The West Wing at Ickworth and Papworth Trust working together

Richard Wheeler, Sodexo general manager at The West Wing at Ickworth says, “We have been working with Papworth Trust since 2006 to help disabled people and long term unemployed people find work within the local community. Claire Glanville, recruitment manager at Papworth Trust, understands what we expect from our employees and is very honest about all the candidates, explaining about their backgrounds and current situations. We see this as a long term relationship, which is good for us and the local community.”

Richard continues, “Initially, two of Claire’s candidates came forward to interview, and I employed them both. Since then we have employed two porters and two casual waitresses. One works a 30 hour week as a kitchen porter and is now completing a NVQ level 2 in kitchen duties. We also arranged for him to attend reading and writing lessons at the local college with funding from the Learning and Skills Council.”

Claire Glanville, Papworth Trust says, “Sodexo is a great example of a forward-thinking company, which understands that helping long-term unemployed people back to work is good for the local economy as well as for the candidates.”

Papworth Trust is a charity and registered social landlord working with people with disabilities across the East of England. It provides a range of services for disabled people to ensure they have more equality, choice and independence in their lives. There are many people who have a long term illness or disability and want to work but fear losing their benefits if they contact their Jobcentre.

As an organisation with over 90 years of experience, supporting 17,000 people and spending £15m annually, Papworth Trust has a wealth of expertise and supports all of its candidates in the first six months of employment as well as training programmes for employees. In addition, The Papworth Trust also provides tailored support for employers to ensure that induction and probation periods are as successful as possible and minimises future recruitment and training costs.

The West Wing at Ickworth

The Beautiful new West Wing opened in 2006 and is the most perfect wedding venue combining old and new in a picturesque setting in Ickworth park. The West Wing is surrounded by 1800 acres of glorious gardens and parkland providing wonderful photographic opportunities for weddings.

In addition to weddings, The West Wing is available throughout the year for conferences, exhibitions, dinner dances, and Christmas parties catering for numbers up to 220. There is also a dedicated area outside for corporate family days and outside events with space for a large marquee.

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