University shortlisted for Green Gown Award

14 Jul 2014

The Works local employment scheme nominated in Social Responsibility category

The Works project – offering jobseekers in communities  neighbouring the University, including Moss Side, Hulme and  Gorton, help to improve their skills and, crucially, employment opportunities – has been shortlisted in the Social Responsibility category.

The Works was developed by the Directorate of Human Resources in 2011 and was subsequently adopted as one of the signature programmes in the University’s strategy for social responsibility. Created through a partnership with other large local employers, including Royal Mail, Barclays and Greater Manchester Police, and with the support of local housing providers it ensures that a number of jobs at the University and beyond are ring-fenced for local people. As a result, since March 2011, 5,000 people have benefited from the support of The Works and the 1,600 local unemployed people have found work.

Assistant Director of Human Resources Steve Grant said: "I am delighted that the university’s work in this arena is being recognised. Making it to the shortlist for the Green Gown Award builds upon our success last year in the THE Awards when The Works won The Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community Award. With partners, we are making a major contribution to the enhancement of the life chances of individuals and their families through the provision of training and by supporting them in to work. The feedback I receive is that the University is now seen as the employer of choice within neighbouring communities and further afield."