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News

04 January 2010

North East Graduate reaches the community

New recruit and 2009 graduate, Rachel Atkinson , Community Fundraiser, The Children’s Foundation, has settled into her new role and been busy encouraging schools and community groups to fundraise for the charity.

Rachel was recruited by The Children’s Foundation through Entrust’s Graduates for Business (GfB) service. Ideal for charities and other organisations that do not have the budget or resource to fund job adverts, GfB offers a cost effective match making recruitment service alongside support and funding to successfully place a graduate with a business.

Caroline O’Docherty, Operations Director, The Children’s Foundation, explains:
“I was looking for a new recruit with an interest in the third sector and who had done some volunteering. It was important that the candidates wanted to work for a charity, rather than just get a job. The Children’s Foundation wanted a rounded individual who demonstrated a real desire to learn, be creative and get involved.

“The GfB process was very straightforward and Entrust was extremely helpful. We had an initial meeting where the process was explained, the job description and requirements were discussed and then I left the next steps to them. The process was effectively managed from start to finish and The Children’s Foundation was presented with some really strong candidates.”


Yvonne Gill, Senior Placement Officer, GfB said: “Caroline and her team had a specific role and clear skills defined as part of their requirements. We were able to take what they were looking for and successfully match those skills to relevant graduates on our database. This really helps to take the pain out of the process for employers as all our graduates are initially shortlisted by us; so only relevant candidates go forward for interview. This is definitely part of the appeal of our service.”

By providing hands-on support the service can reduce recruitment costs, provide day-to-day guidance through the process and may even be able to offer a subsidy towards the graduate’s salary if the business qualifies as an eligible SME. GfB helps businesses to tap into over 1000 registered graduates.

Speaking about the benefits of the service Caroline continued:
“Entrust’s GfB service is a cost effective method for us as a charity; there are no agency or advert costs.

“Recruiting a graduate has strengthened our team considerably, not just because we have an extra member of the team to boost resources but because members of the fundraising team have gained valuable coaching and mentoring experience too.”

Rachel has already demonstrated a high level of creativity, tenacity, commitment and empathy. She is set for continued success throughout 2010.

Commenting on her experience so far, Rachel said:

“I’m enjoying working with a small team and gaining experience. I’m also enjoying the variety of the role and having the chance to meet and work directly with the schools, such as Gibside School, and groups who support The Children’s Foundation. I can’t wait to get more schools involved and raise lots of money!”

Most recently, Rachel attended a table top sale at Gibside School, Whickham (pictured) to raise awareness of, and money for, the charity’s newest appeal, The Great North Baton Challenge. This appeal is raising money to provide world-class facilities for the new Great North Children's Hospital.

The Graduates for Business Service at Entrust is funded by Regional Development Agency One North East and the European Development Fund (ERDF).


For more information contact the Graduates for Business Team on 0191 244 4000 or visit www.graduatesforbusiness.co.uk



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