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Looking to 2023 with Futures

An end-of-year wrap in numbers

Over 400 businesses supported  

36,000 individuals supported 

Over £14 million in funding secured across 7 new contracts

 

Futures are a business driven by the ideology that professional success is for both businesses and individuals. We believe this lies in a happy, motivated and skilled workforce, and people who feel they’re able to contribute to society through the work they do. 

We have dedicated another year to showing employers a different way of being and doing business while preparing our communities to establish sustainable careers that are vital to the economy.  

Supported over 400 businesses with recruitment and retention 

Offering pillars of support to local businesses  

Despite the UK economy facing challenges, new analysis from the global hiring platform, Indeed, does not paint a picture of doom and gloom but instead of continued resilience.  

As of December 2022, we saw a new post-pandemic high with UK job opportunities 50% higher than in 2020. We can testify to the resilience of the businesses in the East Midlands and East of England through our work supporting over 400 organisations in attracting and retaining their workforce this year.  

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:  “Wage growth is expected to remain high for now with retaining existing staff and attracting new talent becoming priority for many businesses going into next year.” 

We continuously review our corporate offering and recently launched the Future Five pillars, a package of services designed to support a businesses every workforce need in 2023.  

 

Expansion on the horizon  

Through the procurement of seven new funding contracts, Futures can take further strides forward in supporting people of all circumstances and continue to close the gap for those who are disengaged in the community.  

Throughout 2023, new provision and services will become available across the East Midlands and East of England as a result of these new contracts with the Social Prosperity Fund, Adult Education Budget, National Skills Fund, Multiply and the National Careers Service which will be delivered alongside our Restart contract to ensure we can support and empower many more individuals with their career goals and aspirations . 

Listening to the needs of our schools, universities and businesses 

Futures are delighted to have joined Local Skills Improvement Plan Steering Groups in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. This is vital in helping us build key strategic partnerships with colleges, universities and employer representative bodies, as well enhancing our ability to shape and respond to skills priorities.  

 

 Expansion of our award winning SEND provision  

As a business we are whole-heartedly committed to providing the same level of quality life opportunities to all members of our community. The work of our Life Chances Fund project and Young Peoples team saw Futures finalists across six award ceremonies in 2022.  

"To have been recognised as finalists across six different awards and a total of 8 categories is a testament to the passion and dedication of our teams. I could not be more proud of the work they have done to make being nominated for these awards possible. We are honoured to have won the Transforming Lives category at the MJ awards and the Best Newcomer category at CYPA."   - Amanda Payne, Director of Operations

Futures have now secured a brand new funding contract within UKSPF- Core People & Skills in Nottingham. This is a community employment programme targeting NEET young people aged 16-29, with health conditions or SEND, in the youth justice system or leaving care.  

We are exceptionally proud of the work we have done in 2022 and look forward to continuing to deliver quality services, aligned to the priorities of local people, stakeholders and communities that impact the lives of our customers. Our focus will continue to be on ensuring that local residents benefit from the support we offer – whether upskilling, retraining, or finding and sustaining meaningful employment. Sandra Cowley, Director Strategy Growth and Partnerships

Finalists in six awards for our 2022 SEND provision