Care Experience Opportunities: Employer Roundtable

Description

Shaping better opportunities for Care Experienced young people in South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire is home to a growing movement of employers, educators and public services working together to improve life chances for Care Experienced young people.

However, we know the system can feel fragmented — and that while many employers are keen to support, they are not always sure how to connect, navigate available routes, or scale what already works well.

This Employer Roundtable forms part of the new Care Experience Opportunities Commission, chaired on behalf of the Deputy Mayor of South Yorkshire. The Commission is a time-limited, strategic initiative designed to bring greater clarity, coherence and coordination to the existing landscape — and to ensure employer voice is central in shaping what happens next.

This is a practical, discussion-led session. Together we will:

• Share real-world experience of recruiting, supporting and retaining Care Experienced young people
• Identify barriers that currently prevent more employers getting involved
• Surface existing good practice and explore how it can be scaled
• Define what “good” looks like from an employer perspective
• Help shape practical recommendations for the Commission’s final report to the Deputy Mayor

• Already engaging with Care Experienced young people
• Interested in doing more but unsure where to start
• Committed to inclusive recruitment, progression and social value

• Strengthen connections between employers, education providers and support organisations
• Improve clarity and access within existing pathways
• Identify practical opportunities to improve engagement and impact
• Shape actionable recommendations to support system-wide improvement