Awards shortlist highlights hidden heroes who give jobseekers hope of a brighter future

Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) Awards 2022 finalists announced

The headlines report unemployment in the UK at its lowest level for many years. But as the country emerges from the shadow of the pandemic, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been another tough year for those working in the employment support sector.

With skills shortages and high levels of long-term sickness vying with unanticipated labour market growth, the ERSA Award finalists reflect the hard work, innovation and unstinting determination to help people – many among the most disadvantaged in the country – into worthwhile employment.

This is the tenth year of the ERSA awards, representing a decade of achievement among organisations of all sizes. The shortlist, judged by an independent panel of experts, has been chosen from 182 entries.

Elizabeth Taylor, ERSA CEO, says

Finding new jobs – or better jobs – for people is not easy. Uncertainty over future funding of the sector has made 2022 another year that has required employability individuals, teams, and organisations to find innovative ways to meet demand.

All those nominated should be proud they have won the recognition of their peers – the people who know best what makes them special.

To have made the shortlist is a particular honour and represents the heroes – many of them unsung heroes – of our sector. Reading the entries has been a humbling and inspiring experience – well done to all of you.

The winners will be announced on the evening of 30 November, the first day of the ERSA Conference at the Library of Birmingham.

Frontline Adviser of the Year – Sponsored by The Institute of Employability Professionals

Employment advisers and job coaches who have demonstrated exceptional commitment in a frontline role

Frontline Manager of the Year – Sponsored by The Institute of Employability Professionals

Managers or team leaders who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to leading their frontline team to excellent performance and customer achievements

Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Successful Mums 

Employers showing exceptional commitment by partnering with providers in their area, supporting disadvantaged and long-term unemployed jobseekers

Significant Achiever of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Curve 

A specific jobseeker who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to overcoming barriers to enter and maintain work

Team of the Year – Disability and health – Sponsored by The Digital College 

Team that has demonstrated exceptional commitment in supporting jobseekers with disabilities and health conditions to achieve sustained employment

Team of the Year – Hardest hit – Sponsored by Education Development Trust

Frontline teams supporting individuals and communities in hardest hit sectors, including low-paid workers, young people NEET, diverse communities, experience of the justice system, women, people with learning disabilities and other disadvantaged groups

Team of the Year – Hidden heroes – Sponsored by entitledto

Working behind the scenes to enable services: IT/digital services, service design, research and evidence

Sector Innovator of the Year – Sponsored by Genius Within CIC

Recognising an organisation that has pioneered innovative approaches and solutions within the employment support market

Community Partnership of the Year  – Sponsored by Saffron Interactive 

Organisations working together to form partnerships that support local communities already furthest from the labour market

Outstanding Contribution to the Sector – Sponsored by Fedcap Employment and Fedcap Scotland

Recognising an exceptional person who has dedicated a significant part of their career to the employment related services sector and has made a notable impact on the wider sector.

There is no shortlist for this award, the winner will be announced on the evening of the 30 November as part of the Sector dinner and winner’s announcement!

Additional information

Meet the 2022 ERSA Employability Awards Judging Panel 
With thanks to; Dr Calum Carson, Postdoctoral Researcher, Centre for Decent Work and Productivity, Manchester Metropolitan University; Tammy Fevrier, Deputy Director, Youth and Skills, Department for Work and Pensions; Gill Holmes OBE, Contract Management and Partnering Delivery Director, Department for Work and Pensions; Dr Katy Jones, Research Fellow, Centre for Decent Work and Productivity, Manchester Metropolitan University; Nicola Inge, Employment & Skills Director, Business in the Community; Naomi Phillips, Director of Policy and Research, Learning and Work Institute and Jagdeep Soor, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Pathways Group.

The winners will be announced on the evening of 30 November, the first day of the ERSA Conference at the Library of Birmingham.

ERSA’s 2021 winners can be found here

 

 

 

 

 

 

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