The Movement to Work Social Mobility Awards was a chance for us to recognise those organisations and individuals who had made the most of an opportunity and real difference to the life prospects of young people. There were many inspiring stories across the nominees and I would like to congratulate all of those shortlisted, the impact you are making is critical in providing deserved opportunities to young people across the UK.
The winners were chosen by a panel of young Movement to Work graduates across the 5 categories and each category is a key pillar in the success of Movement to Work.
Employer of the year recognises those employers going the extra mile to ensure that young people are getting the opportunity they deserve and importantly that leads into meaningful work. The work of the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust exemplifies this and should be an inspiration to us all.
However we know the Movement to Work system works through collaboration and without the training providers and youth outreach organisations the employers cannot do their important work. This award was nominated by employers to those youth charities that had made the biggest impact on them. The Princes Trust received multiple nominations and exemplified what great employer partnership looks like.
Then it comes to the individuals. We know that in order to drive change in a system committed individuals and pioneers are critical to lead the way. Karen Marshall’s work at Accenture was a brilliant example of this driving the agenda with passion and bringing her organisation with her.
Our second individual award was for mentorship, a major theme of the awards. We know that great mentorship is a key driver of lasting success for young people before placements, during placements and in the first year of work. Tracy-Jane Fielding at the Department for Work and Pensions has built this into how she delivers her programmes and personally made a significant impact to many young people in the Hyde area.
And finally the most importantly award of the evening, the Rising Star. Ultimately everything we do is in service of supporting young people into meaningful employment, providing them the opportunity to get on the career ladder and fulfil their potential through work. This award is a chance to showcase one of the thousands of young people who have seized that opportunity. Shajida, congratulations again a richly deserved award and we know you will continue to be an inspiration to young people across the UK.
Award winners
Rising Star
A graduate of Movement to Work who has gone on from their placement to build a career, inspiring people across and beyond their organisation with their achievements
Shajida Akthar
Accenture
Software engineer
Shajida grew up in one of the most deprived areas in the country and because of little encouragement towards education and work she felt restricted in what she could do. After completing a Movement to Work placement, Shajida gained an apprenticeship at Accenture, graduating to become a software engineer and analyst working on significant projects.
Charity of the Year Award
Nominated by employers and awarded to the charity partner that has worked collaboratively with them to scale their impact and find new ways to support young people into employment.
The Prince’s Trust
The Prince’s Trust listens to young people’s concerns in order to provide the best possible support. It helps 11 to 30-year olds who are unemployed or struggling at school to transform their lives. Many are leaving care, facing homelessness or mental-health issues, or have been in trouble. Three in four young supported by Trust move to work, education or training.
Movement to Work Employer of the Year Award
An organisation which has had a significant impact on young people in the UK, pioneering in its approach with a great environment
NUTH
NUTH’s Project Choice is offered to young people aged 16-24 in Newcastle with Learning Difficulties, Disabilities or Autism. The project is part of Health Education England’s programme to support the Widening participation agenda. To date 84% of the Trust’s Project Choice participants have transitioned into paid employment.
Individual Impact Award
An individual who has shown outstanding commitment and contribution to Movement to Work through their organisation and beyond, championing its impact on diversity and inclusion, social mobility and recruitment
Karen Marshall
Accenture
Program & project management associate manager
Karen devised Accenture’s employability programme three and a half years ago. The programme is now well-established, supporting over 100 participants. Her total outreach and engagement activities have reached 15,000 students from schools, colleges and universities, as well as those not in education, employment or training each year.
Mentor of the Year Award
Celebrating the crucial role that mentors play in supporting young people to fulfil their potential.
Tracy-Jane Fielding
Department for Work and Pensions
Movement to Work & Community Site Lead
Between 2017 and 2018, Tracy-Jane (TJ) mentored 29 young people, helping 20 into employment. TJ has completely transformed the lives of many young people who have taken up a Movement to Work placement at DWP. Her passion, empathy and commitment have been described as “outstanding” by her colleagues.