Inspiring Connections gives individuals from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to build self-confidence and find access into networks that lead to fulfilling and sustainable career paths – through gaining social capital. The programme is unique because not only does it bring volunteers (Social Capital Advocates) together with individuals (Candidates) seeking personal development and access to business networks; Advocates then support Candidates to identify and develop the skills and capacities necessary to build their own social capital. Where the opportunity exists, Advocates will advocate on Candidate’s behalf to help them get a foot in the door of a career opportunity.
Candidates are referred through Catch22 Employability programmes. Candidates come from diverse backgrounds with the overwhelming majority facing some form of social disadvantage. Candidates are also bright and enthusiastic individuals who are either in work and taking steps to advance their career or have a great business concept and are in need of insights about how best to go about getting started.
Our Social Capital Advocates are volunteers, successful in their fields of trade, business, or the arts. They have excelled at unlocking and using social capital in their careers and their lives. Advocates will support Candidates in planning their own career.
Candidates and Advocates are expected to be able to attend six 2.5 hours sessions that are held fortnightly at Catch22's head office in Old Street. The first session of 2020 will be held Tuesday 21st April, running fortnightly at 6:00pm-8:30pm finishing Tuesday 30th June. Please contact the programme manager if you can't make any of these dates.
In order for Advocates to best support Candidates, it is important to build a relationship based on mutual trust, respect, and understanding. The programme seeks to create a space for participants to share and learn from each other’s experiences.
Advocates will support Candidates to identify, learn, and develop the skills and capacities necessary to meet their career goals. Candidates will learn about charting their career path, defining their purpose, negotiating, accessing funding and resources, and building professional networks.
‘Social Capital’ is a person’s network that provides social support, trust, and reciprocity. In a practical sense, it is often as simple as someone helping you 'get a foot in the door' of a new opportunity. Exploring how Candidates can generate and use their own social capital will be a key part of this programme.
This course has made me want to volunteer again as a mentor. A mixture of sharing my life experiences and our collective discussions made me feel that we collectively helped a group of wonderful candidates move forward with their aspirations.
Inspiring Connections Advocate
Access to a supportive group of professionals and business people with the opportunity to ask for advice and guidance. Gain knowledge of how to build your own professional network and increase your social capital. Be supported in building a solid business or professional plan with clear steps and targets. You will have the chance to meaningfully engage with people you might otherwise never meet.
Advocates will be given the opportunity to make new connections and change someone’s life for the better. Receive advice and support on how to be an effective mentor. Advocates are offered the chance to join an alumni of Livery professionals who have taken part in the programme. Finally, you will be given the chance to meaningfully engage with, and positively impact a diverse groups of candidates on their journey.
It was just confidence-building the whole time we were there, every month. It’s the fact that you get to talk to people who are well connected, and now I can bring those skills to future meetings with professionals when I meet them.
Inspiring Connections Candidate
Gain an understanding of different professions and find out that a career path doesn’t have to be a straight line. Advocates and Candidates will look at the importance of harnessing their personal brand to boost their career, considering how it is viewed by potential employers or investors.
You’ll have an amazing opportunity to learn about the entrepreneurial mindset from Advocates sharing stories of success and failure and giving insights into what it takes to overcome challenges and achieve career goals.
Learn how to manage complex interactions such as asking for a salary increase, pitching for investment, or negotiating with a colleague. Advocates and Candidates will share experiences and insights, working together to develop tips and best practice in these situations.
You will work with Advocates to reflect on what they see as their purpose in life. Candidates will focus on passions, what they enjoy doing, what they are skilled at, what would bring meaning to their life, and most importantly how they can be paid for fulfilling their purpose!
Exploring the value and importance of partnerships, and relationships, and how to go about creating or joining networks. Have the confidence to make your own connections, either in groups or 1:1.
Advocates will support Candidates to create a business or personal plan with a road map to ‘success’. If Advocates have decided to support Candidates by advocating on their behalf going forward, this session will create the basis for ongoing relationships.
I work in electronics from home fixing phones. I got into some trouble in my early twenties but had a child and that’s what changed everything. I wanted to start my own business, but I wanted to do it the right way, not just winging it. I needed some advice and guidance from people who have done it the right way. My idea was fizzling out because I thought it was a dead end, but after taking part I’ve realised I have so much more to do and develop for my product. Inspiring Connections puts you in contact with people who can support you to grow.
I am a mother with 3 daughters and a fashion graduate. I studied BA Fashion Design, at London College of Fashion. After graduating I was looking for employment, but my ultimate dream goal was to setup my own fashion business. Inspiring Connections has increased my self-confidence & self-belief. I have gained a great mentor who I am very proud of, he has helped me to stay focused and is willing to meet me where I'm at so I can keep progressing.
I am a management consultant, specialising in Investment Banking technology software development. I really enjoyed discussing topics I had never considered before. Topics such as social capital and Ikigai, talking and listening openly and constructively with the group - I found it particularly interesting and thought provoking. This course has made me want to volunteer again as a mentor.
At Wright & Teague, we make fine jewellery that is ethical from mine to wearer and hand made in London. I have really enjoyed the engagement with both candidates and fellow advocates, the thoughtfully considered structure of the programme has enabled me to question elements of my practise as well as advising the candidates. I would recommend this programme to fellow Livery members.
Ismael Hayden, Catch22 | Programme Manager | ismael.hayden@catch-22.org.uk