#SeePotential – that actually sums up Growing Talent!

Yesterday I attended an event at a global law firm close to Moorgate.  They were hosting a #SeePotential event to encourage employers to recruit from a diverse talent pool.

Scanning the room I saw familiar faces from JobCentre Plus, and various charities – including The Princes Trust, Drive Forward, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust – who had partnered the employers showcasing their programmes.

I didn’t see many employers  new to this kind of recruitment.

The Princes Trust & M&S presented their programme which has run for over a decade.  It’s 4-6 weeks of work experience across M&S’s departments resulting in 50% into permanent work with them.  Sophie, from M&S, said the actual figure was nearer to 75%.

Ed from KFC and Ben from Dame Kelly Holmes Trust next showcased their work for 16-24 age range.  This is two weeks work experience.  They take 16 at a time and generally take 5 into work.

Ruby from Drive Forward spoke about the difficultly for their customers to secure employment without a cv and asked for innovative ways to be considered.

There is an old saying ‘preaching to the converted’.  Which effectively this event was.  I’d call it more of a missed opportunity.  To inform employers not involved in diverse recruitment could have got more interest in working with charities in the hard area of employment.

Having listened to all the speakers.  I felt very proud that every Growing Talent Associate has a provisional job offer at the start of their journey.  No uncertainty.

There are no cvs and no job descriptions.  Just a match on personality and trial.

Simple!