CSR360

Jane’s been whole-heartedly involved with MITIE’s Real Apprentice Scheme, created to meet a real business need to secure local, sustainable employees, since it started in 2005. What started out as a one-off programme to find two Reprographic Operators has grown under her direction to be a UK and European recognised example of best practice. The numerous awards The Real Apprentice has won consistently over the years endorse this, as does the independent auditing element, which not only assures all stakeholders, but encourages new national partners to participate.

This success has come from MITIE’s commitment to the scheme and its ethos and Jane’s drive to utilise her own experiences to ensure the programme meets MITIE’s requirements as well as those of the communities the firm works in.  A programme that continually pushes the boundaries, Jane has initiated programmes that focus on physical, mental and cognitive disabilities, as well as social issues, like homelessness and single parents.  This has resulted in perception changes, greater awareness and growth for everyone involved.

Aside from the Real Apprentice, Jane devises and delivers mentoring programmes for Veterans Aid, and speaks at national events - including Welfare to Work Conventions, Regeneration and Renewal Convention and Action for Blind.  She has shared MITIE’s Real Apprentice journey with leading business and Government – both UK and foreign – to encourage others to appreciate its reach, and is also a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and advocate. 

Jane firmly believes if both business and society stop seeing peoples’ ‘labels’, we will start seeing the talent that lies within. Prior to joining MITIE, almost 10 years ago, Jane worked in IT recruitment.