Our Impact
Big Issue Recruit Impact
At Big Issue Recruit, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in sustainable, meaningful employment that delivers real, measurable social impact. Since our launch in September 2022, we’ve been creating inclusive pathways into work for people facing barriers—empowering them to build confidence, skills, and long-term security.
Two years of impact at Big Issue Recruit
We’ve now worked with 385 individuals who face challenges including homelessness, long-term unemployment, or a lack of formal qualifications. We want to ensure candidates have not just access to jobs – but the tools, resilience, and support needed to stay in them.
Between October 2023 and September 2024:
- 204 new job candidates were supported by our team
- 47 candidates were placed into new employment opportunities, bringing our total to 120 successful job placements
- 150 individuals achieved our milestone ‘Work Ready’ status, taking our total to 225
Our impact – Hollie’s story
When Hollie connected with us, she was looking for a fresh start — a chance to grow, rebuild her confidence, and find a job that matched her strengths.
With personalised support from our team and a partnership with employer C&C Group, Hollie didn’t just get a job — she found a place where she’s thriving.
What does ‘Work Ready’ mean?
Our ‘Ready to Work’ framework helps candidates build the skills and stability they need to take control of their employment journey. It focuses on five core areas:
- Foundational – Housing, health and addiction support, citizenship, financial and digital inclusion.
- Essential Skills – Digital literacy, numeracy, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork.
- Employability Readiness – CVs and applications, building an online personal brand, work experience, and professional behaviour.
- Technical and Sector – Specific Training – Industry certifications (like CSCS cards), online courses (eg. safeguarding courses), and Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), sector based training (eg. barista courses)
- Resilience and Confidence – Interview preparation, self-confidence and motivational coaching to help candidates aim higher and stay positive.
Building inclusive and sustainable futures
Our Job Coaches provide tailored, person-led support, ensuring every candidate moves at their own pace towards long-term employment success. From boosting confidence to unlocking career potential, we’re proud to back people with the support they need to succeed.
We’re not just helping people find work—we’re working to break the cycle of poverty through diverse, resilient, and inclusive employment.
