Employer Commitments

Provide direct employment for local residents who can demonstrate that their employability and skills can fulfil your recruitment needs. Hiring local employees helps to stimulate the local economy and bring benefits to your business. You can save on recruitment costs and local employees have better work-life balance which can lead to increased productivity. 

Apprenticeships are a productive and effective way to grow talent, develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce and drive business success. They can be used to recruit new staff or help you to upskill an existing member of staff. 

Essex’s free service connects SMEs with larger apprenticeship levy paying organisations to help retain Essex levy within the local economy and increase the number of SMEs who can take on apprentices within the County.  

Commit to an inclusive employee lifecycle, from the recruitment process through to onboarding and talent retention. Use methods to attract, recruit and employ staff that minimises discrimination. Enable all individuals, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), to have equal access to employment opportunities.

Supporting your current and potential future employees through all stages of life and showing an understanding towards the importance of balancing responsibilities in work and personal commitments can help them to maintain employment with your organisation. 

Offering all staff the opportunity to access training, development and progression pathways in their careers, particularly to those in lower banded roles, can ensure your workforce is equipped with the skills it needs for your organisation to thrive.  

There are many actions an organisation can take to protect and improve the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of an employee and their family, including signposting to support services, creating wellbeing policies and educating through Programmes.  

Whatever size business you are get ready for opportunities and requirements of the emerging green economy, develop green skills for a net-zero future and invest in reducing your carbon footprint. There are 8 actions to help you reskill and upskill your workforce. By committing to developing green skills, you enhance your ability to attract and retain talent.

Provide equal opportunities for all genders in recruitment, promotion, and pay. Establish policies to prevent gender discrimination and harassment and encourage professional development initiatives to support underrepresented genders in the workplace.

Your organisation can make a difference to adults who are looking for employment, or who want to change career by providing Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) about your industry and workplace. 

Help us to provide school, college or university students with the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience and develop both transferrable skills and industry specific skills whilst actively contributing to your business.  

Partner with a local school or college to support them in developing a strong careers programme for their students.  Volunteering an employee’s time and business expertise will provide valuable employer insight into your industry and enable them to implement an effective careers strategy which creates opportunities for young people. 

Help us to bring information on the local labour market, your industry, and the wider world of work to life for children and young people by volunteering an employee’s time to support their careers education.  By working with schools, colleges, and/or universities you’ll help to raise awareness of job roles, pathways into industry and prepare them for life after education. 

Engage with local communities by supporting voluntary and community organisations, sharing resources and facilities, sponsoring, and raising funds for local community projects. Volunteer and partner with schools, careers hub and community centres.

Help to create a more productive, sustainable, inclusive economy which benefits all. Support other local business by procuring goods and services from local suppliers. Volunteer providing expert business advice to other local SMEs, entrepreneurs, and social enterprises.