OPFS and Public Health Scotland recognised for pioneering lone parent employment partnership
One Parent Families Scotland and Public Health Scotland named finalists in the ‘Employer Partnership’ category for the ERSA 2024 Employability Awards. This recognition highlights the innovate partnership supporting low-income single parents into sustainable, fair work.
29/11/2024
News
- Ada, single mum
Ada with her daughter
The ERSA 2024 Employability awards, taking place on 4 December in London, celebrate outstanding achievements and innovation across the employability sector, spotlighting the diverse and holistic support given to employers, communities, disadvantaged learners, and jobseekers across the UK.
Award finalists PHS and OPFS have been recognised for their innovative employment pathway programme designed to empower lone parents with the skills, tools, and experience necessary for long-term success in the workforce.
A key element to the success of this partnership is the fact that the pathway was designed from the outset by lone parents, for lone parents, ensuring that their unique needs as sole caregivers and providers for their children were prioritised. Through this co-design approach, the programme tackles key barriers to workforce entry or re-entry, such as limited access to flexible, affordable childcare, gaps in work experience, and transportation challenges.
Drawing on OPFS’s expertise in supporting lone parents into employment, Public Health Scotland were also able to partner with them to “single-parent proof” their workforce policies, ensuring these policies more closely align with the realities faced by lone parents.
Participants in the pathway benefit from:
- Pre-Employment Training: A six-week OPFS Academy programme covering work-family balance, financial planning, and essential skills, with guaranteed interviews for participants.
- Paid Employment Opportunities: the opportunity to apply for an 18-month work contract with Public Health Scotland.
- Skills Development: Access to SCQF Level 5 or 6 in Business Administration through the City of Glasgow College to enhance their skills and employability.
- Comprehensive Support: holistic support and assistance covering childcare and travel costs to ease financial pressures.
- Natalie, Single mum
Natalie with her son
After completing a 6-week training academy at OPFS, parents participating secured an 18-month work contract within the Business Service area of Public Health Scotland.
Single mum, Ada from Glasgow shared her experience of participating in the programme:
“My journey began with a confidence-building course [at OPFS] where I, along with other single parents, learned how to feel better, think better, and step outside our comfort zones. It was through this course that I first heard about the opportunity to apply for a role with Public Health Scotland, and the guidance from OPFS was instrumental every step of the way. They helped me overcome doubts, perfect my job application, and prepare for interviews, all while offering flexibility and understanding of my role as a single parent.
“Even after being offered the job at PHS, the support continued—helping with childcare, financial advice, and the transition into work. My new role’s flexible and the hybrid arrangement has made balancing work and family life manageable, and the entire journey has been transformative. Today, I feel more confident, purposeful, and fulfilled. The work OPFS and PHS are doing is life-changing, and I encourage any single parent to reach out to them because their support truly makes a difference.”
Glasgow based single mum, Natalie added:
“We had help and support for application and mock interviews. Plus, clothing for interviews, which helped a lot to reduce nerves and stress. The process has given me the confidence to get back into work. Before I joined the project, I would have never even considered applying for a job like this [at Public Health Scotland], I didn’t think it would be possible until after all the support we had throughout every stage of the process.”
- Satwat Rehman, OPFS Chief Executive
Satwat Rehman, OPFS Chief Executive, said:
“Four in ten children living in poverty in Scotland are in single-parent households. The Scottish Government has rightly identified lone parents as a priority group for tackling child poverty. Achieving child poverty reduction targets requires placing employability at the forefront, with tailored support to help lone parents secure sustainable, well-paid jobs and break the cycle of poverty.
“Lone parents—most of whom are mothers —face unique challenges as sole caregivers and breadwinners for their families. At OPFS, we are committed to addressing these systemic challenges. Through this partnership, we are proud to have developed a new ‘single parent proofed’ framework for Public Health Scotland, ensuring they are equipped to adapt to the unique needs of lone parents.
“We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for the ERSA Employability Partnership Award. This recognition highlights the power of partnership and the importance of harnessing the lived experiences of lone parents to develop opportunities that can improve the long-term prospects of lone parents and their children.”
- Paul Johnston, Chief Executive, Public Health Scotland
Paul Johnston, Public Health Scotland Chief Executive, said:
“I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for this award. It demonstrates the power of working collaboratively to provide tailored pathways into employment for those who have struggled to get work.
‘’Poverty is the main driver of unequal health outcomes in Scotland. Providing fair and healthy work is a way of lifting families out of poverty and helping close the gap in health inequalities. The NHS is a part of every community in Scotland. Providing sustainable employment within communities is a very important part of what we do. This includes strengthening the contribution we make as an employer to help overcome the barriers groups such as lone parents experience when coming to the job market.’’