ESS Government, specialist provider of foodservice and facilities management to central government, police and secure environments, has utilised Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Social Partner Hub to recruit 16 new team members who were facing barriers to employment.
Launched in 2023, the Social Partner Hub was developed to support those who have traditionally experienced challenges with entering the job market, such as care leavers, the long term unemployed or people with disabilities.
Working with over 50 partner organisations, the platform matches candidates with job opportunities and internships available at Compass. It ensures an inclusive hiring process that caters to the needs of each applicant, meaning candidates are supported throughout, and training is given to hiring managers so they are more aware of a candidate’s needs and potential.
So far, over 270 people have secured paid employment across the Compass business, while over 1,000 have received help with CV and interview training and guidance.
ESS’ Government sector is a successful user of the Hub, with individuals being recruited into kitchen porter and catering assistant roles. Recruitment through this pathway has generated £825k of social value over the past year, measured through the TOM System™.
Wajid and Janut have both found employment at ESS’ West Midlands Police contract:
Wajid commented:
“I really enjoy working in ESS, and to be given an opportunity where I can learn and work in a friendly team.”
Janut commented:
“I’ve gained lots of confidence since starting my job and was really well supported when applying with the Compass Social Value Hub.”
Jemma Hodgson, ESS client at West Midlands Police, commented:
“I’m pleased that ESS has used the Compass Social Partner Hub to recruit team members for the two ESS operated cafés at our sites.
“It is important that people who have typically been excluded from the job market are given opportunities to learn and earn, in meaningful roles. I am pleased that they have been able to do that on West Midlands Police premises.”
Sonia Murtagh, Social Partnerships Resourcing Lead at Compass Group UK & Ireland, commented:
“Hospitality is a barrierless industry with many opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background. We’re incredibly proud that we can offer support and the first rung on the career ladder to people who have been struggling to get into employment. As part of our Social Promise, we want to be a force for good and a real driver of social mobility in the UK, and it’s extremely heartening to see the success of the Hub.
“As well as helping people secure roles, we’re continuously learning about some of the real challenges faced by candidates in difficult circumstances. This is helping us to identify more suitable roles and better support people to ensure they can secure and stay at the job or work placement, which we hope will increase the long-term impact of the initiative.”
The Hub was launched as part of Compass Group UK & Ireland’s focus around creating opportunities, through 'Our Social Promise' – a commitment to positively impact one million lives by 2030 through jobs, training, community engagement and development.
