YOUR JOURNEY

Starting the Work Programme

We want to ensure that you receive the right support from day one. To do this, we aim to provide the following before you start the programme:



1. Telephone support call
Before you join the programme you will receive a support call from our Customer Support Centre. This support call will:

• help us to identify the best centre for you to join
• help us to identify the best employment advisor to match your needs and help you to find work
• be able to address questions or concerns you
may have.

2. Self-assessment
You will then have the opportunity to complete a self-assessment to identify what support you require, and allow the initial interview to focus on your needs.

3. Initial appointment
At your initial appointment you will meet your employment advisor, who will provide you with advice and guidance throughout your time on the Work Programme. This initial appointment could take place at one of our centres, or a local place nearer to you, depending on your needs.

At this initial appointment, you and the employment advisor will create a plan listing the actions and support you need to get the job you want.

Support into employment
During the Work Programme, you could have access to any of the following services, delivered by CDG or organisations working with CDG.

If any of these appear suitable for you, please speak to your advisor in the centre for more information, or call the Customer Support Centre on 0345 CDG WORK (0345 234 9675).

Support sessions
We offer a wide variety of sessions on how to cope with or overcome some of the most difficult issues preventing employment. Examples of the sessions provided include how to cope with and tackle substance misuse, advice on homelessness, advice and interpreting support for refugees/migrants, and support for exoffenders.

To find out if there are any support sessions suitable for you, please speak to your advisor or the Customer Support Centre.

Employability coaching
We offer coaching sessions on CVs, application forms, and jobsearch techniques. These sessions are run frequently, and you can choose the best time for you to attend.

ESOL and Basic Skills Training
We can provide access to appropriate English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) or Basic Skills Training for your current level and your job goals.

Condition management
Our condition management programme can help you to manage your health and wellbeing or behaviour in the workplace.

Financial advice
We offer training and support to improve your money management skills, as well as advice and guidance on benefits - both before work and in-work.

Vocational training
If you require training or qualifications to get into work, we can either provide the training directly,or arrange for training with one of our specialist partners.

Job preparation sessions
These sessions focus on what to expect from work, and how to prepare for work.

Job clubs
We offer the ability for people with common job goals to meet and work together in job clubs. These clubs are supported by employment experts to provide coaching and build relationships with suitable employers.

Specialist jobsearch support
CDG and its partners offer regular jobsearch sessions that focus on specific industries or groups (for example, people recently made redundant and graduates).

Work trials and work experience
If you need to update your experience, or you want to try working in a new type of job, we can arrange a work trial for you. We have partnerships with a number of local employers, and will try to find the best match available for you.

Self-employment advice
If you’re interested in self-employment but need advice or support to make it happen, we can provide you with access to workshops and advice sessions delivered by qualified experts.

In-work support
At CDG, we’re not just interested in getting you a job. We’re interested in helping you to keep the job and then progress your career. We can provide you with guidance and practical help for up to two years after you find a job, and offer the following support:

Employment support packs
We’ll provide everyone going into work with a support pack, providing tips on succeeding in the early days of work and a list of useful contacts to support you along the way.

Centre access
You can continue to use our centres and resources for up to two years after starting work.

Customer Support Centre
Our telephone support line can provide advice and guidance on issues that arise during work, and direct you towards further assistance.

Support sessions
If any new problems appear, old problems return, or you simply need to continue to access sessions that you’ve already started, our support sessions remain available to you after you’ve returned to employment.

In-Work Support Advice Clinics
Every two weeks, we run a drop-in advice clinic between 6pm and 8pm. You can use these clinics to discuss any concerns you have, or simply to share with others how returning to work has been for you.

In-work training
To further your career, you can continue to use our e-learning system to develop your skills or complete accredited training courses while you’re employed. You can also continue any training you began before starting employment, if your work schedule allows.

Resources available to you