Research conducted by Experience Lab (Serco’s research company), identified that 17% of those joining the Restart Scheme had a Level 5+ qualification (e.g. HND, Degree) and may need more specialist support in finding roles that suit their academic achievement.  

As a result of these findings, Serco launched a programme called Restart Scheme Blue, offering additional job search support and 1:1 support through a team of Specialist Mentors for 12 weeks. To date, the scheme has supported 450+ individuals. 

Adeela, a Law Degree graduate, faced unemployment for a year following her Kickstart Scheme placement, which funded employers to take on unemployed 16-24-year-olds on Universal Credit. Once her Kickstart placement ended, Adeela was unemployed once more and back on Universal Credit. Adeela joined the Restart Scheme in July 23 and was referred onto Restart Scheme Blue in August.

During her first meeting with Bev (her mentor), Adeela shared that she had been predominantly unemployed since 2020 following her graduation, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She had applied for many roles within the Health and Social Care sector without success. However, through the Kickstart Scheme, she had secured a role as an Admin Support Worker, assisting social workers in supporting families with children in care. This ignited a passion about working in health and social care, particularly with vulnerable people, whilst Adeela’s degree in law also provided unique skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding legal frameworks.

Adeela and Bev discussed various Level 2 and Level 3 Health and Social Care qualifications. Bev also advised on part-time social care courses and support worker roles. Together, they explored opportunities in legal frameworks, vulnerability protection, and policy-making. Despite finding limited apprenticeship options due to funding, Adeela completed 11 online courses to enhance her CV and knowledge in the Health and Social Care sector. These included GDPR, Safeguarding, Leadership Skills, Mental Health Courses, and Prevent training.

Bev assisted Adeela in creating a tailored CV and crafted a cover letter to highlight her transferrable skills. Adeela also received support for interview preparation, including a mock interview.

A job opportunity arose within Serco as a Specialist Provision Coordinator. Bev encouraged Adeela to apply, demonstrating how her skills would fit the role. Whilst the role was not working directly in the Health and Social Care setting, it did offer the opportunity to make a difference to Restart Scheme participants lives through specialist provision including health and mental wellbeing and offered the opportunity of solid work experience. Adeela submitted her application, secured an interview and within 24 hours was offered the position. 

Adeela has been working as a Specialist Provision Coordinator at Serco for four months now and has become a valuable asset to the team.

Bev said: “It was a pleasure to work with Adeela and see her confidence grow during the Restart Blue Programme. Adeela became aware of her skills, attributes and abilities which gave her the confidence to apply for this role within Serco.”

Adeela said: “I am immensely grateful to Bev for her unwavering support and guidance. Her encouragement and expertise have been instrumental in my journey to securing this role. Bev’s mentorship has made a significant difference in my personal and professional growth, and I cannot thank her enough for believing in me.”

Ruth Bardsley, Adeela’s manager, said: “Bev really championed Adeela prior to her interview, she believed she would be an asset to Serco and she certainly is. To support Adeela’s passion, she now leads on the Health and Wellbeing courses that we run for our participants. Adeela has settled in really well and is now confident in her role, she is a joy to work with.”

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