Maximus is one of the largest providers of employment, health and disability support services in the country. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers to employment for those furthest from the labour market. By partnering with Disability Confident Employers like Sparkles Cleaning Company in Wales, we can offer sustainable opportunities for our participants. This includes those with health conditions or disabilities, helping them thrive in the workplace.
Innovative recruitment approaches
Since 2021, Sparkles has been supporting those on our employability programmes such as the Work and Health Programme and the Restart Scheme by offering work trials instead of traditional formal interviews.
Natalie Lloyd, Regional Account Manager at Maximus, explained the importance of this approach: “It’s always great to have an employer that thinks outside the box and looks at innovative ways to approach recruitment.
“Not everybody shines in an interview, some people can get quite nervous. So it’s all about the candidate’s ability and what they will bring to the role. Sparkles is really passionate about helping participants with health conditions or disabilities. And this is reflected in the way they look past those with potential barriers.”
Tiffany’s journey back to work
For Tiffany Gibbs, 28, this approach was crucial in helping her overcome initial apprehension about returning to work.
Tiffany had been out of work for six months when she joined the Work and Health Programme. She was initially uncertain about what type of job would suit her. But with support from her Employment Advisor, she reworked her CV to showcase her skillset and began to consider a cleaning vacancy with Sparkles.
She explained: “I wasn’t looking for a cleaning job at the time. But Maximus introduced me to Sparkles, and I thought I’d give it a chance.”
Following a successful work trial, where she was supported by the Sparkles team, she found out she had secured the role and has now celebrated more than a year in work.
“I’ve worked for Sparkles for 18 months now. The staff are very understanding and friendly. It’s a good company to work for.”
Partnerships for long-term success
The close partnership ensures that adjustments can continue to be made for our participants to ensure their long-term success. Natalie Lloyd reflected: “Maximus can rely on an employer like Sparkles because we can trust that they will look after the candidates going into employment with them. They are going into a safe working environment, with an employment that will accommodate where possible.”
Ceri Jennings, Managing Director of Sparkles Cleaning Services Ltd, expressed her joy at the partnership’s continued success: “Sparkles teamed up with Maximus around about three and a half years ago, and the journey has just been absolutely mind-blowing for us.
“Maximus helps us get people job ready and into the job. Working together as a team, we can employ someone and keep them employed for a long time. People stay with Sparkles on average for over four years, which is unheard of in the cleaning industry.”
