HINDHEAD-based Adventure Holidays centre PGL leads the pack as a shining example of inclusive recruitment

Last Thursday, Minister for Family Support Justin Tomlinson visited the Marchants Hill centre to see at first hand the benefits of PGL Travel’s care leaver employment programme

He called on other businesses to follow its lead and sign up to the government’s See Potential campaign

The care leaver employment programme helps some of the UK’s most vulnerable young people to find work.

Last year, there were almost 38,000 young people, who had been fostered or grown up in care homes, aged 17 to 21.

One-in-three care leavers were not in education, employment or training. 

The 2013 cross-government strategy for young people leaving care, introduced policies and practices so care leavers were better supported across a number of areas including health, employment and housing.

The strategy was enhanced in 2016, to increase and improve the help provided to care leavers by government and society.

PGL employs care leavers in a number of its UK holiday activity centres and recognises they may have wider needs that can present a challenge during recruitment and employment.

Its staff are trained to provide the right support to help smooth the transition into employment, ensuring all staff have the best start at PGL, regardless of background. Help includes the provision of onsite accommodation and food, assistance with references and a range of training and qualifications.

The minister praised PGL’s work and met care leaver Taylor Dalzell, who works as a catering assistant at the site.

He also heard from members of the PGL recruitment team about how the company is providing employment opportunities to young people leaving care.

Mr Tomlinson said: “The talents of too many unemployed people are being overlooked, with many facing barriers to work.

“When young people like Taylor are given a little bit of extra support or advice, it’s inspiring what they are able to achieve.

“We’re encouraging businesses to do more to tap into the skills, experience and insight of a diverse workforce with our See Potential campaign and PGL is a great example of a business getting it right.”

Taylor added: “I had previous jobs after leaving care, but they were all dead end. I went to PGL on a school trip as a kid and the chance to come and work here was absolutely amazing. I’ve made a community of friends here and there’s lots of opportunity to progress.

“I’m a catering assistant at the moment and am looking towards becoming a chef in a year or two.”

PGL recruitment manager Paul Flitney said: “We’re really proud to be recognised for our investment in our staff.

“The real PGL difference is in our people – we know how to bring out the best in young people and that’s not just limited to our guests.

“For many young people who have left care, getting a job can feel like a daunting step. We provide a safe, friendly working environment, to help our staff get the best start and to thrive in employment with PGL.”

PGL Marchants Hill was given the green light to expand its Hindhead centre by Waverley planners in February.

The application for four new buildings for guests and staff to provide accommodation for 1,038 people, a new classroom, kitchen extension plus enlarging the lake, triggered more than 40 objections.

Consent was granted subject to a number of conditions, including PGL contributing to the cost of two vehicle-activated speed signs and repairs to the road in Cricket Close, and by agreeing its coaches should not use Beacon Hill Road.

Urging the scheme be granted, Hindhead councillor Peter Isherwood, said: “When heavy lifting is required for Beacon Hill Christmas lights, PGL staff lend the muscle.

“They are good neighbours and they get the younger generation away from their Xboxes to enjoy the fresh air and activities.”