Session with coaches and social care employers

LinCA was approached by Lincoln Jobcentre (Department of Work and Pensions) to support their work coaches in developing a clearer understanding of adult social care as a career pathway, and the type of individuals best suited to working within the sector.

LinCA brought together care providers from across different areas of adult social care, including residential care, domiciliary care and learning disability services, to demonstrate the breadth and diversity of roles available.

Providers shared insight into the nature of their services, what they offer as employers, and the values, behaviours and attributes they look for in potential employees.

The session was delivered over one hour, with providers rotating around groups of approximately 20 to 25 work coaches, spending 15 to 20 minutes with each group. This interactive format encouraged open discussion and allowed work coaches to ask direct questions of employers.

The event generated high levels of engagement and positive conversation, and the work coaches asked questions that highlight common misconceptions about adult social care, particularly around the variety of roles and the skills required. Feedback suggested that the session increased confidence and understanding, helping work coaches to feel better equipped to promote care as a positive and viable career option.

Job Fair: Translating learning into employment outcomes

Following the success of the awareness session, DWP asked LinCA to support the organisation of a small, targeted jobs fair at Lincoln JobCentre Plus.

LinCA approached care employers who were actively recruiting, including some who had taken part in the earlier myth-busting session. Importantly, work coaches were encouraged to apply what they had learned, inviting customers they felt would be potentially suitable for a career in care based on values, transferrable skills and personal attributes, rather than relying on pre-existing assumptions.

The event proved to be highly successful, creating meaningful conversations between employers and job seekers and leading directly to recruitment activity.  Several employers invited attendees to interview, leading to three job offers by one employer.

Positive feedback after the event highlighted the value of a targeted, sector-specific approach, rather than large-scale, generic recruitment events.