Employers

Recruitment support

Skills for Care has a range of information on recruitment support, including how to widen your recruitment options, finding the right people and guidance on retaining employees.

For tailored support, contact Keryn Morris, Skills for Care locality manager covering Bristol.

Ways2Work is a Bristol City Council service which supports people to find work with local employers. To find out more and join their employer network visit ways2work – One Front Door. The team also works closely with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver jobs fairs and other initiatives.

Values based recruitment

Values, behaviours and attitudes are important for any workplace, but using a values based approach in your recruitment and retention has potential to unlock new pools of candidates who are likely to perform well and stay with you. Read the Skills for Care toolkit on Values Based Recruitment

Inspiring the next generation

Only 10% of the adult social care workforce is under 25. There are a range of opportunities to challenge misconceptions and attract more young people with the right values into care.

• Free, impartial Apprenticeship avice from Skills West
• I Care…Ambassadors on Skills for Care

We work closely with local universities and education providers to encourage students to choose care and support work to supplement their income. By providing opportunities for students over evenings, weekends and holiday periods you will be gaining a committed workforce that is willing to work when others ask for time off.

Developing skills

Investing in your people and nurturing their talents will help you tackle skills gaps and recruit and retain the right people. Skills West is a partnership between Business West and Western Training Provider Network (WTPN). Skills advisors provide free, impartial advice and can help negotiate the right training for your business, including access to government funding incentives.

Did you know an existing member of staff can become an apprentice? Apprenticeships are also available in a wide range of team leading and management  subjects as well as health and social care. Larger employers pay the Apprenticeships Levy and this can be used to fund training for existing staff. Smaller employers may also benefit from some of this funding.

Skills for Care can also provide advice and link you up with government workforce development funding. Contact Keryn Morris for details.

Future Bright

Future Bright helps businesses and employees reach their full potential by helping people develop their skills and progress in their career. The programme offers access to support, training and development, workshops and networking, identifies how to motivate your staff and promotes career progression enabling you to attract and retain staff. For more details and eligibility criteria visit www.futurebright.org.uk

Wheels to Work

Wheels to Work West helps eligible people overcome barriers to travelling to work, training and skills opportunities. The programme can help new employees with free bus tickets, discounted bikes, cycle training, public transport training and journey planning.  For more details visit the Wheels to Work website.