By Lisa Nixon, Director of Employer Engagement, AKG
In June 2025, AKG hosted a roundtable discussion, bringing together leading UK employers, including B&M, OCS, and Wates. The core focus: how to strengthen social value initiatives through more inclusive and responsive employability services. These forward-thinking organisations, all deeply committed to diverse recruitment strategies and supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, explored how forthcoming changes to employment support programmes can better reflect the evolving needs of both businesses and jobseekers.
Constructive Dialogue and Shared Commitment to Employment Support Reform
There was strong consensus among participants on the critical importance of employment support reform. Employers enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to improve how employability services are commissioned and delivered, particularly where these improvements could support longer-term workforce planning and achieve sustainable employment outcomes.
However, participants also highlighted the urgent need for greater clarity. Key concerns revolved around future commissioning models for employment services, funding structures, and precise implementation timelines. These elements are crucial for businesses in the UK when planning their recruitment strategies and broader social impact initiatives.
As Tracy from OCS shared: “I’m determined to view the government’s employability reform as an opportunity for positive change, but the delays with devolution and the resulting lack of clarity is causing me uncertainty—and I need a plan for my organisation.”
Key Themes for Effective Employer Engagement in Employability
Several consistent themes emerged from the roundtable, indicating clear pathways for improving employability provision:
- Early Employer Involvement in Programme Design: Employers expressed a strong desire to be involved from the outset, not merely consulted after employability programme delivery models are already established. Early employer engagement is seen as fundamental for designing truly effective, employer-led employability services.
- Value in Co-Designed Employment Solutions: There is a significant appetite for genuine collaboration and co-designing employment support. Employers are advocating for flexible models that precisely align with real business needs and current labour market conditions.
- Stronger Connections with Training Providers: Businesses consistently emphasised the importance of clear, transparent relationships with employment training and support providers. Direct collaboration helps create more efficient recruitment pipelines and leads to improved employee retention outcomes.
Moving Forward Together: Fostering Inclusive Employment Outcomes
Employers are undeniably key partners in delivering truly inclusive employment outcomes across the UK. Through ongoing dialogue, shared learning, and strategic employer engagement, there is a significant opportunity to ensure that employability services are more effective, adaptable, and firmly grounded in the real demands of the workforce.
AKG remains committed to supporting this vital process through regular employer engagement forums. We will continue working closely with employability providers and government bodies to help shape employment programs that work—for businesses, individuals, and communities alike.
