Restart Scheme
In June 2024, the Serco Restart Scheme launched an inaugural SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) work experience programme, organised by Social Value Lead, Suki Gill, at our West Bromwich office. This initiative supported two participants who, although not affiliated with Restart Scheme, receive support from the Sandwell Council Specialist Employment Team. The programme is funded by a combination of the council, CWG Legacy Fund, and UKSPF, and aims to assist Sandwell residents of working age with disabilities or health conditions in finding employment.
The work experience spanned six sessions and covered various functional areas within the Restart Scheme, including Social Value, Health & Wellbeing, Employer Engagement, Partnership Team, Administration, and Digital Skills. Our goal was to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Restart Scheme, showcasing the diverse segments and variety of roles within our contract. We specifically chose participants who had a lack of work history and had struggled to find work placements with employers.
Feedback from Serco Restart Scheme staff and the participants:
Lisa Ellis, Partnership Coordinator, Restart Scheme:
“By supporting our SEND work experience students, it gave them a great insight into how the partnership team support all other teams and our participants. It also gave them options for training, upskilling, how to adapt and apply their transferable skills, applying for suitable jobs including work from home roles and built their confidence. Really great students - it was a pleasure to support and work with them.”
Travis Dempsey, Employment Engagement Coordinator:
“I think it was really important to deliver a SEND Work Experience because it shows how adaptable the different teams and roles exist within the Restart Scheme.”
Thomas Bowyer, Operations Manager, Restart Scheme:
“It has been an absolute pleasure to have Janus and Tallat join the West Brom office for their work experience. During the time they contributed to the smooth running of the office through their engagement with various departments including Reception and Administration, Employer Engagement and Social Values. They also took part in Job Clubs which support our job ready participants with applying for vacancies. We hope this has been as valuable to them as it has been to us. We welcome them back any time!”
Quote from Janus (SEND participant):
"Being at Serco for a few weeks has helped me to see the different types of jobs that are happening and how everyone jobs is important for a company to run. I hope more people who are in a similar situation as us, are able to get the experience that they need to help them and gain the confidence to get the job that they are interested in."
Quote from Tallat (SEND participant)
“It was a great experience to take on board for work”.
