AKG and Kindred are celebrating a significant milestone in their partnership, having supported 200 people into employment with Kindred.
The achievement reflects a strong working relationship built on trust, a clear understanding of each other’s needs and a shared belief that putting people at the heart of employment creates better outcomes for individuals and employers.
AKG is an employment services provider that works with individuals, employers and communities to help people find and sustain meaningful employment. Kindred is a facilities management specialist providing cleaning services across England, with a strong focus on creating positive working environments for its people.
Together, the organisations have developed an approach that combines an understanding of the individual with a clear understanding of the roles available. AKG’s teams work closely with people to understand their skills, experience and aspirations, as well as any challenges they may have faced in finding or returning to work. That insight is matched with Kindred’s knowledge of its business, its workplaces and what it needs from its people.
It is an approach that has now helped 200 people take their next step into employment.
Lisa Nixon, Director of Employment at AKG, said:
“Reaching 200 people supported into work with Kindred is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of, but what matters most to us is what sits behind that number. Every person has their own story, their own strengths and their own ambitions.
“Some of the people we support may have experienced challenges in their lives that have made finding or returning to work more difficult. Our job isn’t simply to find any vacancy for someone. We take the time to get to know them, understand what they want from work and find a role where we believe they can succeed.
“That is where our relationship with Kindred is so important. They are clear about the people and skills they need, and they trust our teams to understand that and introduce quality candidates who are right for their roles. Having that openness and trust on both sides means we can focus on getting the match right for the individual and for Kindred.”
The milestone comes at a time when helping more people access and remain in employment continues to be an important challenge across the UK. The UK employment rate for people aged 16 to 64 currently stands at 75.1%, while 20.9% of working-age people are economically inactive.
While the national figures demonstrate the scale of the challenge, the partnership between AKG and Kindred shows the contribution employers can make by creating opportunities and working closely with organisations that can connect them with people who are ready to take those opportunities.
Kindred’s approach extends beyond providing a job. The business places an emphasis on creating a positive and inclusive working environment where people feel supported, valued and able to develop, recognising that good employment can have an impact beyond the workplace.
Simon Wrenn , CEO at Kindred, said:
“We want Kindred to be somewhere people feel welcomed, valued and proud to work. Providing someone with an opportunity is the starting point, but creating the right environment for them to stay, develop and feel part of a team is just as important.
“We also recognise that the benefits of good employment reach much further than the job itself. Work can provide greater financial independence and stability, build confidence and skills and create opportunities for individuals and their families. When more people are able to participate in work and progress, there is a wider benefit for our communities and the economy too.
“Our relationship with AKG helps us put that into practice. Their teams understand our business and what we need, but they also understand the people they are supporting. That combination has been central to reaching 200 placements and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together next.”
Kindred’s commitment to its workforce is reflected in its wider approach as an employer. The company is a recognised Living Wage Service Provider and a Disability Confident Employer, and in 2024 received the Living Wage Foundation’s Recognised Service Provider Champion Award for its contribution to the Living Wage movement.
For both organisations, reaching 200 is an opportunity to recognise what has already been achieved while continuing to strengthen a partnership that is creating tangible employment opportunities.
Reaching 200 people supported into employment is an important milestone for AKG and Kindred, but both organisations see it as a foundation to build on. With a partnership shaped by trust, shared understanding and a commitment to creating positive employment experiences, AKG and Kindred are looking forward to working together to create more opportunities and help even more people take their next step into work.
To learn more about AKG and work with employers click here
