Issue 2 2022

As the UK celebrates National ApprenticeshipWeek (NAW) 2022, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has urged levy paying recruitment firms and SME businesses tomake sure they’re benefitting from the potential apprentices bring to firms. Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at APSCo and a DfE Apprenticeship Ambassador, commented: “The theme for this year’s NAW - Build the Future - is very apt given that the Government has just issued its Levelling Up White Paper, which includes a focus on developing the skills needed to support growth across the UK. At APSCo we recognise the need to create a dynamic labour force that is fit for the future, and as part of that we need a skills strategy that supports appropriate development of niche attributes in the workforce. “Having supported APSCo members since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, we’ve found that it has been a largely underutilised resource. Many bigger recruitment firms have substantial levy pots yet are unable to spend this on upskilling their large payroll of agency workers and independent contracting candidates due to the constraints of the levy. “For levy payers and SME businesses, it is possible to collaborate to ensure that funds are being distributed to those that need it and we are working with our own membership to help guide larger employers navigate the red tape to be able to work with SMEs to fund their apprenticeship training costs. Larger employers can also support these SMEs with mentoring and training initiatives building long term, sustainable relationships. “However, we have also called on the Government to broaden the scope of the levy to cover administrative costs and ‘bench’ salaries to facilitate a commercial, realistic and flexible scheme in which recruitment firms can fund ‘flexi-job’ apprenticeships. This would enable the professional development of agency workers across placements.” Tania has recorded two webinars for recruitment firms to signpost how levy paying employers and SMEs can benefit from the scheme which are available to watch here Apsco Urges Levy Paying Employers And Smes To Take Action During National Apprenticeship Week Mentoring charity aims to take a slice of the growing speaker market and launches with varied mix of social entrepreneurs, entertainers and thought leaders. Expert Impact, a charity which has matched more than 400 social entrepreneurs with notable and successful business people as mentors, is launching the world’s first social enterprise speakers agency. Speakers include children’s nurseries founder June O’Sullivan, mine clearance activist Chris Moon, television presenter Michelle Ackerley, and comedian Mark Watson. “We know there is a fertile market for engaging and inspiring speakers. Every booking with us will help create positive social and environmental impact so this is an easy win for companies looking to show their staff and stakeholders that they value purpose in their operations,” said Expert Impact CEO Karen Lynch. “It’s critical they do this to attract and keep the next generation of talent as we know younger people want to see that companies are looking to do more than just making money, “We also think there is a growing appetite from corporates and their staff to hear how businesses with social and environmental aims operate, and we’ll be offering plenty of social entrepreneurs who can share that knowledge with them,” said Lynch. Expert Impact Speakers will offer speakers engagements for all kinds of events, including conferences, award ceremonies and team building days. Expert Impact Speakers is different from other speaker agencies in that, as well as being a social enterprise ourselves, it will specialise in speakers who are diverse, ethically minded and passionate about changing society for the better. Customers will be able to book television presenters, comedians, social entrepreneurs, thought leaders and activists through Expert Impact Speakers. What unites the speakers is that they want their speaking fees to help contribute to a better world. All profits from Expert Impact Speakers will be used to support leaders of social enterprises and charities through Expert Impact Mentoring. Expert Impact’s latest impact report found that turnover increased and jobs were created in the six months following mentoring sessions, and 97% of participants say they would recommend it. For interview requests, please contact [email protected] or 07980 261337. Speakers interested in using their speaking engagements to give back should contact Venita Di Domenico, Head of Speakers at [email protected]. Social entrepreneurs or their peers who regularly speak at events without remuneration or representation who would like to know more should contact [email protected] . Expert Impact was founded as a charity in 2014. Through Expert Impact Mentoring founders or CEOs of social enterprises and charities can “borrow” one of more than 70 business experts, for free, to seek advice on business or organisational challenges. More than 400 charity and social enterprise leaders have used the service to date. Social entrepreneurs are matched to experts according to the particular business challenge they want to address. Experts available include many founders of businesses that are household names, including Sir Charles Dunstone of Carphone Warehouse, Chloe Macintosh of Made.com and famed haircare entrepreneur John Frieda. CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 2 2022 5