Vertas Group Supports Care Leavers Through The Family Business Employment Initiative

Recently, Vertas Group attended an event at Ipswich Town Hall Council Chambers, highlighting the vital work of The Family Business – an initiative created to improve employment prospects for young care leavers in Suffolk. The event was held in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the High Sheriff of Suffolk Yvonne Mason, of Mason Trust, The Family Business, The Care Leaders, and Apprenticeships Suffolk.

The networking event brought together local employers and organisations to explore how businesses can offer meaningful job opportunities to care leavers, a group significantly underrepresented in the workforce and currently facing one of the highest unemployment rates in the county.

The Family Business is an innovative employment model launched by Suffolk County Council. It aims to empower care-experienced young people by providing apprenticeship opportunities, job placements with local employers, and a tailored training and support programme.

As part of Vertas Group’s continued commitment to the initiative, the team also recently attended the Meet the Employer event at Lofty Heights Skills Academy. This provided an opportunity to connect directly with care leavers and share how Vertas Group can support them in finding employment and building careers. At the event, we spoke with Chris Wright, The Family Business Project Manager, to find out more about the project and how employers can support it. Watch the video here.

Speaking after the event, Charlie Close, Learning and Development Business Partner at Vertas Group emphasised the importance of employer involvement in supporting care leavers:

“Supporting care leavers is not just about creating job opportunities; it’s about recognising their potential, offering guidance, and helping build their confidence. The Family Business initiative allows us to make a real difference in these young people’s lives and contribute to a more inclusive workforce.”

Vertas Group remains committed to championing inclusive employment practices and will continue working alongside local partners to support care leavers in their journey toward meaningful and sustainable employment.

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