Published: Friday, 10th May 2019
A unique partnership between the Council’s GLLaB employment service and the HER Centre, a Woolwich-based charity that supports women in crisis, is a finalist for the ERSA Employability Awards.
Now in its seventh year, the Employment Related Service’s Association (ERSA) Employability Awards celebrate best practice across the employment support sector and seek to demonstrate the day-to-day hard work and dedication of those working to improve the lives of jobseekers, communities and the wider workforce.
'the HER Centre and GLLaB have supported 23 survivors of domestic abuse'
Cllr Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Apprenticeships, explains the partnership:
"By working together the HER Centre and GLLaB have supported 23 survivors of domestic abuse to transform their lives since June 2018. The project provides flexible work placements in addition to practical and emotional support, advice on housing and benefits, training and one-to-one support.
"This joined up approach helps women and their families rebuild their lives by increasing confidence and self-esteem. I’m very proud of the fact that 91 per cent of those women completing the scheme go on to find a stable job."
ERSA received over 150 entries from across the UK
This year’s submissions were judged by an all-star panel consisting of internationally recognised political thinker and Director of ResPublica, Phillip Blond, editor of The Sun’s employment page, Jane Hamilton, senior civil servant at the Department for Work and Pensions, Mark Staley, and Winner of Adviser of the Year 2018, Tanya Weston of Genius Within.
Elizabeth Taylor, Interim Chief Executive, ERSA, said:
"This year’s ERSA Employability Award submissions demonstrate the extraordinary achievements of individuals and organisations supporting people to enter, sustain and progress in work. The huge number of nominations ERSA received highlight the breadth of the commitment in the sector and the tireless work that goes on at the frontline every day. Congratulations to all our finalists!"
As a successful finalist, representatives from the HER Centre and the Council will attend a special ceremony on 20 June with the Minister for Employment, Alok Sharma MP.