John Lewis Partnership has revealed a strategic plan to employ over 300 young individuals with care experience by early 2025.
This initiative is a crucial element of the retailer’s “Building Happier Futures” programme, showing a profound commitment to social responsibility and career development.
John Lewis Partnership’s New Initiative
John Lewis Partnership has committed to hiring over 300 care experienced individuals by January 2025. This initiative is part of their expansive “Building Happier Futures” programme, which aims to create career opportunities for people who have been part of the care system. This programme reflects John Lewis’s dedication to corporate social responsibility by fostering inclusivity within the workforce.
Fostering Care and Skill Development
Aligned with Foster Care Fortnight, John Lewis has been actively involved in various supportive activities. For instance, Waitrose chefs conducted a cooking masterclass for foster families at its Kings Cross cookery school. This initiative fosters a bonding experience while imparting essential culinary skills to young adults.
Such efforts are crucial in equipping young care experienced individuals with skills beyond the classroom, providing them with practical knowledge that can be utilised in various life situations.
Leadership’s Vision and Commitment
“We are passionate about improving the lives of young care experienced people,” stated Sharon White, chair of the John Lewis Partnership. By employing dedicated employability schemes, the company seeks to bridge the gap of opportunity that has long existed due to systemic challenges faced by care experienced youth.
Through the “Building Happier Futures” programme, John Lewis is keenly focused on skill and experience enhancement for these individuals, assisting them in achieving successful career paths.
Financial Support and Community Engagement
The “Building Happier Futures” programme has secured over £2 million in funding through contributions from customers, suppliers, and staff. This substantial financial backing underscores the community’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups.
Such financial support propels the programme’s goals, enabling diverse support services and initiatives that aim to uplift care experienced individuals, ensuring they are prepared for long-term success in their chosen careers.
A New Brand Led by Care Experience
October marked the launch of “Made With Care,” a lifestyle brand curated by designers and creators who have grown up in the care system. This brand is a celebration of the “Building Happier Futures” programme’s first anniversary and represents the talent and potential present within the care experienced community.
The brand underscores John Lewis’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, offering a platform for care experienced individuals to express their creativity and heritage.
By providing a space for these individuals to thrive, John Lewis is fostering a positive narrative around care experience and its potential impact on society.
John Lewis’s Broader Social Agenda
Beyond “Building Happier Futures,” John Lewis has consistently demonstrated its commitment to social causes, aligning its business strategies with ethical practices. The company’s involvement in enhancing the lives of individuals with care experience illustrates its dedication to making a tangible social impact.
Through sustained efforts and programmes, John Lewis continues to set an example in the retail industry, underlining the importance of corporate responsibility in creating equitable opportunities for all.
Future Outlook and Continued Efforts
Looking ahead, John Lewis is set to continue its outreach and development efforts, engaging with more communities and expanding its programmes. By 2025, the goal to hire 300 care experienced individuals will mark a significant milestone, reflecting the company’s ongoing dedication to social inclusivity and empowerment.
The commitment by John Lewis to employ such individuals underscores the importance of corporate responsibility in social inclusion.
As the programme develops, the retailer aims to cement its role as a leader in ethical employment practices, setting a benchmark in the retail sector.
