Wiltshire Council has celebrated employers from across the county who are helping young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) take positive steps into employment.

At the recognition event held last week (23 June), organisations were presented with Bronze, Silver, Gold and Supported Employment Champion awards as part of the Wiltshire SEND Employer Champion Scheme. The Scheme recognises employers who work alongside the council and its partners to provide inclusive, supportive workplace opportunities for young people with SEND that was started two years ago by Wiltshire Employment Support Team (WEST), the council’s in-house supported employment team.

Awards reflect different levels of employer involvement, from workplace visits and mock interviews to supported internships, working interview placements and paid roles. This year’s event also included the council’s first ever Gold Employer Champion awards, alongside Supported Employment Champion recognition.

Cllr Jon Hubbard Cabinet Member for Children Services and SEND, said: “It’s genuinely inspiring to see so many Wiltshire employers stepping forward to support young people with SEND. These businesses are proving that with the right mindset and the right support, inclusive employment is not only possible but hugely positive for everyone involved.

“Whether it’s offering a workplace visit, a supported internship placement or paid employment, every employer taking that first step is helping a young person build confidence, skills and a future. I’d strongly encourage more employers across the county to get involved and be part of something that makes a real, lasting difference.”

Paul Ashman from Idverde Wiltshire, who has been involved in supporting young people with SEND and attended the event, said: “Our work with young people with SEND continues to shape the way we deliver community outreach. At Idverde Wiltshire, we have developed a deeper understanding of the diverse needs of young people, and each member of our team has strengthened their communication and delivery skills as a result.

“From a wider business perspective, this experience has given us valuable insight into the challenges young people with SEND face when entering employment. It has also reinforced just how much of an asset these young people can be to employers, bringing unique strengths, perspectives, and talents to the workplace.”

Ana from Middlefields House, who also attended the event, said: “The event on Tuesday was amazing, it is lovely to see other employers doing the same. It’s an honour to be able to give opportunities to the ones who need it. Working with SEND is very rewarding as you can see that person develop into an independent and confident young adult. I really enjoy our partnership.”

Employers recognised through the SEND Employer Champion Scheme:

Awarded Bronze:

Calne Leisure Centre (Wiltshire Council); DoubleTree by Hilton (Swindon); Business Cyber Centre (Chippenham); Whatley Manor (Malmesbury); ESS Defence (Corsham); FM Services (Trowbridge, Wiltshire Council); Longleat; Centre Parcs (Longleat Forest); McDonald’s (Trowbridge); The Arc Climbing Centre (Chippenham)

Awarded Silver:

The Arc Climbing Centre (Chippenham); Sodexo; Waitrose (Salisbury); Mitie (Corsham); Five Rivers Leisure Centre (Salisbury, Wiltshire Council)

Awarded Gold:

Middlefields House (Chippenham); idverde UK, supporting employment opportunities across Wiltshire including Devizes, Salisbury and Trowbridge

Supported Employment Champions:

SEND Team (Wiltshire Council); T H White (Devizes)

Employers interested in joining the scheme or finding out more about becoming a SEND Employer Champion should visit SEND Employer Champions – Wiltshire Council