Serco signs up for age friendly employer pledge

The Serco Restart Scheme has signed up to 'The Centre for Ageing Better ' age-friendly employer pledge and are showing their commitment to older workers.

The Restart Scheme is part of the Government 's wider 'Plan for Jobs ' programmes to help people develop their skills so they can find long-term meaningful employment. Serco has been chosen by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver the Restart Scheme in West Central (Black Country, Coventry, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, The Marches and Worcestershire).

The age-friendly employer pledge is a nationwide programme for employers who are committed to improving work for people in their 50s and 60s. Suki Gill, social value lead for the Serco Restart Scheme has driven the pledge and the Restart Scheme have delivered, or are currently working on the following:

• Delivered a menopause awareness session for all staff and delivery partners on the Restart Scheme
• Produced, and will continually update, an action plan to support the pledge
• Introduced a 50 plus champion who will actively address barriers faced by these groups
• Hosted three in-person events for Restart Scheme delivery partners which were specifically focussed on 'Supporting over 50s into work '
• Have 50 plus champions in each of Restart Scheme offices
• Connect with 50 plus champions at Jobcentre Plus
• Currently working on a Social Value Digital Skills pilot alongside Jobcentre Plus supporting 50 plus non-Restart Scheme Participants
• Ensuring current recruitment practices are age-friendly
• Running specific job search support sessions for 50 plus Restart Scheme Participants.

Suki (pictured) said: “Helping and supporting over 50s is important as so many people in this age group are currently out of work but have lots of knowledge, skills and life experience that employers can benefit from.

“On the Restart Scheme we are committed to inclusivity and diversity which fits in with Serco 's core values 'Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride '. We want to encourage an inclusive workplace environment where employees of all ages feel valued and respected. ”

The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone, including challenging ageism and building an age-friendly movement, creating age-friendly employment and age-friendly homes. Click here to find out more.

To find out more about the employers and businesses that have benefitted from fully funded support from the Serco Restart Scheme, and what recruitment support is available, email eewestcentral@serco.com or click here.