1. Thomas Pocklington Trust Employment Project
Martin Sigsworth

2. Introduction
The Thomas Pocklington Trust is a national charity supporting people with sight loss
Martin Sigsworth is the Head of Employment

3. VI Employment Rates
Unemployment rates for people with sight loss have remained persistently high
Network 1000 survey (2006) showed that only 33% of working age people registered blind or partially sighted were in employment or self-employment
RNIB My Voice survey (2015) found that this rate declined to 27%

4. VI Employment Rates Compared to:
46.3% of working-age disabled people are in employment
76.4% of working-age non-disabled people are in employment

5. “Works for me” Project
We aim to enable people with sight loss in London to fully participate in the workplace

6. “Works for me” Project
The project was designed to fill a gap in services in London for people with sight loss:
Of any working age;
Who are near employment-ready; or
Who want support to retain work

7. “Works for me” Project
We have a two pronged attack which assists both those with sight loss and their employers
The project focus is on linking with employers specifically, rather than provided general skills-based workshops

8. Expected Outcomes Outcomes for VI people:
Increased skills in performing work-related tasks
Increased engagement in work-related activities
Improved knowledge of how to apply for jobs
Improved motivation and self-confidence
Broader career horizons

9. Expected Outcomes Managing visual impairment in the workplace
Increased confidence in disclosing and discussing visual impairment with employers
Increased awareness of in-work support available (Access to Work, reasonable adjustments, trade unions, mentors)

10. Expected Outcomes Employment Rates
Increased participation in recruitment-related activities
Increased number of VI people entering paid employment

11. Unexpected Outcomes Improved ability to develop self-employment
Improved networks – both between clients, and between clients and employers
Increased referrals to other specialist support services

12. Outcomes for Employers
Increased number of VI staff in employer organisations
Increased accessibility of recruitment processes
Increased number of employers taking in VI people in work placements
Increased interest in the project from employers

13. Achievements What adds value to the project for clients:
Tailored support
Supportive and proactive team
The quality of the advice
Open to all ages and all levels of work experience
Bringing employers and people with sight loss together

14. Achievements
19 people have been supported into paid employment out of 45 who received support (success rate of 42%)
120 people have been supported through networking events, workshops, drop in sessions, and one to one support

15. Achievements
Collaboration with employee volunteering meant that 61 professionals from 8 businesses including House of Frasier, Standard Chartered Bank, Mishcon de Reya and British Gas gave 370 hours of volunteering time

16. Thank you!
Any Questions?