We believe that every child and young person should have a fair start in life. But this isn’t the case for the 108,000 young people growing up in the UK’s care system. We have been struck by the profound inequalities faced by children and young people whose childhoods were spent in care, who are more likely to face homelessness and to not be in education, employment or training.
At the John Lewis Partnership we are driven by our purpose to work together to make a happier world. As co-owners, we want to use our position as an employer and retailer to do what we can to harness the talent and improve the lives of children who have grown up in care.
That’s why we have made long term commitments to be there for our young people who are care experienced, supporting them through those crucial life moments.
We are committed to providing employment opportunities and support so that Care Experienced People can have brilliant and fulfilling careers with us.
Through 2021 & 2022 we have run various trials to support people from a Care Experienced background into employment within our retail branches. We are currently working within London, Birmingham, Manchester, Essex and Nottingham with plans to expand into further regions throughout 2023 & 2024.
Partnering with a mixture of Local Authorities and charities, we have developed the following Supported Employment Approach:
STEP 1: Local Authority or Charity identifies Care Experience People who would like to find out more about a career within the Partnership.
STEP 2: Care Experience People are invited to attend an active location to find out more about the Partnership and our available roles, including a tour of the site.
STEP 3: Work experience is offered within the location so the Care Experience People can experience the reality of what it is like to work with us.
STEP 4: Following work experience, if the Care Experience People would be interested in applying for a position, and if the location has available vacancies, they will be invited to apply. If work experience has been completed, the interview is guaranteed.
We are still learning, adapting and evolving this Supported Employment Approach, and it is important to note that not all of our Partnership locations are currently offering it. However, we are working to expand our reach to support many more Care Experienced People in the communities within which we operate.
If you want to find out more about how to get involved please email careexperience@johnlewis.co.uk
We are proud to be a Foster Friendly employer, accredited by the Fostering Network. We know that a supportive employer can make all the difference to those who foster, therefore the experience of the children in their care. This is why if you work for us, we will support you with time off to attend appointments and training.
