More than 70 employers from across Cornwall came together recently for the Keep Cornwall Working Inclusive Employers event, exploring how organisations can create more inclusive workplaces and better support people to enter, remain and thrive in employment.
Delivered in partnership by Seetec, Cornwall Council, Cornwall Opportunities and the Keep Britain Working team, the event brought employers and local partners together to hear about the wealth of support available across Cornwall – both for people looking to move into employment and those who may be struggling to remain in work due to their physical or mental health.
Throughout the day, employers had the opportunity to learn more about the practical support available locally, while also sharing their own experiences, challenges and ideas for making recruitment and workplaces more inclusive.
Giving Cornwall’s employers a voice
A workshop hosted by the Keep Britain Working team put employers at the heart of the conversation.
Attendees shared their experiences of inclusive recruitment and discussed some of the challenges they face when trying to recruit, retain and support a diverse workforce. Importantly, they were also able to explore what could be done differently to help employers overcome these barriers.
The feedback gathered in Cornwall will contribute to wider work to shape how employers are supported across the country, giving local organisations an exciting opportunity to influence future approaches and ensure the realities facing employers are represented.
An open panel discussion continued the conversation, giving attendees the opportunity to hear directly from people with different experiences and perspectives.
Bringing lived experience to the forefront
One of the most powerful moments of the day came from Vicky, who was supported into employment by Seetec.
participant
Vicky spoke openly about her own journey into work and the barriers she had experienced as a result of her health conditions and learning disability.
By sharing her story directly with employers, Vicky brought the realities faced by many people looking for work to the forefront of the discussion. Her experience highlighted just how important inclusive recruitment practices, understanding employers and the right individualised support can be in giving people the opportunity to demonstrate what they can bring to a workplace.
Her story also reinforced why conversations around inclusive employment need to involve the people whose experiences sit at the heart of them.
Supporting people to stay happy and healthy in work
The event wasn’t only about helping more people into employment. A key focus was also on what happens once somebody is in work and how employers can help people remain happy, healthy and supported throughout their working lives.
For employers, knowing where to turn for advice and support can make a significant difference when an employee begins to struggle with their physical or mental health. The event provided an opportunity to connect businesses with tangible support already available across Cornwall, while identifying where further improvements could be made.
Bringing together more than 80 local employers provided an invaluable insight into the challenges organisations are experiencing and, importantly, the appetite across Cornwall to make workplaces more inclusive.
By continuing to listen to employers, learn from people with lived experience and connect businesses with effective local provision, we can work together to create opportunities where more people are able to find work, stay in work and thrive.
Take a look at some more photos from the day below. And click here to find out more about how Seetec work with employers and local communities to build a happier, healthier workforce.
