22/05/2018
Employment Programme for Disabled people in London
ChangeWorks is a voluntary employment programme designed to support people into work. We work with individuals who have a health condition or disability who have the work ethic and skills to succeed in employment and match their skills and attributes to employer’s vacancies and organisation culture.
Their clients work one to one with their adviser and also attend a group workshop to encourage development, commitment and motivation, following this they complete a work placement which can also be used as a work trial to ensure a risk free environment for both sides to see if the client is the right person for a vacancy.
Where employers are happy to offer work placements they are supported by the employment adviser and there is no obligation for this to turn into paid employment although we would expect suitable clients to be considered for vacancies if they arise and the client is suitable. We also offer disability employment briefings and training depending on the level of involvement the employer wishes to have. This can benefit the employer assisting with developing and diversifying the workforce.
They are a charity, not an agency, and the service they provide are free of charge.
ChangeLondon is a City bridge Trust bursary scheme managed by Leonard Cheshire that enables small to medium enterprises to fund the employment of interns with disabilities and health conditions. There are obviously some restrictions and some due diligence checks prior to granting funding but this are not too onerous and its n easy process. This is an excellent opportunity for companies to have more helping hands at little to no cost to them and is a great opportunity for young disabled people.
The ChangeLondon funding is available for up to 3 people in an organisation per 12 month period and for 3 consecutive years so businesses could potentially have 9 interns over 3 years. There is ChangeLondon information on their website along with the application form. Please see the link here.
ChangeWorks is entirely inclusive and works with those with no qualifications and minimal education up to people at PHD and with years of specific experience; who is in each cohort depends on who is referred or self refers to them at any given time. They can however look to market for referrals in targeted areas when specific qualifications are a requirement and this would work well in conjunction with the ChangeLondon bursary scheme.
