skills to gain and sustain employment. Anna, a homeless client, joined the programme and was successful in gaining full time employment with Elite Forwarders.

"The programme is excellent and Elite are proud to be a part of hopefully building a future for some of the people that attend our company.”

Elite Forwarders have a proven track record of employing hard to reach groups and the long term unemployed including ex offenders, so this ethos fits perfectly with our Business Action on Homelessness  (BAOH) programme.

Homeless clients are referred from homeless agencies having met Business Action on Homelessness criteria.

Clients undergo a two day pre-employment training programme, designed to assist with raising self confidence, skills analysis, exploring possible work place environments and interview skills.

Clients are then partnered with a buddy, and existing employee of the company who will provide support, encouragement and guidance throughout the placement.

A comprehensive review of the placement is undertaken and consultation taken from both the client and the placement provider as to the positive effects of the programme.

An Action Day is held, which celebrates completion of the programme and takes a look at the next steps options.  This Action Day also provides the vehicle by which the client can thank the Buddy for their assistance throughout the placement.

At this stage, clients are matched with a job coach, to enable motivation for job search to remain high, and also to explore any additional needs related to possible employment.

The Business Action on Homelessness (BAOH) Manager will track the progress of the client for twelve months following a placement to ensure that the client continues to receive relevant support and to address any future training needs.

Claire Holloway, Health and Safety Officer, Elite Forwarders, said, "When I first met Anna she was a very shy and quiet lady, she joined Elite on the work placement she worked well and enjoyed all aspects of the job. A few months later she applied for work with the company and was successful in gaining employment on a full time basis. The journey she has taken to get to where she is now is amazing. From the shy lady I first met to a lady that has lots of confidence and new friends."