In a powerful step towards driving societal and economic change, n-ergy proudly announces its commitment to Social Recruitment by signing the Social Recruitment Covenant. This landmark initiative brings together hundreds of organisations across the UK that share our values and commitment to support individuals facing all barriers to employment.
Created by PeoplePlus, and championed by the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group, the Covenant underlines our dedication to creating an inclusive workforce. It complements our existing commitments and emphasises our responsibility as a business, training provider and employer to ask the right questions and proactively engage with those traditionally excluded from the labour market.
Our fellow signatories include a diverse range of employers, social enterprises, education providers, awarding bodies, charities, and innovative businesses that are united in championing the principles of best practice in social recruitment. Together, we recognise that the complex personal circumstances faced by individuals, whether related to disability, mental ill health, neurodivergence, parenting responsibilities, prison experience, or a myriad of other challenges, should not be barriers to employment. Instead, we believe in actively attracting, supporting, and nurturing these individuals for their benefit, our organisational success, and the broader good of society.
The Social Recruitment Covenant officially launched at Westminster on 6th November 2024. Signatories to date joined parliamentarians – including both new and established MPs – business leaders, representatives from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, as well as numerous stakeholders dedicated to realising the full potential of Social Recruitment.
Speaking at the launch event, the Minister for Employment described how the Covenant supports social mobility, commenting, “More time is spent in work than in education, and it’s in the workplace where support, coaching, and skills are built.” The Minister commended and thanked Covenant signatories for their dedication to giving more people the opportunity to succeed.
Kenny Boyle, PeoplePlus Group Managing Director, said, “The Social Recruitment Covenant is an initiative to encourage more and more employers to make a commitment to take direct and explicit steps to ensure that those who are furthest away from the workforce are given the opportunity to come into work, to stay in employment and to prosper. There are so many individuals who have a huge amount to offer any and every employer in the UK.”
“We are thrilled to be part of this important initiative,” said Donna Turner-Kot, Chief Executive. “Signing the Social Recruitment Covenant reflects our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in the workforce. It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about creating meaningful opportunities that empower individuals and uplift communities.”