A commercial cleaning company in Rugby has been recognised for its commitment to inclusive employment after achieving Gold status through Warwickshire Skills Hub's Fair Chance Employer Programme.
Solutions Services, a long-standing Fair Chance Employer, has embraced the programme's approach to helping people overcome barriers to employment and has successfully recruited several employees through the scheme.
The company has built its reputation on providing high-quality commercial cleaning services while creating a supportive workplace where people are valued, respected, and able to thrive. Their latest accreditation recognises years of commitment to inclusive recruitment and supporting employees from a wide range of backgrounds.
Solutions Services employs people with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, mental health needs, language barriers and other challenges that can make accessing employment more difficult. The business is also Disability Confident Committed, reflecting its wider commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.
Many employees have joined the company through the Fair Chance Employer Programme, including people entering employment for the first time, returning to work after long periods away from employment, and individuals who have recently arrived in the UK. Some team members who initially joined with limited English language skills have also progressed within the organisation and have now been with the company for more than a decade.
The company says its approach is centred on understanding the individual rather than focusing on any barriers they may face, providing tailored support and reasonable adjustments to help each employee to succeed.
The Fair Chance Employer Programme, delivered by Warwickshire Skills Hub, supports businesses to make recruitment processes more flexible, inclusive and accessible. Employers receive tailored guidance on inclusive recruitment practices, job carving and links to employability support programmes across Warwickshire.
Councillor Rob Howard, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy and Rural Development, said:
"Solutions Services is a great example of how inclusive employment practices can benefit both businesses and local people. By creating opportunities for individuals who may face barriers to employment, the company is helping people to build confidence, develop skills and achieve greater independence, while also strengthening its workforce.
"I would like to congratulate Solutions Services on achieving Gold Fair Chance Employer status and thank them for their commitment to building a more inclusive labour market in Warwickshire. Their success demonstrates the positive impact that Fair Chance employers can have on individuals, businesses and our communities."
Warwickshire Skills Hub's Fair Chance Employer Programme was developed with local employers to help businesses access a wider talent pool while creating more inclusive workplaces. The programme works alongside a range of employment support services, including Warwickshire Supported Employment Service and WorkWell, helping employers and employees access the guidance and support needed to achieve sustainable employment outcomes.
Stacee Callaghan, HR Manager at Solutions Services, said:
"Achieving the Gold Fair Chance Pledge is something we are incredibly proud of because it reflects the values that have always been at the heart of our business. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to work, develop their skills and build confidence, regardless of the barriers they may face. By looking at the individual and providing the right support, we have seen people flourish, progress within the business and build long-term careers with us.
"Working with Warwickshire Skills Hub through their Fair Chance Employment Programme, Warwickshire Supported Employment Service, Connect to Work and WorkWell has been invaluable. The additional knowledge, guidance and support available through these programmes helps both employers and employees, creating positive outcomes for everyone involved.
"For us, success is not simply helping someone into a job. It is seeing them grow in confidence, develop new skills and continue to thrive as part of our team for years to come."
Businesses interested in becoming a Fair Chance Employer or finding out more about inclusive recruitment can email fairchance@warwickshire.gov.uk and the Warwickshire Skills Hub team will be in touch.
Warwickshire Skills Hub supports people across the county to build skills and find meaningful work, as well as support businesses, schools, and communities to grow inclusive and sustainable workforces that meet the needs of today’s evolving economy. To learn more about Warwickshire Skills Hub and how it can help your business, visit https://skillshub.warwickshire.gov.uk/
Pictured (from left to right): Sarah Parrin, Managing Director at Solutions Services, Jade Cleaver, Business Skills Support Officer – Connect to Work at Warwickshire County Council (WCC), Stacee Callaghan, HR Manager at Solutions Services, Laura Delahunty, Business Skills Support Officer – Warwickshire Skills Hub at WCC, and Kate Hutt, Operations at Solutions Services.