Hiring London’s care leavers – an employer’s view
Figures show that over a third of London’s 17–21-year-old care leavers are not in employment, education or training (NEET).1
In an investigation into care leavers accessing employment, education or training, the London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee heard that there was a “complete lack of understanding” regarding the needs of care leavers amongst most employers.2
In October 2022, the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) launched the Building Happier Futures employment programme, with the aim of recruiting young people with care experience to JLP.3
Tomorrow, the Committee will continue its investigation, speaking with the John Lewis Partnership, about its employment programme and the impact it has had on care leavers in London.
The Committee will also speak with other organisations with similar employment programmes.
The guests are:
3:45pm – 4.30pm:
- Ceira Thom, Head of Learning, Inclusion and Belonging, John Lewis Partnership
- Bradie Marques, Community and Training Manager, Andron Facilities Management
- Amelia Durkin, Associate, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 15 January 2025 from 3.45pm in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
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Notes to editors
- Department for Education, Children looked after in England including adoptions, November 2024
- Economy, Culture and Skills Committee, Transcript of meeting held on 9 December 2025 - Panel 1
- John Lewis Partnership, JLP launches national effort to help care-experienced people into work, 18 October 2022
- A care leaver is defined as a young person aged 16-25 who is or was “looked after” by a local authority on or after their 16th birthday. - Children Act 1989, s.24
- Full agenda papers.
- Marina Ahmad AM, Chair of the Economy, Culture and Skills Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Economy, Culture and Skills Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact Tony Smyth in the Assembly Media Office on 07763 251727 or [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.