SRAG Q4 Summit at Lidl
November 29, 2024Posted by:
The Social Recruitment Advocacy Group (SRAG) Q4 Summit, hosted by Lidl, and chaired by the Rt. Hon Anne Milton brought together employers, partners, and thought leaders to discuss how businesses can make recruitment more inclusive and accessible to all. With a packed agenda, the event provided valuable insights and practical examples of how organisations are tackling issues such as unemployment, homelessness, reoffending, and social mobility.
Opening the summit, Stephanie Rogers Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Board member at Lidl observed how it was refreshing to see so many employers collaborating without competition to share ideas and solutions. Lidl then shared their own inspirational journey towards being an employer who puts social value at the forefront of their engagement strategy.
Darren Burns from the Timpson Foundation shared how the company has become the UK’s largest employer of ex-offenders, with 12% of its workforce coming from this group. Darren praised schemes like ROTL and the New Futures Network for helping prisoners with their employment journey, and offered a best practise example of Timpson’s prison training academies which provide individuals with uniforms, name badges, and hands-on training in skills like engraving and dry cleaning in the prison, in preparation for release.
“Employment is key to reducing reoffending,” Darren explained, noting that 34% of individuals leaving prison who have benefitted from these interventions now secure jobs, with 50% of those on Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) offered permanent roles. He advised: "Timpson’s approach isn’t just good for society, it’s good for business, with ex-offender employees often proving to be loyal, hardworking, and resilient."
Standing Tall, a charity working across six UK cities, presented its innovative model to reduce homelessness. By collaborating with employers, the organisation places individuals in entry-level roles and pairs them with safe hosts who provide accommodation and support.
“Four out of five participants remain employed a year later,” the charity reported, highlighting the importance of practical support. The hosts, who rent out rooms, also offer guidance during tough days at work, helping participants sustain their employment and rebuild their lives.
Simon Long from 55 Redefined emphasised that with 1 in 3 people now aged over 50 and this rising to 1 in 2 by 2030, it’s critical for businesses to focus on skills, attitude, and motivation rather than age. “Ageing is one of six global megatrends,” Simon noted, advocating for the removal of age-based biases in recruitment.
Jonny Gifford from the Institute for Employment Studies shared research on how socioeconomic background affects workplace opportunities. He also referenced the Social Mobility Commission’s toolkit, which provides practical steps businesses can take to improve inclusion.
A panel discussion featuring representatives from Base UK, Essex County Council, ANTZ and PeoplePlus explored local and national strategies to tackle issues like economic inactivity and skill shortages. They emphasised the need for businesses to engage with initiatives like the Government’s Connect to Work Programme and local recruitment efforts.
The event concluded with updates on the Social Recruitment Covenant Campaign and the presentation of Charter Mark Awards to IKEA, DHL and Lidl. Attendees also brought a toy to donate to Lidl's Christmas toy appeal for Neighbourly.
Social Value Director at PeoplePlus, Laura Savage, concluded in relation to the work of the SRAG "A purpose greater than our own is creating a driving force of change, which is inspirational to watch. We've come so far, but we have so many more exciting opportunities ahead"
The SRAG Q4 Summit reinforced that collaboration is key to driving meaningful change. By working together; across sectors, industries, and communities, businesses, charities, and public organisations can create a societal shift that opens opportunities for everyone. As demonstrated throughout the event, inclusive recruitment not only addresses pressing social issues but also strengthens businesses and enriches communities.
Now is the time to act. Whether you’re an employer, policymaker, or advocate, there’s a role for you in building a more inclusive workforce. Join the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group, sign the Social Recruitment Covenant, or email [email protected] to learn how you can contribute to this growing movement.
November 29, 2024Posted by:
