Serco UK & Europe signs the Care Leavers Covenant

Serco, the international provider of critical government services, announces that it has signed the Care Leavers Covenant and the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter, as part of its commitment to provide meaningful opportunities for young people aged 16 to 25 who have spent time in care.

As part of Serco’s recruitment support, the company will offer a guaranteed interview as well as constructive feedback to anyone who applies through Serco’s Pathways Programme and meets the minimum criteria for the role.

Pathways is designed as a fair, supportive and lasting route into employment for people who face structural barriers to work and ensures opportunity is in reach for everyone.

Through tailored career pathways, applicants will have access to a wide range of roles and apprenticeship programmes, giving young people who have experienced care the chance to earn while they learn and progress into long term careers across Serco.

Every care leaver joining Serco will receive tailored mentoring and development opportunities, which have been informed and shaped with the input of colleagues who have experienced care. Each new joiner will also be assigned a workplace "buddy" to provide informal support and guidance in navigating the organisation.

Shaun Stacey, Serco UK & Europe Chief People and Culture Officer said:

“Serco is committed to helping the most vulnerable people in society to build safer, better futures.

“The foundation of thriving communities is inclusion, yet too many people - whether because of their care experience, long term unemployment, a criminal record, military transition or homelessness - face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing meaningful work. We believe that when people who have faced unfair barriers to work are given the opportunity to contribute their skills, experience and potential, we all benefit.”

Matthew Gordon OBE, Chief Executive at Spectra which delivers the Care Leaver Covenant for the Department for Education, said:

“We are so pleased that Serco has joined the Care Leaver Covenant network.

“We know that public service, and the social value it generates, is at the heart of Serco’s business.

“It is clear Serco is committed to sustainable employment opportunities and inclusive employment practices. So, developing a dedicated Care Leaver Opportunity and Career Programme is a natural fit for Serco.

“As a leading strategic supplier to Government, making a difference is already in Serco’s DNA with its purpose to impact a better future. We are looking forward to supporting the delivery of its social value commitment, co-designing people-centred solutions that make a positive impact on people, place and the planet.”

The detail:

• Eligibility: Care leavers aged 16 to 25 who have been looked after for at least 13 weeks since the age of 14 are eligible.
• How to apply: Applicants should visit the Serco Careers website and identify themselves as care-experienced in our recruitment tracking system. Career Paths | Serco Careers
• Contact: For guidance before or during your application, please contact: mailto:[email protected] Pathways | Serco
• Serco Pathways Programme: Supports people who’ve faced systemic barriers to employment - including prison leavers, those with criminal records, military veterans, care leavers and people who have experienced homelessness. Pathways provides access to long-term, meaningful careers across Serco.