Liverpool Chamber Strategic Partners, AI Change Management with the support of Interns from Liverpool John Moores University carried out research to explore and develop a strategic and systemic delivery model that supports young people in developing their careers, raising their aspirations, and enhancing their contribution to Liverpool society
With the support of Interns from Liverpool John Moores University, Ai Change Management sponsored a research enquiry asking the question:
How can we develop a strategic, systemic, delivery model that supports young people in developing their careers, raising their aspirations, and enhancing their contribution to Liverpool society?
Our question was framed in the context of organisation design and the whole systems approach required to bridge the gap between employers and the education sectors. The UK Civil Service departments in our city provided the initial context for enquiry. The aim was to develop a relationship between employers and schools to support students in successfully navigating the Civil Service recruitment process.
Four themes were identified:
1. Factors affecting students in reaching their full potential – Lack of confidence in applying to the Civil Service, and their employability prospects, such as socio-economic background impacting future aspirations, and lack of awareness of opportunities and work readiness skills.
2. Organisational actions and barriers impacting student support and advice included limited networks with the Civil Service; low level awareness of Civil Service roles and skills required; and Curriculum content does not equip students for employment.
3. Improving access to and awareness of the Civil Service as an employer – Civil Service departments are not aligned in their local recruitment strategy, the application process itself can be a barrier, and they do not represent the community they serve.
4. Benefits and options for developing skills and employability – A programme of co-ordinated activities that translates the City’s needs and vision into tangible activity (Empower Events, Experience Days, Life Skills workshops) would open opportunities for a more diverse pipeline of talent.
Based on our extensive experience of designing and delivering assessment centres, we are developing an assessment centre learning product to prepare students to understand and practice the required behaviours to access jobs within the UK Civil Service.
If you would like to find out more information or get in touch, please contact peter@ai-cm.co.uk
Peter Lawrence, Ai Change Management.
Appreciative Inquiry,
Searching for Solutions,
Amplifying what is working
Create and develop what will be