Day 6: How do the Flexibility and Focus Characteristics affect FullEmploy?

Today's Characteristics are Flexibility and Focus.

Flexibility

There are 2 areas where FullEmploy can exercise flexibility: internally and externally.

Internal flexibility lies with giving staff an opportunity to contribute to the overall policy and, to some extent, shape local policy in line with central policy. That way, FullEmploy can be all things to all people depending on local circumstances.

External flexibility is where we're negotiating with our partners. This is where we fine tune our methods of solution that we provide for them. If we see that policy, local or central, is getting in the way of solutions, then we'd consider changing it.

FullEmploy has a certain number of core values which brought it into existence. These core values cannot and must not be compromised. According to Meatloaf's lyrics: "I will do anything for [you]; but I won't do that". That actually sums up flexibility - be flexible up to a point and no further.

Among these values, which have become policy, is that FullEmploy would accept unqualified, unskilled or inexperienced people as staff or candidates, because full training will be given. Another value/policy is that, in any ward, only candidates who live in that ward will be accepted; and will be found jobs with businesses who operate from that ward first, then in neighbouring wards.

Focus

There are different levels at which FullEmploy can focus its efforts. The most important ones are when building relationships with our partners:

1. Employers
2. Training Providers
3. Funding Agencies
4. Politicians
5. The Unemployed
6. The General Public

As well as the different areas to focus on, FullEmploy will place different emphasis on areas of policy particularly that its activities accomplish the underlying value of reducing unemployment and the skills shortage in disadvantaged areas. FullEmploy's Ethos is to solve problems first and make money second. In fact, we'll be paid FOR solving the underlying problems; and that's what we'll be focusing on.

During negotiations with our partners, we will focus on the immediate problems facing them not just recruitment. For example, an employer may require to fill a vacancy to satisfy short-term demand but may worry about future demand. Others may be worried about their viability. So, our customers extend beyond those who offer vacancies - the Government refers to this as safeguarding jobs.