Refugee Week: support people with refugee backgrounds back into work

The Launchpad Collective (TLC) aims to enrich society by working collaboratively with employers and jobseekers to unlock refugee talent - driven by the lived experience of refugees to create long-lasting employment relationships, highlighting the importance of togetherness and diversity in the workplace.

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival that celebrates the contributions and resilience of refugees. So, as part of Refugee Week on 17-23 June, here are a few ways that your business can support people with refugee backgrounds back into work through The Launchpad Collective.  

Mentoring opportunities – work with aspiring entrepreneurs & job seekers

We’re always looking for mentors – to support aspiring entrepreneurs starting their new business or job seekers to complete job applications, cover letters or CVs, searching for suitable jobs or vocational courses, or preparing someone for an interview. Our volunteering opportunities are flexible, they can be online or in-person and work around your hours.

Work experience – offer an insight

We run a very successful Work Experience week at Depot, Lewes and would love to find more similar opportunities for our clients. It is so important for refugee job seekers to have UK based work experience on their CV, it’s vital to help them back into work.  

Conversations about Work – share your expertise

We run a series of online talks open to refugee job seekers all over the UK, these are about different sectors “Working as a Driver”, or general employability areas such as “How to build your confidence”, “Starting your own business” or “How to be your best at a job interview”. This is a chance to share your expertise from your sector with an informal online 30 minute presentation followed by a 30 minute Q & A.

Hiring staff – take our free online course

Interested in hiring, but not sure how where to start? Our inclusive recruitment toolkit is made up of six accessible topics that will help your business feel more confident hiring someone from a refugee background – and it only takes 45 minutes to complete. We can also help connect your business to the talent you need, get in touch with our team. 

There are lots of ways you can support someone’s pathway to employment. If you’d like to get involved, contact our team, we’d love to have a chat and see how we can work together. 

A big thank you to Summerly Devito from The Launchpad Collective. Find out more about their vital work, on their website. 

To find out more about employing refugees, check out some of Brighton Chamber's top tips below.

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk