Can I apply if I have been or am still homeless?
Yes. Thames Reach is interested in improving its services by ensuring that homeless people have a direct impact on the development and delivery of these services. We believe that our organisation and others within the sector can benefit greatly from homeless people’s first hand knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm.
Thames Reach is also keen to address the discrimination that exists when homeless people are excluded from jobs within the homeless sector. We aim to maintain high professional standards, while assisting homeless people to reach their employment potential.
We are committed to employing current users and former users of services for homeless people, including specialist mental health and substance misuse services.
Which programme am I eligible for?
You should apply for the the apprenticeship if the following applies:
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Must be 19 years old or above
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Must not already have a level 4 qualification or above, for example a degree
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Must not be studying at another training establishment
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Must be ‘settled’ in the UK/EU (have either Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain or have the right of abode in the UK/EU) and must have been ordinarily resident in the UK/EU for the past three years.
You should apply for the trainee programme if the following applies:
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Are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom before you start work.
If you meet both sets of criteria above, you may apply for both the apprenticeship and trainee programme.
How does Thames Reach demonstrate its commitment to Equality of Opportunity?
Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We especially encourage suitable applicants with a history of homelessness, with disabilities and from black and ethnic-minority groups.
Thames Reach is committed to equal opportunities. This means that in the provision of services, the selection of suppliers and contractors, and the employment of staff to provide these services, the organisation aims to ensure that no-one is unfairly discriminated against because of their race, gender, age, disability, sexuality, social standing, history of homelessness, religious beliefs, refugee status, ethnic or national origin, marital status or because of responsibility for dependents.
Thames Reach identifies, and takes positive and practical steps to remove, any barriers to the participation of people who are currently under-represented as staff, service users, Board members or contractors. Thames Reach seeks to develop and maintain a workforce that reflects the wider community within which we operate.
We would be grateful if you would complete the equal opportunities and diversity monitoring sheet of the application form. This information is treated as confidential to Thames Reach and is used for monitoring purposes only, to ensure that our practices are non-discriminatory. Monitoring forms are separated from applications on receipt and are not seen by the interview panel
Will my criminal record prevent me from being offered a apprenticeship/traineeship?
Criminal records will be taken into account for recruitment purposes only when the conviction(s) is relevant to the role. Having a conviction will not necessarily bar a candidate from employment. This will depend on the circumstances and background of the offence(s) in relation to the particular requirements of the job. If you are informing us of any conviction(s) please attach this in a sealed envelope marked ‘Private and Confidential’ for the attention of Human Resources. If you have any concerns about this please contact Human Resources on 0207 062 0500 to discuss this.
Will need to undergo a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check?
Apprentices/trainees will be requested to complete a CRB form and to provide this to Human Resources before they start. The CRB check requires your identity to be confirmed and therefore original documentation (no photocopies) will need to be provided. Further guidance on the required documentation can be found on the CRB website - http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/crb/
How many references will I need and what period should they cover?
Applicants need to provide the names and full contact details of the last three years’ worth of referees.
I have not worked for some time. Who could I ask to provide a reference for me?
One should be the existing/most recent employer/line manager (if applicable) and the others should be from a previous employer, tutor or someone who has worked with you in a professional capacity (e.g. key worker, hostel manager). Personal references from friends or relatives will not be accepted.
If there are gaps in employment history (e.g. due to a period of homelessness or education) we will be flexible and request details from the services you used to validate the gaps.
I want the best possible chance of being short-listed and successful at the interview. Where can I get some help to complete my application form and some interview tips?
