BUSINESS FIRST INNER 3-38:Layout 1 9/6/08 16:32 Page 25
SKILLS AND TRAINING 25
Case study
Tom Crawford, one of our customers based in East Sussex,
developed epilepsy as an adult, as the result of a car fire, which
meant the loss of his job (which required driving). He joined us as a
Workstep client and set up in business as a self employed
photographer. Much of our work with Tom was around negotiating
the benefit system – helping with forms and red tape. His business
has gone from strength to strength (and he also now works as RBLI’s
‘official’ photographer). Tom says, ‘To say that RBLI helped me back
on my feet is an understatement. They certainly went the extra mile.’
to be the same as in every other case, namely: Will they turn up?
Will they be able to do the job? Will they be reliable?
It is here that RBLI can provide an essential service as a broker
between the individual and the employer. Our ethos, which we are
keen to demonstrate, is to put the right person forward for the right
job (in other words for a job that we know they can do) – in this way
their level of disability becomes incidental to their ability to work. We
know from experience that our customers are determined, highly
motivated and keen to work (exactly what every employer is
looking for).
As well as helping our customers find employment we also provide
in-work support, to ensure that they settle in successfully to the new
job. (Alongside this aspect of our service we can advise on
disability awareness and the availability of state funding for any
modifications to premises or equipment that may be required.)
There are many reasons why employers like to work with us.
Partnering a heritage charity like RBLI is a way employers express a
strong sense of Corporate Social Responsibility. They know that by
working with us they will be demonstrating their commitment to their
own employees and the wider community.
On a more basic level, you want employees who will turn up, stay
until close of play and work with enthusiasm in the meantime.
There is also the not insignificant matter of cost. Employment
If any of the above rings true in your own organisation then perhaps
agency charges can be astronomical and, similarly, advertising for
you ought to consider talking to us. You may have heard of Royal
staff in the wider media can also greatly inflate recruitment fees.
British Legion Industries (RBLI) – almost certainly you will recognise
RBLI receives funding from central government and therefore does
the poppy logo. not charge employers any costs relating to the employment of our
customers. It is worth repeating, our employment services
We are proud to be one of the UK’s most established and relating to our Pathways customers are free.
respected charities. We work with thousands of people from all
communities and backgrounds who are challenged by disability or Through our involvement with SEEDA we are keen to build
ill health and want to find meaningful employment. We work with relationships with as many employers as possible and to ensure that
employers and other agencies to ensure that the transition through the services we provide and the people we represent are well
to employment is an ongoing success. known throughout the region. Our aim is to become a logical first
choice for employers in the South East who are recruiting new
We are currently working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus to deliver members of staff.
Pathways to Work in both Kent, Surrey and Sussex. In all three
districts we will be helping over 12,000 people each year look for I’d like to invite you to contact RBLI, to see if we can help you recruit
and find work. (Pathways is a new and nationwide government and retain the level of staff you need to ensure that your business
programme for people with health conditions and disabilities.) grows from strength to strength.
Many employers, especially at the SME level, have concerns about For further details of the services RBLI offers please contact:
employing a disabled member of staff, precisely because costs of John Chater
employment can be so high. Perhaps it is no surprise that the John.chater@rbli.co.uk
concerns an employer has in recruiting a disabled person turn out 01622 795968
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84