Oakengates Town Council first in England to sign ‘Care Leaver Friendly Employers Charter’

Oakengates Town Council became the first Town Council in England to sign the new Care Leaver Friendly Employer’s Charter.

Councillors agreed at a recent meeting to adopt the Charter following an impassioned speech by Cllr. Gilly Reynolds. The Care Leaver Covenant launched by the Government in 2018 is designed to create offers and opportunities for young people with care experience who are living independently.

Borough Councillor, Cllr. Gilly Reynolds said:

“I’m proud that Telford & Wrekin Borough Council supports, cares for, and empowers every young person and child in care. We should make sure that as employers we provide greater opportunities for our young people to be supported into work.”

“I hope that many other businesses and organisations across the Borough commit to supporting young people as they make the important transition to independent living.”

The Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter gives organisations a set of behaviours to work towards to support care leavers to thrive in their workplace.

Oakengates Town Council is committed to supporting young people who have left care and will do all it can to make sure they provide an empathetic and supportive workplace for those who have experienced care.