NETWORK HOUSING

CDG’s partnership with Network Housing, a partnership of local and specialist housing associations based in Wembley, London, began in July 2010 when the charity’s placement officer, Colette Martin, contacted its group learning and development advisor. One year and twelve placements later, all parties are reaping the dividends.

Rosie Hutchinson, group learning and development advisor: “Originally, Colette contacted me to arrange a meeting, where she came and talked about CDG and what it does. I was very impressed with Colette as an individual, and the charity seemed professional and the literature well presented. It was a perfect meeting of minds, really.

“After that, Colette sent CVs of suggested individuals and a process became developed that is now well established between the two of us. We’re looking for people who have the experience, attitude and are committed to taking part. We invite the jobseekers to come in for a discussion and, invariably, we are able to support them.

“We have been pleasantly surprised by the range of skills that the jobseekers already have. We want to help them rebuilt their confidence; often, all they want is the opportunity to be able to prove themselves.

“On the whole, we’ve been extremely pleased and we’ve even offered a couple of short term contracts to jobseekers through the placement scheme, this has helped them to further develop their skills and are good at keeping in touch. The jobseekers are well presented, and always turn up on time for their interviews. The relationship is well established now, and many other areas of Network Housing are interested so the effect has spread throughout the organisation through word of mouth.

“I think CDG is offering a wonderful service to the local community, and I would encourage more employers to take advantage of it. It also makes us feel that we are working with the community, which is one of our strategic objectives.

'We've found it helpful to fill in gaps on a short term basis and if the jobseekers prove themselves we are more than happy to take them on. In fact, one has recently been put forward for a vacancy in a customer service department.”