How EF develops people’s skills and strengths to build positive futures
As a university graduate looking for your first job, you’re faced with unpaid internships or low paid ‘graduate’ jobs, often described as ‘a stepping stone’ or work experience. Research carried out by The Sutton Trust found that 46% of graduates under 24 have done an internship and over a quarter of graduates have worked as an unpaid intern. The figures speak for themselves, and it’s clear we have a lack of appropriately paid graduate jobs pitched at the right experience. We see plenty of job advertisements displaying “graduate level roles” that require a minimum of two years paid experience – a contradiction in itself.
Several of my friends look at me with confusion when I mention regular supervisions, yearly appraisals, and ample opportunities for honest feedback about my role and progression. I feel grateful that at Emerging Futures (EF) this is the bare minimum and standard practice. Staff development and progression is something the organisation values so highly and strives to achieve with every staff member.
Increasing employee skillset
At EF our coaching pathway nourishes those wanting to develop their passions for recovery into paid roles and careers and this theme runs through the whole organisation. Our future managers have opportunities to complete internal and external courses for their own development at no extra cost to them. If you have a passion for delivering training or writing workshops, you are supported to do this and develop those skills within your role.
As one of the first administrators here, I’ve developed a range of skills and taken on more and more responsibility based on my interests and goals. I’ve been given autonomy to make decisions around training, recruitment, and marketing, whilst completing a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Operational Management through Acumen Coaching. In each supervision I am asked about training and development. What would I like to learn, what do I enjoy and where do I need more support? A constant reminder that progression and development is valued.
Hard work, passion, and competency is recognised and celebrated and those who want to grow with the organisation have the opportunity to do so. Half the members of our Joint Leadership Team have progressed into management roles with us. Continued growth means we are developing new roles and more capacity for staff to progress. A new training package also includes mandatory leadership training for all new managers and specialist management supervision is provided to ensure staff are supported with their additional responsibilities.
Diversity and inclusion
Emerging Futures prides itself on employing individuals with lived experience of recovery, however we also value those who bring different experiences to the organisation. Diversity is key in ensuring we continue to be an honest and accountable organisation which supports staff to develop their passions and grow.
Are you interested in joining our growing team? Take a look at our vacancies here
