Serco’s Restart Scheme in West Central were announced winners of the Excellence in Responsible Business Award against stiff competition at a high-profile ceremony on Thursday 16 March 2023.

The Restart Scheme provides support to individuals facing varied and complex barriers to employment. As part of our service delivery on behalf of the Department for Work and Pension, the contract adopts a number of responsible, sustainable, and social value-oriented activities and projects including:

• Signed up to the Good Youth Employment Charter
• Pledged our support to the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant or EDAC UK
• Working with The Sharan Project to support South Asian women affected by abuse and persecution to learn digital skills
• Providing work experience opportunities
• Delivering cost-of-living roadshows
• Creating a cost-of-living wellbeing pack
• Volunteering for the FareShare UK food charity
• Organising Learning & Development sessions on important topics such as mental health awareness
• Made the Thrive Mental Wellbeing App available to all Participants and staff on the Scheme.

Dal Veysey, Director of Employability for the Serco Restart Scheme, said:

“I’m delighted that all the hard work, determination and focus on social value that the team has delivered has been recognised. Driven by Social Value Lead, Suki Gill, the initiatives that we implement not only put Restart Scheme Participants at the centre, they also empower our people and partners to deliver in a responsible and sustainable way.

"Our Participants face challenging barriers every day including mental health issues, cost-of-living burdens and language constraints. Some are victims and survivors of abuse and need additional tailored support to get into work. Thank you to the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce for the recognition and we look forward to continuing the good work in the years to come.”