For many of us, we take for granted our ability to go to work. It might not be what we want to do sometimes, but at least we have a choice. Having a job makes us more independent, increases our self-assurance and in most cases gives us a sense of purpose, a daily routine and a financial reward.
But imagine for a second how you would feel if you weren’t allowed to have a job? Or if previous experiences of coercive or abusive relationships meant that you lacked the confidence, capabilities or resilience to apply for a job, let alone be able to hold one down.
No More Tears
That’s where No More Tears can help. Founder and Director of Total Spectrum, Debby Clayton, recently announced the launch of a new recruitment programme entitled No More Tears. Debby has seen first-hand the effects of verbal abuse from employers to employees who only endured it because they needed the job. This is when she started to talk to victims of abuse and got involved with Northamptonshire based domestic abuse charity Eve.
This new programme will see Debby partnering with Eve and other domestic abuse charities to help to transform the lives of those affected by domestic abuse by pairing companies with talented candidates who may have previously been overlooked. The ideal results are a fresh start and new hope for domestic abuse survivors and employers who get to discover resilient, capable and dedicated candidates.
Aimed at businesses across the UK, the No More Tears recruitment programme is looking to connect like-minded companies that value compassion and diversity in their workforce with talented individuals who might otherwise be overlooked due to gaps in employment or personal challenges stemming from their experiences.
Due Diligence
The process will be very thorough, for obvious reasons. Before putting domestic abuse survivors into any old job, Debby and her team will:
- Check the recruitment, need, strategy and values of the would be employer.
- Oversee the entire recruitment process to the end of the individual’s probation period.
- Spend time with the women to career coach them, help them write their CV, share practical interview help and make sure the company is aware that they might need additional emotional support in the early days.
- Work with employers through the full probation period with the employee to make sure of a great onboarding process and supply additional help if required.
- Offer training to employers to help them to spot the signs of abuse in their employees and advise them on what they can do to provide support
Debby Clayton said. “We believe that someone’s circumstances should not prevent them from creating the future they deserve. Everyone has the right to step onto the career ladder and we hope to help anyone experiencing domestic abuse to achieve ongoing success. Employment isn’t just about a pay check—it’s a step toward independence, confidence, and a brighter future for those who have experienced domestic abuse.”
Debby continues. “Whilst this initiative runs at a similar cost to other recruitment programmes, the main difference is that it offers a personal reward for you and your new recruit with the fee split across three areas. The referring charity will get £500 back into their funds, £500 will go into a community fund to support the candidate with bus fares, clothing, additional training, further counselling etc. and the rest will be our recruitment fee.”
Debby concludes. “Over the coming months, I am going to be in contact with lots of the smaller independent domestic abuse charities and support groups from across the UK, that currently don’t get government support and offer my services to work closely with any candidates that they refer to us.”
For more information visit my dedicated No More Tears website page or for help or support, please email debby@total-spectrum.com
