Advanced has signed a partnership agreement with UK registered charity Astriid to access a primary source of talented recruits who are affected by disability or chronic illness – including long-Covid.
The deal will see candidates sourced for five initial roles across Advanced’s regional hubs. Roles will include entry level project managers, software developers and customer service agents. It is hoped that this number will expand to up to 15 hires within the first year of the arrangement.
Advanced has been assigned an Astriid champion who will work as an account manager with the internal HR team to identify which vacancies will best suit the type of candidates that Astriid holds on its database. These opportunities are predominantly characterised by flexibility, location and part time or job share possibilities. Astrid will then help Advanced have open discussions about making reasonable adjustments where required to support potential employees with health issues.
Representing a significant and valuable part of the UK workforce, many people with long-term health conditions want to be able to work and make a meaningful contribution, gaining a sense of normality, routine, challenge and reward, and ultimately improve their overall well-being and mental health.
Alex Arundale, chief people officer at Advanced, said: “In England alone, 15 million people are living with one or more long-term health conditions. The consequence is an invisible talent pool of skilled professionals who have expertise and experience but may need some flexibility and an inclusive workplace to be able to contribute. Our partnership with Astriid is a further commitment on our journey to create an equitable and inclusive place where people can thrive. It will enable us to continue to improve our approach and benefit from the many years of experience and education that these candidates have to offer.”
Steve Shutts, CEO of Astriid, added: “This partnership is a first for Astriid and represents a growing confidence and demand for the service we provide. Those that are chronically ill or disabled make up a staggering one in four of the UK’s workforce, yet frequently face discrimination from employers. Astriid bridges the gap between businesses and skilled professionals who have long-term health issues. If you’re an organisation that wants to deliver on its D&I commitment, it can be hard to find the talent that exists. We have over 1,400 candidates who have value to offer, so it’s a win-win.”
