Fairness Report 2018 Fairness Annual Report 18 | Page 14

Accord Equality & Fairness Annual Report 2018 Facts: What employers say about apprenticeships Case study Working Together Pilot Outcomes and Achievements 67% of employers said that employing apprentices improved the image of the sector Apprenticeship Facts The project has achieved significant reach in terms of engaging under-represented and key priority groups including non­traditional jobseekers, women, lone parents, BAME communities, people with disabilities and health conditions including mental health needs, older residents and those with an offending background. 69% of employers say that staff retention improved 25% of consumers are willing to pay more for products from a business employing apprentices 78% of employers said apprentices improved productivity Employment 73% of employers say that employing apprentices raises staff morale 74% of employers say that apprentices improve quality Sustainment Definition The definition aligned with DWP mainstream provision. • For JSA claimants - a job sustains for a minimum of 26 weeks. • For other types of claimants, a job sustains for a minimum of 13 weeks. Post-employment support was a key part of the sustainment model. Leadership Accord has participated in the Eurhonet Junior Executive Academy since 2014, nominating staff from a variety of our teams to take advantage of a great opportunity to network with other housing associations across Europe, work on a project and take away best practice. Around twenty participants each year become acquainted with portfolio management techniques and work together in mixed teams on establishing philosophies and strategies to promote the development of problematic housing areas. The project has been successful in addressing long-term unemployment and economic activity Soft Outcomes We were also successful in getting a member of staff into the final of Housing 24’s Young Leader competition 2018 and following on from this we have been asked to be involved in the 24Housing Young Leaders Focus Group to help discuss how they can improve the whole Young Leaders offer. Volunteering In addition, accross Accord we have in excess of 100 regular volunteers: 49 in Care & Support 46 in Specialist Support 12 at Old Tree Nursery 12 13