Project SEARCH named ‘Leader of Inclusivity’ at regional Leadership Awards

A supported employment internship programme, based at Derriford Hospital, which supports young adults with learning disabilities towards paid employment, has won an NHS award at a glittering ceremony in Bristol.

The exemplary work of Project SEARCH, assisting young adults with learning disabilities to reach their goal of paid employment, was recognised at the “2014 South West Leadership Academy Awards” achieving top spot for “Leader of Inclusivity” category.

The project, now in its fifth year, is a partnership formed between Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Pluss, Serco and City College Plymouth, who have come together to offer interns with developmental difficulties a pathway into paid employment. The interns work within Derriford Hospital five days a week for an academic year, whilst completing a Level 1 Diploma in Progression. So far, 69% of the graduate interns have gained paid employment.

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust is proud of its involvement in the Project which has resulted in graduate interns being employed by the Trust in a variety of roles including portering, pharmacy and administration. Each time an intern gains paid work, it stimulates fresh enthusiasm from other departments to be part of the programme, resulting in over 50 offers of internships within the Trust.

Jayne Middleman, Organisation Development Facilitator at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Project SEARCH interns make exemplary employees, with outstanding attendance, timekeeping and work ethics. It makes good business sense to employ them, as the interns have helped us to create a stable workforce, reduced our recruitment costs, reduced staff turnover and confirmed our view that having a diverse workforce that reflects your customer base is something that all businesses should strive to achieve.”

“When I first started working with Project SEARCH, five years ago, I knew it could be a success, just how successful it has been, has surprised even me.”

Pip Critten, Employment Advisor for Project SEARCH, said: “I am positive about the way the four partners work together, putting the interns and their goal of paid employment at the centre of everything they do. One of the keys to our success is the way each partner is fully on board with the ethos of the programme and will ensure that, where needed, processes can be reasonably adjusted to allow the interns to shine and achieve at the highest level.

“Being part of Project SEARCH is a huge privilege and humbling experience, supporting these young adults to achieve and develop beyond their dreams is immensely rewarding.”

Lewis Barenskie, who has cerebral palsy and learning difficulties, is a current intern on Project SEARCH. Lewis is working hard and is determined to achieve his dream of paid employment. He was delighted to attend the awards ceremony.

He said: “I really enjoyed meeting other members of the Trust and I liked the way they presented the awards, because we got to celebrate everyone’s successes and achievements. Project SEARCH is a fantastic programme because I am learning new skills which I hope will lead to full-time employment, hopefully with the Trust.”

Cassie Astles, a graduate intern from the project, who now works as a full-time administration assistant within Derriford Hospital, represented the 23 interns who have gained paid employment through the project.

Cassie said: “I enjoyed dressing up and going to a posh do, it was well organised and a nice evening. Having a paid job has made me more independent and I am able to buy the things I need without asking my Mum. Being on Project SEARCH changed my life as I am now more confident and I go out more on my own and less with my family.”
Together with Learning Supports, City College tutor Zenta Zubka-Hill, ensures that the educational elements of the programme are met, which is a huge achievement for Interns to undertake alongside working in the Hospital.

Zenta said: “However, the key to the success of the Project lies in the way the four partners work together and bring their different strengths to the partnership. It is important to remember that we would not be honoured with this this accolade if it were not for the support of innumerable very committed people within the wider Derriford Team. Being part of Project SEARCH Derriford and the Interns’ journey has been the highlight of my career.”

Serco enjoys a very positive relationship with Project SEARCH, and are proud to be part of an initiative that supports young people with learning disabilities, helping them to gain meaningful work experience.

Nick Pugh, Health Director for Serco explained: “Our involvement with all interns past and present has also enabled our own staff to progress in their roles, our teams act as mentors which they thoroughly enjoy, helping the interns to fully integrate into our workforce. We have employed seven previous interns from Project SEARCH. These valuable individuals are dedicated, conscientious and reliable. Serco are delighted to be partners in such a great project.”

For further information about the programme contact Pip Critten, Employment Advisor for Plymouth Project SEARCH on 01752 439008 or 07771 967804.