Thomas Pocklington Trust Employment Project Martin Sigsworth Martin.Sigsworth@pocklington-trust.org.uk

Introduction The Thomas Pocklington Trust is a national charity supporting people with sight loss Martin Sigsworth is the Head of Employment

VI Employment Rates Unemployment rates for people with sight loss have remained persistently high Network 1000 survey (2006) showed that only 33% of working age people registered blind or partially sighted were in employment or self-employment RNIB My Voice survey (2015) found that this rate declined to 27%

VI Employment Rates Compared to: 46.3% of working-age disabled people are in employment 76.4% of working-age non-disabled people are in employment

“Works for me” Project We aim to enable people with sight loss in London to fully participate in the workplace

“Works for me” Project The project was designed to fill a gap in services in London for people with sight loss: Of any working age; Who are near employment-ready; or Who want support to retain work

“Works for me” Project We have a two pronged attack which assists both those with sight loss and their employers The project focus is on linking with employers specifically, rather than provided general skills-based workshops

Expected Outcomes Outcomes for VI people: Increased skills in performing work-related tasks Increased engagement in work-related activities Improved knowledge of how to apply for jobs Improved motivation and self-confidence Broader career horizons

Expected Outcomes Managing visual impairment in the workplace Increased confidence in disclosing and discussing visual impairment with employers Increased awareness of in-work support available (Access to Work, reasonable adjustments, trade unions, mentors)

Expected Outcomes Employment Rates Increased participation in recruitment-related activities Increased number of VI people entering paid employment

Unexpected Outcomes Improved ability to develop self-employment Improved networks – both between clients, and between clients and employers Increased referrals to other specialist support services

Outcomes for Employers Increased number of VI staff in employer organisations Increased accessibility of recruitment processes Increased number of employers taking in VI people in work placements Increased interest in the project from employers

Achievements What adds value to the project for clients: Tailored support Supportive and proactive team The quality of the advice Open to all ages and all levels of work experience Bringing employers and people with sight loss together

Achievements 19 people have been supported into paid employment out of 45 who received support (success rate of 42%) 120 people have been supported through networking events, workshops, drop in sessions, and one to one support

Achievements Collaboration with employee volunteering meant that 61 professionals from 8 businesses including House of Frasier, Standard Chartered Bank, Mishcon de Reya and British Gas gave 370 hours of volunteering time

Thank you! Any Questions?