Whilst the primary aim of the COASTAL Project is to support individuals experiencing serious illness, disability or social disadvantage, to access appropriate training and employment, we also recognise that in order to do so, there is also a need for support and advice to employers who may be considering the recruitment of such an individual.
Even if the individual being recruited has not been sourced via the COASTAL Project, we will be happy to provide advice if requested.
This page will provide some brief information on the type of support and advice which could be offered by the Project, and how to access it.
In order for the COASTAL Employment Team to meet its aims we need to provide relevant and good quality work placements for our participants.
The best way to do this is to work in partnership with local businesses, charitable groups, and organisations.
By developing a reciprocal relationship with local partners, we hope to achieve four main outcomes:
- Allow our participants to gain relevant and positive work experience, which makes them more employable.
- Have local partners develop a positive opinion of working with participants. Partners should feel that participants add capacity to their organisation, both in terms of manpower, and organisational development.
- Enhance the profile of disabled and disadvantaged individuals, as being capable employees.
- Enhance the profile of local businesses as being well developed and socially responsible organisations.
Many potential partner organisations will not have worked with individuals who have disabilities or who have experienced disadvantage. The COASTAL team and the structured way in which we work ensures that participants and work placement providers receive all the support they need in order to make the process both positive and productive.
- Advice and guidance on developing organisational policies and procedures.
- Opportunities to meet/interview participants before accepting them on placements.
- Access to pertinent information about the participant (taking legal requirements, and the wishes of the participant into account).
- An agreement on the specific role and responsibilities of the participant while they are on placement.
- An agreement on the length of the placement.
- A COASTAL Job Coach, who can directly support the participant while on placement. This support helps the participant learn their role, and reduces the amount of support you will need to provide.
Organisational Outcomes
It is hoped that the outcomes for the organisation(s) will be:
Additional human resource within host organisation.
Development of participants into potential long term employees.
Increased skills in staff.
Increased motivation of staff. Enhanced reputation as an employer.
For further information, by clicking on the link below, you can see, or download, an Employers Information pack, which has been compiled by the COASTAL Team in Neath Port Talbot. Whilst the pack specifically refers to that area, similar services and support are available in all areas of the Project.
How to go about getting advice:
You can either contact the Regional Project Management Team, who are based in Swansea, by using the contact details above, or, the Project has local offices within each of the local authority areas. If you prefer, you could contact the local Project Manager within your area. To find the local contact details for your area, click on the relevant area link below:
We will help and advise you:
The Project is built upon many years experience of supporting individuals experiencing the difficulties and barriers that face people with a serious illness and/or disability. Our Project staff have developed a wide range of knowledge and skills in this field and will be available to advise and support employers who may be prepared to consider employing such an individual, or hosting a work experience placement.
The advice and support given may either relate to an individual person and their recruitment, supervision and management, or may be generic advice on the wider issues of supporting disabled persons within the workplace.
Equality & Diversity:
We would be particularly pleased to advise and assist employers in either introducing an Equality & Diversity Policy within their organisation, or where one already exists, to advise on any possible additions and/or improvements to the policy.
By clicking on the document icons below, you can download examples of a model Equal & Diversity Scheme. The scheme has been developed by the City & County of Swansea and covers all aspects of equality in the workplace. Obviously, not all organisations would require anything so detailed and comprehensive, so our Project staff can help you to tailor a scheme to your specific requirements.
EqualityDiversitySchemeSummary: [37 KB] File Type: [.pdf]
EqualityDiversitySchemeFullVersionSize: [199 KB] File Type: [.pdf]
EqualityDiversitySchemeEasyreadSize: [950 KB] File Type: [.pdf]
This post is also available in: Welsh
