Best Foot Forward - Supporting Vulnerable Women with Work

01 August 2014 | Updated 01 January 1970

Carillion, in partnership with Kazuri Properties and the Centre for Innovation and Social Action (CIVA) has launched a new initiative to support women from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds into work.

The Best Foot Forward project is specifically aimed at women who have endured physical or mental trauma, including those who have suffered domestic violence and ex-offenders who need support in finding confidence, skills and experience to enable them to reintegrate into mainstream sustainable employment.

The project supports Carillion’s wider Sustainability Strategy to leave a lasting and positive legacy in the areas in which it operates, working with the local community to provide social and economic benefits.

Members of Carillion’s Women in Leadership network, which includes senior women across the business, will be mentoring those taking part in the programme for a 12 month period. Using their knowledge and experience, they will regularly meet mentees, focusing on sharing career advice and networking connections as well as providing guidance and support on general work and life issues.

The programme begins with a 10-week course in leadership and social enterprise and an introduction to the property industry involving technical and practical training and will be supported through personal skills development, mental and physical well being.

At the end of the course all students will gain an Employability NVQ qualification level 1- 2 and an opportunity for apprenticeships or traineeships in construction and property through Carillion, or to start a business through East London Business Centre. They will also develop individual learning and action plans which will be regularly reviewed.

Lisa Mortleman, HR Director for Carillion Community Services, explained: “Through mentoring, training and coaching, the partnership will provide the opportunity for vulnerable women to take the first steps they need to return to work. As a responsible employer, it is important to us to have a diverse and motivated workforce than can contribute to the local community.”

Picture: The Best Foot Forward project is specifically aimed at women who have endured physical or mental trauma

Article written by Cathryn Ellis | Published 01 August 2014