At Capita, our purpose is simple - to create better outcomes. Our 40,000 strong team across the UK come to work each day to make a genuine difference not only to our clients – many of which lie at the heart of Government and the wider public sector - but to individuals and the communities in which they live.
Partnering with the Department for Work and Pensions
One such client is the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), with whom we’ve partnered for many years delivering critical public services. In January 2021, we launched a new employability programme in Scotland, to find and place newly unemployed people into jobs as part of DWP’s Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) programme. JETS specifically looks to place participants in sectors that haven’t been impacted as severely as others by the pandemic, and where employment is more buoyant.
JETS – a shared purpose
JETS was established to help people who have been out of work and claiming either Universal Credit or New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance for 13 weeks or more. It aims to place job seekers not just into work, but into suitable roles based on their transferable skillsets and career ambitions. It provides them with a personal advisor, helps with IT skills, CV preparation and interview support, and gives a personalised assessment of an individual’s employment support needs.
JETS is a truly tailored programme that really will change the lives of individuals and their families, benefiting wider communities and our collective society. It’s directly aligned with our purpose to improve outcomes.
Since launching in 2021, the JETS programme has successfully helped more than 8,000 individuals to find employment with Scottish businesses across a range of sectors.
JETS – a business point of view
From an individual’s point of view the JETS programme has had a huge impact. But what about the businesses who have used the programme - has it delivered?
The award-winning contract cleaning and facilities management company, Spectrum Service Solutions has seen first-hand the impact of the JETS programme. For Ryan Sutherland and Natalie Scott (Spectrum HR Team), the JETS programme has had a transformational effect.
"Before, we were just going down the traditional route of recruitment", explains Sutherland, referring to posting a job listing and waiting for the CVs to come in. "We found that wasn't working for us anymore. So, we decided to take a more proactive approach and that’s where JETS came in."
The JETS process is much more personal than relying on a faceless CV. Initially, candidates attended an online "speed dating" session with the hiring managers from Spectrum. This meant they could present themselves over a five-minute conversation, showing their interest in the role, regardless of their experience or employment history.
Sutherland instantly saw the benefits of this approach. "We knew the JETS team - in this case, The Lennox Partnership had worked with and supported the candidates up to this point, so we were confident that we were being sent individuals who met our requirements.”
Spectrum’s recruitment journey
For the team at Spectrum, the JETS candidates prove that it isn’t just about the end goal of getting a job, but the journey of developing CVs and interview skills and helping people regain their confidence.
"You can see the difference with an applicant from JETS" confirms Natalie Scott. "They are eager. They're keen. They're good to go, and they want to better themselves.”
Scott continues, “100% of the JETS applicants we've hired have come into the business and excelled. Whether they've been unemployed for months or years, and no matter their level of experience, it's clear that bringing energy and enthusiasm to the role is working for both employees and employers alike.”
Thanks to the JETS programme, Spectrum now looks at recruitment through a different lens and the way they recruit has changed for the better.
According to Antony King, Managing Director & Client Partner for Capita Health & Welfare, the JETS programme has positively impacted other businesses across Scotland. “With nearly 8,000 people placed with Scottish businesses across multiple sectors, I think it is fair to say that JETS in Scotland has been a successful project and one that DWP and all of our employment partners can be very proud of.”
