The Employability Champion Award celebrates excellence in employability volunteering and recognises businesses and individuals who go above and beyond to support people facing barriers to employment.
At Leicestershire Cares, we work with many young people who are striving to achieve their career goals despite facing significant challenges, including care experience, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and criminal justice experience. The support of our business members plays a vital role in helping these individuals build confidence, develop skills, and take meaningful steps towards employment.
Our employability volunteers contribute in a variety of ways, including delivering career talks, supporting CV clinics, providing mentoring, and conducting bespoke mock interviews. By sharing their expertise, knowledge, and lived experience, they help the next generation navigate the world of work and progress on their career journeys.
This year's award was presented to Stepnell in recognition of the exceptional commitment shown by Employability Champion Sue Woollett and her colleagues. Throughout the year, the team has supported a number of employability events, including one-to-one CV clinics, employability days, and mock interview sessions.
Their dedication has been particularly impactful in supporting individuals with criminal justice experience, helping participants build confidence, identify their strengths, and prepare for future employment opportunities.
The support provided by Sue and the wider Stepnell team demonstrates the positive difference that businesses can make when they invest their time, skills, and experience into their local communities.
Congratulations to all those involved in this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for helping to create brighter futures and opening doors to opportunity for young people across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
Cara Perry, Leaving Care Project Development Manager, Leicestershire Cares
We'd also like to extend our congratulations and thanks to our other nominees, Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, Everards of Leicestershire and Nelsons Law, who have also been fantastic supporters of the our Employability work.
Could you or your company be next year’s award winners? Contact info@leicestershireshirecares.co.uk