Policies & Practices for working with Employers Robert Carpenter Imperial College London & ELSG Chair

What are Policies/Practices? Policy (PLAN) - a set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been agreed officially by a group of people or a business organisation. Practice (REGULAR ACTIVITY) something that is usually or regularly done, often as a habit, tradition or custom. Best Practice a working method, or set of working methods, which is officially accepted as being the best to use in a particular business or industry.

Why Develop them? Provides Services with a platform to work from Sets out what users can expect from our services Provides back-up in disputes Allows future development as these practices should be regularly reviewed

Develop Robust Practices to back up the services provided Develop step by step procedures for all services provided for both users and staff Set boundaries Have realistic aims, don’t promise the earth, e.g., by booking a presentation you will get an audience of 100 students. Always be realistic and highlight the limitations as well as the benefits of certain activities

Understand your audience Understand your audience – Employers – SME’s, Specialists, Large multi nationals - Non recruitment specialists, large graduate recruitment teams What do employers want? – Student attraction; Provide information to students; interview/assess students; ultimately recruit and develop students/graduates Develop a series of services to enable employers to attract students – General services – –- Jobs notice board/website –- Careers Fairs –- Recruitment Presentations Specialised Events – –- Skills sessions –- Drop-in sessions –- Industry talks –- Development of relationships with departments Individual Services – –- Sponsorship packages –- Supporters Club/Patrons Club

Service types Events Recruitment FairsVacancy Adverts Employer Developing relationshipsSponsorship Employer

Policies/Practices for Events Develop the event idea – Fair, workshop, etc. Pull together a planning team Outline a schedule of when tasks need to be completed Develop a budget – Estimated costs and profit Research Dates & Venues Develop a marketing plan – Employers & Students Open bookings to employers The Event Gain feedback from all parties – Employers and Students Evaluate the event – attendance, profit/loss, etc.

Developing Relationships Set out a strategy of employers you wish to target – match recruiters with your students needs Approach target employers – at fairs, by post, or telephone Have a plan as to what you want from these recruiters – sponsorship, vacancies, to run skills sessions, etc. Keep regular contact in order to develop the relationship and inform them of any service changes

Vacancy Handling What methods are to be used to advertise vacancies? – Web, notice boards, paper, etc. Do you charge employers to advertise? Do you categorise vacancies – graduate, part-time, internship, placement? Inform employers of your vacancy service Be mindful of legal issues – Minimum wage, discrimination, etc. How do you work with Recruitment Consultancies?

Employer Liaison Specialist Group (ELSG) Our mandate is to represent all AGCAS staff interested in employer liaison issues National & Regional committees Developed Guidelines on – - Working with Recruitment Consultancies - Running Employer led Events We are always keen to hear your views and ideas for future projects. For more information please me at –