Latest News
CXL puts Families First
August 2009
With young people’s attitudes to education and employment formed at an early age by family role models, social business CXL has launched an innovative pilot in the Shadsworth and Whitebirk areas of Blackburn, which aims to break the unemployment cycle that can exist in families, leading to young people becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
The ‘Fast Forward For Families’ pilot, funded by Lancashire Economic Partnership and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), offers access to free support to help parents to improve their skills and confidence with a view to returning to work, changing career path or gaining qualifications.
By working with the entire family to improve long-held attitudes towards working, training and making a positive contribution towards the future, Fast Forward For Families is seeking to change the generational cycle of worklessness.
As part of the initiative, parents can undertake the four-week course, ‘All About Me! And Where I Want To Be!’, tackling issues including self confidence and self-esteem. It also helps pinpoint individual talents and skills to help participants find appropriate and sustainable employment.
Claire Sharpe, a parent from Whitebirk is currently taking part in ‘All About me! And Where I Want To Be!’. She comments: “The course has helped me improve my confidence and self belief. It’s provided me with the inspiration and motivation I needed, and now I am starting to look at potential courses at my local college.”
The year long pilot is currently working with many families in the area, but CXL Adviser for Fast Forward for Families, Michelle Hurst is urging more people to get involved. She comments: “The programme offers many advantages to parents and their families and is a great way to get back on track with work, training or improving confidence.
“We hope that by working with parents we will be able to help break the generational cycle of unemployment that can sometimes exist in families that are perhaps lacking confidence or motivation. If parents become involved in further training or employment through the scheme then there is a greater chance that their children will do the same.”
The programme is easily accessible through community centres across both neighbourhoods. To find out more about Fast Forward for Families call 07734 540059 or email michelle.hurst@cxl-uk.com.
Lancaster and Morecambe businesses “missing out” say recruitment experts
30 March 2009
Lancaster and Morecambe businesses are missing out by not employing young people, according to Lancashire recruitment experts CXL. And to help employers discover the benefits of taking on 16-19 year olds, consultants from CXL are in the area all next week to offer free recruitment advice to any local businesses who want to know more.
CXL runs a free vacancy and matching service that advertises jobs for 16-19 year olds and puts local employers in touch with young people who are looking for jobs. Vacancies are advertised online and in local Connexions/Info Centres. The free support also includes advice on on-the-job training for young recruits and follow-up recruitment advice for businesses.
“We want to show local employers just how beneficial it can be to take on a young person” says CXL’s Principal Consultant Clare Grime.
“Young people are eager to learn new skills and gain experience, and they often have fresh ideas. What’s more, employers who take on a 16-19 year old can get free training for their new recruit, as well as exemption from the minimum wage if the young person is undergoing training. Employing a young person could make all the difference to businesses struggling to keep afloat in the credit crisis.
“It really is in their interests to give us a call and arrange to talk to us”.
Cathryn Roberts, HR Co-ordinator at Morecambe’s Pye Motors says young people are an integral part of the workforce there. She started using CXL’s vacancy and matching service 3 years ago.
“We have around 140 employees across 4 sites; and the value of bringing on board new talent in the shape of young people is firmly embedded in the company ethos” she says. “We first found out about the Vacancy and Matching Service through Jobcentre Plus and have used it ever since.
“Our Ford Apprentice Programme is specifically aimed at 16-19 year olds and all the places on it are currently filled by young people we recruited through CXL’s Vacancy and Matching Service. They’re all doing a great job”.
To arrange a visit from CXL’s Vacancy and Matching team call 08459 550 065
CXL scoops top customer service award
10 March 2009
CXL’s Business and Meeting Centre has won a prestigious regional award for its first class service to customers.
The Leyland-based social business scooped the first prize for Excellence in Customer Service in this year’s North West Be Inspired for Business (BIBA) Awards.
The BIBAs are hailed as the Business Oscars for corporate and individual achievement in Lancashire, with winners achieving instant recognition among the regional business community.
“The BIBAs are one of the most highly contested award programmes in the North West and to be shortlisted from the thousands of entries is, in itself, a great achievement” said CXL’s Commercial Development Director Liz Larner.
“The Business and Meeting Centre’s customer service ethos has been built from CXL’s approach to putting the customer first. This win clearly demonstrates that CXL is one of Lancashire’s top performing companies and is recognition of the talent we have here”.
The judges looked at CXL’s business performance, vision and values and ability to engage customers and employee enthusiasm before making the award. CXL was also shortlisted as a finalist in the Leadership Team of the Year category.
Chief Executive of North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Babs Murphy, said:
“The calibre of entries this year was exceptionally high and everyone who entered deserves admiration. The BIBAs are all about recognising excellence and achievement in companies operating in Lancashire and the Chamber is proud to play its role in supporting, nurturing and encouraging business excellence in the business sector through this Awards programme”.
CXL’s Business and Meeting Centre is an accredited member of the Meetings Industry Association (MIA); the leading national body for the meetings industry.
“Our commitment to customer service is one of the things that makes CXL unique” said CXL’s Strategic Business Manager Julie Gelder.
“Staff understand the importance of putting the customer first and are trained to make sure clients receive a seamless service from the moment they first make contact with us. And that’s reflected in the amount of repeat business we get: it’s unusual for any client to visit and then not come back.
“Our customers tell us they appreciate the personal attention they receive. All clients are allocated a personal Client Host: a named contact at CXL who is on-hand to answer any queries and assist clients before, during and after their visit to the Business and Meeting Centre and customer feedback is electronically recorded and carefully monitored to make sure we can identify trends and respond quickly and effectively”.
Sarah Wingfield is Learning and Development Officer at Enterprise Plc. "I was delighted we came across CXL" she said.
“It’s very difficult to find suitable venues for training programmes such as ours, but from the very first time I booked a training room at CXL’s Business and Meeting Centre, I’ve never been disappointed. The rooms are perfect for delivering development courses and the interactive whiteboard and wi-fi technology is second-to-none”.
Graham Webb, Directorate Secretary at NHS Central Lancashire is another satisfied customer:“Their electronic recordkeeping produces a very fast and effective service” he said.
“The rooms are always prepared to a high standard and any additional help that we request is willingly provided. Without hesitation I would – and indeed have – recommended CXL to colleagues across the NHS”.
This year's BIBA award for Excellence in Customer Service was sponsored by Virgin Trains.
pictured above: Julie Gelder (2nd right) with the award-winning team
Cash Boost for East Lancs Employers
20 February 2009
Businesses in East Lancashire are set to benefit from nearly £1m to help them survive and thrive through the economic downturn.
The £988,000 cash boost is the result of a successful bid by Lancashire social enterprise CXL who have won the funding through the ESF Inward Investor and Restructuring Response programme, backed by the Learning and Skills Council North West (LSCNW).
The Inward Investor and Restructuring Response programme aims to help companies stay competitive and to up-skill workers facing redundancy so they can find new jobs.
CXL is working in partnership with East Lancs Chamber of Commerce, Blackburn with Darwen City Strategy and the 6 Pennine Lancashire local authorities to deliver the programme between now and July 2011.
Around 20 businesses and 370 employees are expected to be supported through the project over the next two and a half years, with employers receiving up to 60% funding from the LSC’s regional ESF programme towards the cost of staff training.
“The aim is to give companies in Pennine Lancashire access to a bespoke rapid response service that will both address workforce development issues and stimulate demand for further workforce development” said CXL’s Commercial Development Director Liz Larner.
“Priority will be placed on supporting businesses that are committed to expansion and inward investment or which find themselves faced with downsizing and creating redundancies”.
Companies who successfully apply for support will undergo a Training Needs Analysis and receive bespoke support from trained Business Advisers.
“CXL has over 10 years’ experience of delivering bespoke training packages to companies as well as excellent links with colleges, work based learning providers, Business Link North West, Jobcentre Plus and the Skills Brokerage Service” said Liz Larner.
“Working with our partners, we are confident that we can make a positive and lasting difference to help local businesses and their employees survive the current economic climate”.
For more information on the Inward Investor and Restructuring Employer Response programme click here.
CXL charity fundraising smashes all targets
16 December 2008
Staff at CXL have smashed their own target by raising an amazing £3249.21 in support of their sponsored charity Nightsafe.
CXL had pledged to raise £2500 for Nightsafe, representing a year’s worth of meals for a resident at the Blackburn-based charity.
But now, staff have surpassed all expectations by raising even more funds than anticipated…and only half way into the year-long appeal!
The staggering total-so-far is the result of an amazing array of fundraising activities such as sponsored head-shaves, light-bulb collections, car-washes, BBQs and a glittering charity ball which takes place this Friday.
CXL Managing Director says it’s the best Christmas present the organisation could give:
“I’m delighted by this achievement and the imagination that colleagues have shown to raise this money.
"It’s no exaggeration to say that CXL makes a significant impact on thousands of people and everyone can feel proud of what we’ve achieved not only as part of the “day job” but also in our charity fund raising for Nightsafe”.
Nightsafe Chief Executive Paula Kaniuk said:
“How fantastic! We’re amazed at your funding so far! This is fantastic news for us!”
CXL’s continued fundraising efforts will now contribute towards Nightsafe’s redecoration of long term accommodation for 16-18 year olds at Witton.
Blackpool MP views innovative education retention package
18 November 2008
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden dropped in on a seminar showcasing an online careers package that’s been developed to identify and support students who are at risk of dropping out of college.
C-xtra was developed in 2007 by CXL to assist class tutors in supporting individuals, groups and classes more swiftly and effectively. The online package provides feedback to tutors by identifying support needs and signposting areas of concern. Totally web-based, it’s the first toolkit of its kind in the UK and last year won the Institute of Careers Guidance Award for Innovation in Research.
Now CXL has been awarded €210,000 of European Commission Leonardo da Vinci funding to develop the software in partnerships with Sweden, Portugal and Austria over the next two years. The partnership aims to develop the tool in line with learning provider needs and support retention of students in further and higher education across Europe.
“As a Member of Parliament’s select committee covering both students and innovation, I am very interested in initiatives designed to boost the completion rate of students in FE and HE as well as ways in which we can share these with our partner companies in Europe” said Gordon Marsden. “I look forward to discussing the potential for this initiative with CXL in Blackpool”.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase our home-grown expertise in Europe and beyond” said CXL’s Partnership Service Delivery Director Vicki Ramsden. “We hope that the transfer of innovation with our colleagues abroad will open up a raft of exciting new partnership opportunities for CXL”.
C-xtra is available to view at www.c-xtra.co.uk
Gordon Marsden MP (centre) with CXL Managing Director Karen O’Donoghue (5th left) and colleagues from CXL and the European partnership at the C-xtra Goes to Europe seminar at the Barceló Blackpool Imperial Hotel, North Promenade.
Blackburn Connexions light up for Nightsafe
7 November 2008
Staff at Blackburn Connexions Centre shed a little extra light on charity fundraising when they organised a bring-a-bulb-to-work day in aid of Nightsafe.
The team collected scores of energy-saving light bulbs to donate to the Blackburn-based project that provides holistic services to homeless young people. Nightsafe is CXL's adopted charity for 2008/09.
CXL Connexions Charity team Cathryn Smith, Cassandra Haskey and Janet Hope light up for Nightsafe
Demon barber stalks CXL for charity
6 November 2008
The demon barber of CXL was let loose on 4 willing(?) members of staff who offered their heads for a charity shave-in.
The sponsored shave-in raised more than £200 for CXL's Nightsafe Year of Meals Appeal, bringing the total so far to 180.3 days.
pictured above: demon barber Lorraine Cooper with victims Craig Hodson, Geoff O'Donoghue and Mick Sibley (not pictured, Geoff Dawes)
Partnership approach gets Ofsted thumbs-up
1 November 2008
An innovative partnership approach between CXL and a Liverpool based training company has been praised as “outstanding” by Ofsted.
The partnership with Sysco Business Skills Academy enables CXL to provide quality placements for social work students and is part of a wider project to help students from universities across the North West to find placements in non-traditional social work settings.
More than 25 students across Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester are currently on placement through the scheme, with negotiations currently underway to introduce long term back-to-back placements with the new Young People’s Service and to develop a partnership with Chester University.
In a report produced after an Ofsted inspection in the Summer, the approach was praised for its “outstanding” support for learners and “excellent practical pastoral care and expert interventions”.
“Support is very well planned and high responsive to learners’ individual needs” the report continued. “Learners benefit from particularly thorough information, advice and guidance before they start their training…Tutorial support is strong and monitored effectively”.
“This is excellent news and a great endorsement of the partnership work that has gone into the project” said Co-ordinator James Stead-Clark.
New Director joins CXL
22 October 2008
Liz Larner has joined CXL as Partnership Director (Commercial Development) with a remit to shape the strategy for CXL's future growth.
Liz joins CXL from Bauer Radio (formerly Emap Radio) where she was Regional Marketing Director for stations across the North West including Radio City, Rock FM and Key 103. She also led on local, regional and national campaigns for Bauer including the recent Big City network’s £1m campaign for the Sound of Money promotion.
Liz joined Emap five years ago having previously spent 10 years at ad agencies and ITV in London.
She recently appeared in How Do’s Top 100 marketers.
"Liz's skill set as a marketing specialist is a welcome addition to the team, and one which will be of great benefit to CXL in achieving our ambitious financial targets" said CXL MD Karen O'Donoghue.
"We are delighted to welcome her aboard".
Natalie takes next step to the fashion world
20 October 2008
Natalie Baillie from Colne has taken the next step in making it in the world of fashion and design, by embarking on a degree course at Salford University. Natalie, 19, overcame the odds after leaving school at 16 and finding herself in a job with no future to turning her life and prospects around through the Learning Agreement Pilot.
Having scooped two awards at the Learning Agreement Pilot Celebration Event, Natalie’s university place is the icing on the cake. The awards recognise Natalie’s commitment and dedication to the Learning Agreement Pilot, which has helped her to gain a BTEC National Diploma in Fashion and Design whilst studying at Blackburn College.
Natalie had to overcome many hurdles to get where she is today, not least the daily commute to the Blackburn based course and her thirty hours a week work commitments. The Learning Agreement Pilot supported Natalie throughout difficult times, offering help with transport costs, part-funding art resources and finding new employment that better fitted in with her studies. Thanks to this support and Natalie’s unfaltering dedication, she completed the course with merits in July 2008.
Sharon Parkinson, Learning Agreement Personal Adviser said, “Natalie is a shining example for other young people of what can be achieved with a committed and determined attitude. It has been an absolute privilege to work with someone who is an inspiration to everyone. I couldn’t be happier that she has started university, it’s such a fantastic achievement and she should be very proud.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Louise Elo, Learning Agreement Pilot Project Manager said: “Natalie has been an inspiration to us all and I am so glad we can celebrate her achievements. The evening has been a massive success and mirrors the success of The Learning Agreement Pilot throughout Lancashire. Everyone involved has shown great dedication and tonight has been a brilliant opportunity to recognise that and thank them all for their hard work.”
 with Louise Elo, Learning Agreement Pilot, Project Development Manager [iPod Photo].JPG "Natalie Baillie")
Natalie (left) with LAP Project Manager Louise Elo
Young people find life behind bars ain't so sweet
10 October 2008
Young men from Blackburn with Darwen got a chance to sample life behind bars – if only for a few minutes – when Prison Officers from Lancaster Farms and other Young Offenders Institutions demonstrated a mobile prison cell at Blackburn Connexions Centre as part of Blackburn with Darwen’s Stay Safe Week (4-11 October 2008).
The week was organised by the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) to help spread the word that keeping young people safe is everyone’s business.
Prison Officer Paul Wilkinson demonstrates the mobile prison cell to a volunteer 'inmate'
CXL MD Highly Commended in Chamber Awards
14 September 2008
The achievements of CXL Managing Director Karen O’Donoghue have been recognised by the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce in this year’s Chamber Awards.
Over 300 guests attended the President's Awards Ball at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel on Friday 12 September and celebrated the success of local businesses. Karen O’Donoghue was awarded a Highly Commended in the Woman of the Year category.
The former Chief Executive of Connexions Lancashire Ltd, Karen was a finalist in the 2007 Business Link Lancashire Business Woman of the Year Awards and is known for her commitment to the principles of social enterprise and ethical trading.
C-xtra goes the xtra mile
1 September 2008
An award-winning toolkit created by CXL has won European funding to be developed in the overseas Education market.
C-xtra has been awarded €400,000 under the Leonardo da Vinci programme to enable its translation and delivery in Sweden, Portugal and Austria over the next two years.
C-xtra is an innovative online toolkit that helps class tutors identify students at risk of dropping out of college or sixth form more swiftly. Totally web-based, C-xtra is the first programme of its kind in the UK and last year won the Institute of Careers Guidance Award for Innovation.
The Leonardo funding will be match-funded by CXL in staff-time and it’s hoped that the resulting transfer of innovation with European colleagues will open up a raft of exciting new partnership opportunities for CXL.
Summer charity events raise funds for Nightsafe
30 August 2008
Staff at CXL raised over £135 and had lots of fun too when they held a charity carwash and BBQ for local charity Blackburn Nightsafe. The two events were masterminded by CXL's Vacancy and Matching and IT teams with the help of colleagues from across the organisation. With the help of a colourful banner created by the children at Time Out Club in Euxton, a donation from local supermarket Morrisons and a helping hand from local media Rock FM and the Lancashire Evening Post, the two events attracted more than 70 supporters and were part of CXL’s bid to generate as many funds as possible for Nightsafe, CXL’s nominated charity for 2008/09.
Are you involved in providing career education for young people?
20 August 2008
Study in the North West and gain a recognised qualification validated by Nottingham Trent University. There are still funded places available on the Diploma in Career Education commencing in November 2008.
To download a copy of the Diploma brochure click here
To download a copy of the Application Form click here
For additional information on the Diploma click here
Award winning offenders project reaches completion
15 July 2008
Representatives from an award-winning project to help offenders get back on track met to celebrate the initiative’s successful completion on 9 July.
Offenders in the Community focuses on getting offenders – both in custody and in the community – into learning, training and employment. Spearheaded by Lancaster and Morecambe College, the project combined the resources of CXL and other partners from the National Probation Service, Jobcentre plus and FE providers, to offer one-to-one support for offenders, something not widely available elsewhere in the UK.
The celebration event, held at Lancaster and Morecambe College, marked the culmination of the 17 month-long project during which over 850 offenders received information, advice and guidance and 160 went on to enter learning and work.
CXL also offered key work support to offenders at HMP Kirkham to provide a ‘through-the-gate’ service prior to their release.
“This has been an outstanding partnership project that has made a real impact on the lives not only of offenders themselves but their families and the local community” said Mark Willett, Strategic Manager (Adult Services) at CXL.
Project Co-ordinator Joanna Maloney said: "A key factor in the project’s success has been the integrated one stop referral arrangement from the National Probation Employment and Learning Offices direct to the Key Workers with a tracking and follow up system which keeps the National Probation Service informed on a weekly basis of the progress the offenders are making".
The Offenders in the Community project won a Highly Commended in the Opening Doors to Adult Learners’ category in this year’s NIACE Adult Learners’ Week awards.
Recruiting local talent through CXL is Top Banana says Darwen entrepreneur
14 July 2008
A Darwen entrepreneur is using the skills and talents of local young people to help boost the local economy and bring jobs to the area.
Jonny Flatman is the proprietor of Top Bananas, a new soft indoor play centre for children that opened on Taylor Street last December.
Jonny says he was keen to give local young people their first step on the jobs ladder; and used CXL's free vacancy and matching service to find what he was looking for.
“I specifically wanted to recruit from the local area, plus I needed to recruit the right calibre of staff from the start, and CXL’s vacancy and matching service helped me to do that.
“Not only did they have an extensive database of enthusiastic and very able 16-19 year olds on their books, but they also advertised my vacancies across the local area and helped me with the whole recruitment process.
“Afterwards, they put me in touch with the Learning Agreement Pilot which helps me to give my new recruits free training and other ongoing support.
“Thanks to CXL, I’ve been able to give five local youngsters a good start in the jobs market”.
For more information on CXL’s Vacancy and Matching Service call 08459 55 00 65.
Gingerbread gourmets get their teeth into campaign bake-a-thon
4 July 2008
Students at Jigsaw Pantry at the New Era complex in Accrington rolled up their sleeves and baked 1000 gingerbread figures to help launch a new recruitment drive for local youngsters aged 16–19.
The gingerbread gourmets came to the rescue when CXL put out a call for organic gingerbread figures to help promote its Fresh Batch campaign this summer.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the value that young people can bring to businesses in Lancashire asking employers ‘Is Your Business Hungry For A Fresh Batch?’
Thousands of gingerbread figures have been mailed out as part of the push to remind employers about CXL’s free vacancy and matching service which links businesses to the right young people for the job. Buses and posters will also appear across the county sporting the campaign’s iconic gingerbread workers.
“As a social business, we share similar objectives to Jigsaw Pantry and Trinity Partnership” said CXL’s Angela Jones.
“We were delighted when they offered to come on board and help boost the campaign”.
“When we heard that CXL were looking for a local company who used organic ingredients, we knew it was a project our students could really get their teeth into” said Joanne Guirdham at Jigsaw Pantry, a part of the Trinity Community Partnership, which offers jobs and training to people with learning disabilities.
“As a social enterprise ourselves, we were only too happy to help out with the bake-a-thon!”
pictured: the gingerbread gourmets show off their organic wares
Blackburn and Accrington young people are Olympic champs!
23 June 2008
Around 20 young people from Blackburn with Darwen and Accrington teamed up to play – and win – at this year’s e2e Olympics held at the JJB Stadium in Blackburn in June.
The team of young people were supported and trained by staff at Accrington Connexions Centre and CXL and went on to win not only the Football event and a Fair Play Award but also the overall tournament.
The e2e Olympics bring together young people and staff from e2e Providers across Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen to compete against each other in sports such as football, netball, quick cricket and softball.
At the end of the tournament the champs donated £200 of their £1000 prize money to the Paul Hunter Foundation, with the remainder going to support young people Not in Employment, Education or Training in Blackburn with Darwen and Accrington.
“Congratulations to all the young people who got involved and a big thanks too, to the Lancashire e2e forum for inviting us to put a team up” said Steve Foster, Operations Manager at CXL in Blackburn with Darwen.
CXL staff receive Directors' Awards
20 June 2008
Eight colleagues from across CXL and Connexions Blackburn with Darwen were recognised for their achievements when they received Directors’ Awards for their above-and-beyond efforts during CXL’s first year of operation.
CXL Managing Director Karen O’Donoghue and Chair David Sanders presented the winners with sapling trees to mark their contribution towards the success of CXL as a growing social business.
Offenders project wins national acclaim
13 June 2008
An inspiring project run by Lancaster and Morecambe College in partnership with CXL has won national acclaim for its work with past and current offenders in Lancashire.
The Offenders in the Community project won a Highly Commended in the Opening Doors to Adult Learners’ category in this year’s NIACE Adult Learners’ Week awards.
Offenders in the Community focuses on getting offenders – both in custody and in the community – into learning, training and employment. Working in collaboration with CXL and other partners from the National Probation Service, Jobcentre plus and FE providers, the project is unique because it offers one-to-one support for offenders, something not widely available elsewhere in the UK.
“Offenders’ needs are assessed through an initial interview and they are regularly monitored to make sure their learning stays on track” says CXL’s Gary Smith who works on the project.
“For offenders’ in the community, there are seven key workers who help them to become ‘job ready’ by visiting them at unpaid work. Key workers improvise by setting up impromptu offices on site and by offering support in locations ranging from country parks and graveyards to bike sheds.
Offenders’ in custody are also seen by the key workers and offered one-to-one support before being referred to the pre-release course”
So far the project has helped 130 offenders into employment or further learning; 820 have received information, advice and guidance and 476 have received further key work.
pictured: Gary Smith with colleagues from the Offenders in the Community partner organisations
Nightsafe Year of Meals Appeal launched
9 June 2008
CXL has pledged to raise A Year of Meals for Blackburn Nightsafe, its chosen charity for 2008/09.
Nightsafe is a small local charity based in Blackburn with Darwen that provides holistic services to homeless young people aged 16 to 24.
Over the next 12 months, CXL staff aim to raise £2,500 representing a year's-worth of meals for a Nightsafe resident.
Nightsafe was established in 1990 and has four projects offering a variety of housing options and services to young people including an emergency night shelter, 24 hour supported housing, a 16 unit final step project and an activity based day centre.
"Nightsafe relies on support from the local community to enable it to carry out its work with young homeless people" said CXL Managing Director Karen O'Donoghue.
"By adopting Nightsafe as its charity, CXL will be helping to provide accommodation and support to young people who would otherwise be on the street".
Paula Kaniuk, Chief Executive of Nightsafe said:
“We were thrilled and delighted to be nominated. We are a small charity and have close links with CXL and Personal Advisers in our work and appreciate the partnership work and expertise hugely".
PWP scheme raises achievement in Blackburn with Darwen
6 June 2008
Young people from Blackburn with Darwen were awarded certificates of achievement for successfully completing courses to help improve their future prospects under the Partnership Works Project (PWP).
PWP is a joint initiative between Blackburn College, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, CXL, the Learning and Skills Council, the NHS, Training 2000 and other local partners to help raise achievement among 16-19 year olds in the borough.
Around 40 young mums who took part in PWP’s Young Mums To Be and Parents With Prospects schemes were in attendance at the ceremony along with the first cohort of young people to have completed PWP’s football coaching programme in association with the Lancashire Football Association.
Lancs advice service wins top accolade
6 May 2008
nextstep Lancashire, managed by CXL, has won official recognition as one of England’s top information, advice and guidance (IAG) services for adults seeking a new career.
The Lancashire-wide IAG service was awarded a Grade 2 – Good – by OFSTED inspectors following a week-long visit to its offices and sub-contractors across the county.
The rating places nextstep Lancashire at the top of the adult IAG league in the North West and amongst an elite of only eight other nextstep services across the UK. To date, no nextstep service has been awarded a Grade 1.
In awarding the Grade 2 OFSTED stated “CXL is very committed to helping young people and adults to move forward into learning and work and this commitment underpins all its nextstep activities”. In recognition of its high quality services CXL has been asked by OFSTED to provide three best practice case studies on nextstep Lancashire.
nextstep Lancashire Manager Geoffrey O’Donoghue is delighted with the outcome:
“This is an outstanding result for us and a testament to the exceptional hard work of CXL’s Contracts and Career Management Teams. Not only that, but it confirms that the quality of information, advice and guidance that we offer to adults in Lancashire is of the highest standard”.
For more information on nextstep Lancashire visit http://www.nextsteplancashire.co.uk
Fresh batch campaign targets talent-hungry employers
2 May 2008
Lancashire bosses who are hungry for new talent could soon be enjoying the sweet taste of success when a recruitment campaign with a difference hits the streets in May.
The Fresh Batch gingerbread campaign has been launched by CXL’s Learning Agreement Pilot in partnership with Lancashire Learning and Skills Council and Connexions. It aims to give 16-19 year olds a first step on to the jobs ladder by matching their skills and potential with local employers’ vacancies.
Over the next few weeks, thousands of gingerbread figures will be mailed out as part of the push to remind employers about CXL’s free Lancashire-wide Vacancy and Matching service. Buses and posters will also appear across the county sporting the campaign’s iconic gingerbread workers.
“Young people have so much energy and enthusiasm to contribute in the workplace, not to mention a fresh outlook and new skills” says CXL’s Principal Vacancy and Matching Consultant Clare Grime.
“Not only that, but employers who take on a young person through the Learning Agreement Pilot receive ongoing support from CXL plus a financial incentive.
“The Fresh Batch campaign is designed to remind them just how much they stand to gain by taking on a young person to fill their vacancy”.
For more information on the Learning Agreement Pilot visit www.cxl-nextlevel.co.uk or contact CXL’s Vacancy and Matching Team on 08459 550065.
Blackburn with Darwen young people celebrate jobs boost
21 April 2008
A project to get more Blackburn with Darwen youngsters into Apprenticeships and Work Placements in the Public Sector has been celebrated as a huge success after 18 months in operation.
The Public Sector Apprenticeship Project was launched in July 2006 by Blackburn with Darwen Connexions in partnership with CXL. Financially supported by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, the project works with 16-18 year olds who are not in education, employment or training to help them find Apprenticeships and Placements with Public Sector employers such as Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Lancashire Constabulary and the NHS.
CXL’s Dawn Stead says the initiative has captured the imagination of both employers and young people:
“There’s been a tremendous take-up from Public Sector employers in the Borough, offering opportunities in a wide range of areas from Business Administration to Construction, Childcare to Catering and Finance to Gardening.
“The project has already helped more than 50 young people gain opportunities, which is great news all round: young people get the work experience and training they need, and the Public Sector gains fresh new skills and ideas: everyone stands to gain".
Young people and employers from the project got together at King George’s Hall on 17th April to celebrate their achievements and to receive certificates of commendation for their involvement.
Pictured: The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Mrs Maureen McGarvey, celebrates with the young people at King George’s Hall
Thousands flock to HE convention
2 April 2008
Thousands of students from across the North West got advice on their future education prospects at CXL’s 2008 HE Convention at the end of March.
Hosted by UCLan, the two day event saw 8,000 young people visiting more than 100 information stalls from universities across the UK.
The 16 and 17 year olds also had the opportunity to attend seminars about student life, applying to university, finding out about money and choosing the right course and place to study at.
CXL Managing Director Karen O’Donoghue said: “CXL is in the business of supporting people of all ages to move forward in work and life and our annual HE Convention is a great opportunity for young people to find out first-hand about university life and the courses that are available to them”.
Phil Chapman, Head of Marketing at UCLan, said: “It was a hugely successful event for us. It was the second time we have hosted the annual convention and we are delighted thousands of prospective university students came to visit.”
New Apprenticeship project will help vulnerable young people
4 April 2008
A new initiative developed by CXL and Lancashire County Developments Ltd is aiming to help vulnerable young people to achieve their full potential in work and life.
Over the next three years, the Supported Apprenticeship Project will work with vulnerable young people to help match their skills and needs to a suitable work-based learning opportunity with a local employer. Pre-recruitment training and psychometric assessments will also be provided as well as mentoring and advocacy support once the young person has taken up their apprenticeship.
The scheme also offers employers free Lancashire-wide advertising and matching of their vacancies to young people as well as ongoing tailored support to meet the demands of their business.
For more information contact CXL on 01772 642379.
ICT Team turn technology into charity cash
14 March 2008
Smart-thinking technical staff at CXL are converting technology into cash by recycling and redistributing redundant mobile phones and computers.
So far, the ICT Team has raised £310 for CXL’s chosen charity Derian House by selling redundant PCs and monitors to staff.
The Team also donated 20 old nokia mobile phones to St Andreas Primary School in Preston for recycling through fones4schools. A further 14 PCs were also handed over to the Youth Works project in Darwen, which supports 8-25 year olds in progressing in learning, work and life.
Dilip Parmar, Senior Youth Worker at Youth Works is delighted with the new-to-you technology:
“The
computers are in our cyber café which the young people access to do homework,
surf the net and play games” he says.
“We can’t thank CXL enough”.
CXL’s ICT Principal Consultant Barry Smith says the team is pleased to have helped out:
“Recycling
and redistributing redundant technology to worthy causes is walking our talk as
an ethical company with a social conscience.
“We hope to continue in the same vein in the future”.
CXL nominated for regional leadership award
18 January 2008
CXL’s management team has been nominated for a top regional award for its cutting-edge leadership style.
The Leyland-based social enterprise is one of only four companies in the North West to be shortlisted as Leadership Team of the Year in the finals of this year’s North West BIBA Awards.
The BIBAs are hailed as the Business Oscars for corporate and individual achievement in Lancashire, with winners achieving instant recognition among the regional business community.
CXL Managing Director Karen O’Donoghue is delighted with the news:
“Reaching the final four is an achievement in itself; and is proof positive that our people skills, vision and mentoring capabilities are already being recognised both within CXL and outside too”.
The winners will be announced at a star-studded ceremony on 7th March at Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom.
CXL Chair Appointed
7 January 2008
Dr David Sanders has been appointed as Company Chair of CXL.
An Executive Director for Blackpool Council until his retirement last year, David was a Board member of the former Connexions Lancashire Ltd and before that CareerLink (the Careers Service for Lancashire Area West).
Following his appointment, CXL Managing Director Karen O’Donoghue said:
“David’s insight into the company and his assessment of both the risks and the opportunities for our growth are all key assets for CXL. “He is also someone with significant experience in the public sector which is a key target area for CXL and I am confident that his professional networks and personal gravitas will be of great value to us in the years ahead”.
Double careers accolade for CXL
19 November 2007
CXL has won a double accolade in this year’s Institute for Careers Guidance Awards, for its work with adults and young people.
The Lancashire-based social enterprise scooped the top prize in the ‘Research by an Organisation’ category for its innovative C-xtra web-based careers questionnaire for young people over 16, plus a Highly Commended for its successful All About Me And Where I Want To Be confidence building and careers workshops for adults.
The ICG Awards are nationally acclaimed and much sought-after by organisations across the careers education and guidance sector.
“It’s particularly pleasing for us to have won awards for our work with both adults and young people” said CXL Managing Director Karen O’Donoghue.
“CXL has a fine reputation for the high quality of our guidance services for all ages, and these awards are a great endorsement of that”.
(above) CXL's Mark Willett (2nd left) receives A Highly Commended for All About Me
(below) (2nd, 3rd, 4th left) CXL's Ross Kirkham, Eileen Cunningham and Janice Clarke receive the C-xtra award
CXL throws lifeline to lone parents
Lone parents across Lancashire are being thrown a lifeline to help them get back into work or training, thanks to a new course run by CXL and Jobcentre Plus New Deal for Lone Parents.
All About Me And Where I Want To Be! is being offered completely free of charge to lone parents over 18 and living in Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley, Clitheroe, Bacup, Chorley, Morecambe, Nelson and Skelmersdale. Free childcare plus travel expenses are also on offer to everyone who enrols.
Over a series of half-day sessions, participants will be given expert tuition in confidence building, setting goals for the future and moving forward with their lives. They'll also learn how to identify and use their own hidden talents as well as tackling issues such as CV writing and succeeding at interviews.
"The course lasts for five weeks, after which participants should be well on track to re-enter the world of work or training" says CXL Adult Services Manager Mark Willett.
"Everyone who completes the course receives an accredited AQA Certificate and is eligible for two Life Coaching phone sessions plus follow-up support from a qualified CXL Careers Consultant".
For more information or to enrol on the course call CXL Adult Services on 01772 642412 or contact the New Deal Lone Parent Adviser at your local Jobcentre.
Derian House chosen as adopted charity
CXL has chosen Derian House as its adopted charity for the coming year. The Chorley-based children's charity offers respite and terminal care for children who may not live to reach adulthood.
CXL Managing Director Karen O'Donoghue said: "Derian House was selected following a vote among CXL staff. It's a particularly apt choice because Derian House is based within our home patch of the North West of England; and also because we share the common aim of being dedicated to the support of young people, teenagers and families".
Fund-raising activities have already begun, with CXL staff having already held a number of initiatives including a Teddy Bears Picnic, sponsored walks, and a cake bake-in. A Hallowe'en party is also planned in October to help swell the funds.
It's hoped that the money raised over the next 12 months will go towards a specific project at Derian House, such as a chill-out facility for teenagers or for the trip-of-a-lifetime for a young person with a critical or terminal illness.
