November marks National Care Leavers’ Month, a time to recognise the challenges young people face when transitioning out of care, and to reflect on the role local organisations can play in creating opportunities, fairness and belonging. This year's theme is 'Rising As Me: Overcoming Challenges, Transforming, and Finding Your Identity.'
Care leavers often experience significant disruption in their childhoods, missed education and a range of adversity. These challenges can make the first step into the workplace especially difficult, and statistically, care leavers are more likely to face long-term unemployment. As a major local employer, Corserv recognises that we have a responsibility, and an opportunity, to help change that story.
Our commitment over the last six months
Over the past half-year, Corserv has been actively strengthening its approach to being an inclusive, supportive, and accessible employer for care-experienced young people. This work includes:
A review of recruitment policies - examining where processes may unintentionally disadvantage care leavers and ensuring our application process, shortlisting and interviews are accessible, supportive and inclusive
Manager training and awareness building - led by experienced professionals, a training session was undertaken to deepen understanding around the unique challenges care leavers face, and the practical steps we can make to be better corporate parents
Work experience opportunities - site visits to Castle Gate Quarry near Penzance and the Langarth construction site at Threemilestone provided care leavers a real insight into the world of work in a welcoming, encouraging environment, with return trips planned to both sites, as well as a visit to Newquay Airport
A valuable day of CV skills and mock interviews
On 13 November, a dedicated CV and mock interview day took place with young people from Carefree Cornwall and Step into Learning. Colleagues from across the Group volunteered their time to:
help participants write and refine their CVs and cover letters
run practice interviews and share constructive feedback
offer supportive coaching on interview techniques and expectations
build confidence through encouraging, positive conversations
It was a hugely rewarding day for everyone involved. The young attendees were full of energy, drive, curiosity, resilience and great potential. The courage they showed by simply participating in the day was commendable, and we're excited to see where their journeys could take them.
Following the event, Karen Stephens, Senior Youth Worker for Carefree Cornwall said: “Thank you so much for such an engaging and motivating morning! Everyone put the young people at their ease and supported them with positive encouragement, affirmation and understanding. The young people felt validated and proud of themselves, and they all reported increased self-confidence and readiness for the world of work. Please thank the advisers for actively listening to the young people's needs and interests and pitching their support accordingly. Their sensitivity, flexibility and willingness to adapt the plan to fit each individual's needs empowered the young people and gave them all the opportunity to shine. This is definitely an event that we are very keen to repeat!”
Looking ahead
Corserv remains committed to putting care leavers at the heart of our inclusion work. The steps taken so far are just the beginning. By continuing to listen, learn, and work collaboratively with partners and young people leaving care, Corserv aims to set the standard for what it means to be a responsible and compassionate corporate parent.
Together, we can help open doors, nurture talent, and ensure every young person has the chance to thrive.
Email: contactus@corservltd.co.uk
