This month, we’re proud to celebrate National Care Leavers Month. It’s a time to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions care leavers make to our communities and society, and to recognise the unique challenges they often navigate as they move into adulthood and independence. By listening, understanding, and taking action, we can help ensure every care leaver has the opportunities, respect, and support they deserve to thrive.
Care leavers face barriers in education, employment and housing that can affect long-term outcomes. Celebrating their strength and resilience is not just about recognition; it’s about committing to practical steps that unlock potential, improve public value, and create a more inclusive public service.
Employing Care Experienced Individuals
Our approach is turning potential into opportunity through GFiE LifeChances recruitment. GFIE offers care leavers the chance to bring their strengths into the workplace—resilience, independence, and strong problem‑solving skills developed through lived experience. Many candidates who have joined the Civil Service through GFIE have not only secured roles, but have also gone on to thrive in their careers.
We discover and support incredible talent by working closely with a range of referring partners—including local authorities, charities, and organisations that help care leavers navigate their journey into employment.
One of our key partners is Drive Forward Foundation, who play a vital role in referring talented candidates for opportunities at GFIE. We value our partnership with Drive Forward and the positive impact it has.
Below, you can hear directly from Drive Forward about their experience working with GFIE and how together, we’ve been able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of care leavers.
“Drive Forward Foundation really values our ongoing partnership with the Going Forward Into Employment team. They offer fantastic opportunities for the care experienced young people we support into sustainable career pathways of employment.
There has been huge success in matching the candidates we put forward for the many AO and EO roles offered which were available across all the London boroughs. These positions bring huge value to our cohort as they offer the stability of fixed roles for between 12-24 months and give the opportunity to gain valuable skills, experience and build confidence.
Only very recently one of our young people completed their fixed term appointment at EO grade and the department offered a permanent role within HMRC where the individual is now thriving and really taking on the challenge of a new position. The whole process of applying for the positions on offer is smoothly run through our close partnership with the GFIE team.
This year the team from GFIE attended our Care to Career festival over the summer, showing their genuine engagement in what our charity does and taking the opportunity to hear from our young people as to 'why it is so important to support them as they move into adulthood and build careers for themselves' so they can have the thriving futures they deserve. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and having more successes for our candidates."
Drive Forward Foundation
The GFIE team often visit job fairs, community outreach events, taking time to speak with people and provide support. Our goal is to help experienced individuals discover skills and potential they may not yet see in themselves, in which they can bring into the work force.
This means.....
- For care leavers: clear pathways into employment, opportunities to develop skills on the job, and a supportive environment that recognises your strengths.
- For employers and public services: inclusive recruitment approaches that widen talent pools and contribute to public value.
- For communities: healthier, more diverse workplaces and role models who demonstrate resilience and achievement.
If you’re an employer or partner looking to collaborate, please explore how Life Chance recruitment and GFIE can fit your recruitment and inclusion strategies.
Or if you’re a care leaver or a support organisation, look out for upcoming opportunities and referrals through our partner network.
You can find more information about this Pathway and our other GFiE Pathways at Civil Service Careers GFIE Pathway Page, or can contact us at GFiE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
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