Successful launch of SEND Employment Forum

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Employment Forum officially launched on Wednesday 29 November.

The forum offers a platform for local organisations to network and learn more about recruiting young people with SEND.

30 business owners, leaders in SEND and inclusion, and employability leads from local colleges attended the event.

Guest speakers included:

Laura Bladon, Programme Specialist from supported internship programme DFN Project Search
Esther Dame, Equality, diversity, and inclusion Project Officer from Diana Princess of Wales hospital
Anne Hayward, National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) Associate
Suzanne Kavanagh-Mills, Head of Service for Employability at Linkage College
Vicky Kirman, from Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education (GIFHE)

North East Lincolnshire’s supported internship offer has grown considerably over the last 12 months through collaboration with local businesses and organisations.

Organisations can benefit hugely by offering a supported internship programme and are encouraged to find out more.

Councillor Phillip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for Economy, Net Zero, Skills and Housing, said:

“Inclusive business practice is so valuable to businesses and our community. This forum provides a platform for businesses to learn more about offering supported internships and to lead the way in this approach.

“They can open doors to new opportunities for these young people that have many valuable skills to offer.”

Annie Cook, North East Lincolnshire Council’s SEND Employment Forum lead said:

“A supported internship programme might suit an organisation that has equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of their working practice, and who understand the importance of a workforce with unique skills and abilities.”