National Accolade for the Jobs Hub
Less than a year after it opened on Greyfriars in Bedford Town Centre, Bedford Borough Council's pioneering Jobs Hub has received national recognition for the results it has achieved in supporting residents into work, training and business. The Jobs Hub won the 'Delivering Better Outcomes' category at the Municipal Journal Awards 2013, after a remarkable first eleven months of supporting the employment prospects of local residents.
The Jobs Hub saw off intense competition for the accolade, after impressing the judging panel with its clear strategy, commitment to providing a first-class service and formidable record of delivering real customer outcomes.
Since opening in July 2012, the Jobs Hub has seen a footfall of over 7000 customers and has supported residents in accessing a wide range of work, training and self-employment opportunities.
Funded by the Bedford Borough Partnership Board, Jobcentre Plus and Bedford Borough Council, the service works with employers, training partners and a network of volunteers, to host workshops and open days designed to provide advice and guidance for people of all ages who are looking for personal or professional development.
Lib Dem Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson said; "This award is welcome recognition of how our commitment and innovation in supporting local residents into work, training and business is making a real difference."
"Since its inception, the Hub has been dedicated to helping the career aspirations of residents of all ages and I am delighted for the staff, partner organisations and everyone involved that it has received this well-deserved national recognition."
The Jobs Hub works to support residents into work, training or business through a variety of means, including job matching, workshops and tailored careers advice. By working closely with major new employers in Bedford Borough such as Premier Inn, Brewers Fayre and Morrisons on recruitment days and interviews, for example, it has given local unemployed residents the best possible chance to benefit from the opportunities they present.
For further information about the Jobs Hub, contact 01234 223510, email thejobshub@bedford.gov.uk or visit www.bedfordjobshub.co.uk.