Jules is a former Working Chance client who took up an opportunity with the civil service through the Going Forward into Employment programme, a government-wide scheme to recruit people who face barriers to employment to the civil service.
“Working Chance was one of the best things that’s ever happened to me, in my lifetime. I think sometimes you look back and think: wow, maybe the conviction was a blessing in disguise.”
“After my conviction, I needed to take steps to try and move on and start over. Another charity I was working with told me about an organisation for women that could support me to find employment. That’s when I found Working Chance.
“In my first meeting with Working Chance we talked about my conviction. I wasn’t pressured to talk about anything I didn’t want to talk about, but they highlighted the importance of me being able to disclose confidently, in order to move on. I knew then, from day one, that they are supporting me and they are going to walk with me on my journey.
“What I loved about the employability coaching was they asked me about the things I loved doing. It wasn’t a case of oh you’ve got a conviction so just settle for any job.”
“Working Chance knew that this job was right up my street because we’re having meetings, we’re talking, they’ve learned who I am.”
“The Going Forward into Employment opportunity came up and I was encouraged to read the job description and apply if it was something of interest to me. And Working Chance knew that this was right up my street because we’re having meetings, we’re talking, they’ve learned who I am. They invest time to get to know you as a person.
“So, I applied, had the interview, and got the job. And it’s been really good, the opportunities are endless. I haven’t felt like ‘oh she’s that person who came in via that scheme’, no one knows. You go in to work and you’re part of the team. Then it’s up to me whether I shine or not. And so far, I think I’ve hit the ground running and I’ve been doing really well.”
“The conviction is a regret, but when it comes to the support that I received afterwards and where I’m at now, I am truly grateful for that particular journey because I’ve actually found the real me."
“The conviction is a regret, but when it comes to the support that I received afterwards and where I’m at now, I am truly grateful for that particular journey because I’ve actually found the real me, not who everybody says I am, but who I am.”
“Now, I’m the Engaging People on Probation Regional Manager for the Southwest region, covering an area from Bristol to Dorset. I never expected to end up in the civil service and managing a region but since I’ve joined, I’ve found there are so many things that I can do. The world really is my oyster.
“It’s been one of the best things that I’ve ever done. I know people wonder ‘how can you say that about a conviction?’ Yeah, the conviction is a regret, but when it comes to the support that I received afterwards, and where I’m at now, I am truly grateful for that particular journey because I’ve actually found the real me, not who everybody says I am, but who I am.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m dreaming. I pinch myself to make sure it’s real. Yeah, it feels dreamy.”