Aquilla is an accomplished senior employability leader with over 20 years’ experience delivering and overseeing large-scale programmes across the public, private, and voluntary sectors.

Since joining Fedcap Employment, Ms. Lindo has served as Regional Director (South), overseeing a portfolio of government-funded employability programmes across Southern England, including the Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart Scheme, Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care, Work and Health Programme, Pioneer, and Supported Employment initiatives. In these roles, she has led high-performing operational teams, strengthened delivery outcomes, and expanded partnerships that create lasting economic and social opportunity for individuals and communities.

Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap, said: “Aquilla is an exceptional leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to helping individuals achieve economic mobility and long-term success.”

“Her experience managing complex workforce systems, leading organisational transformation, and building high-performing teams makes her uniquely qualified for this role. As we continue to expand our impact across the United Kingdom, Aquilla’s leadership will help ensure that Fedcap Employment remains at the forefront of innovation and operational excellence.”

Susan Paterson, Executive Director of Fedcap Employment, said: “I am delighted Aquilla has agreed to serve alongside me as Chief Operating Officer. Since joining the organisation, Aquilla has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, a relentless focus on performance, and an unwavering commitment to our mission.

“Aquilla understands how to bring together people, partnerships, innovation, and operational excellence to create lasting impact. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her as we expand our reach and help even more people move into sustainable employment.”

Aquilla Lindo said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer at such an exciting time for Fedcap Employment. Throughout my career, I have been driven by the belief that meaningful employment transforms lives, strengthens communities, and creates lasting economic opportunity and Fedcap is a place where this can happen at scale.”

As Chief Operating Officer, Aquilla will oversee day-to-day operations across Fedcap Employment’s UK portfolio, supporting continued growth, service innovation, performance excellence, and delivery of high-quality outcomes for participants, employers, funders, and communities throughout the United Kingdom.

Prior to joining Fedcap Employment, Aquilla held senior leadership positions at Corndel, Prospects Services, and the London Borough of Brent, where she managed large-scale employment, education, and skills contracts while building strong partnerships across government, industry, and community organisations. She also holds a qualification in Equity, Inclusion and Organisational Diversity Development through the Institute of Leadership & Management and previously served as a Trustee of P3 Charity, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and social exclusion.

The post Aquilla Lindo Appointed as New Chief Operating Officer of Fedcap Employment appeared first on Fedcap.

By sharing her lived experience with inmates at Rikers Island prison in New York, Zulay is inspiring people to change their lives on release. 

Five years ago, Zulay was released from Rikers Island prison. Scared and confused, she was introduced to Fedcap who supported her to integrate back into her community of Queens. 

The chance to join us as a re-entry mentor gave Zulay the opportunity to use her lived experience to support others facing the very same situation she had once been in.  

Her boldest step was to return to Rikers Island to work directly with people preparing to leave the justice system with the aim of positively reintegrating them to their communities.  

Zulay said: “When I meet people in Rikers and say I used to be in here, I know where you’re coming from, they say ‘For real? You’re in here talking to me? Wow, I want to do what you do’. 

“I tell them they’ve got to work. Change is always possible. You’ve got to want to do it. 

“I never expected to be sitting here. It feels so good at this stage of my life right now.  

“Fedcap kept me out of trouble, kept me focused and got me elevated. I’m very motivated. This is not my last stop. I’m planning to study for a degree and become a social worker or an educator and work with kids. 

“I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t get introduced to Fedcap, but I do know that without Fedcap believing in me, none of this would be possible. 

“I’m grateful for everything Fedcap has helped me with and continues to help me strive for.” 

The post “Without Fedcap believing in me, none of this would be possible”  appeared first on Fedcap.

With support from his Employment Advisor, Graeme Parker, and the wider Clubhouse team, Jaswinder has made strong use of the resources available to him. He has taken part in a wide range of development workshops with John, including topics such as interview preparation, applications and cover letters, networking, and using LinkedIn, as well as completing job-networking sessions, 1:1 interview preparation for specific roles, and attending Hot Jobs sessions with Jenny (ESC). He’s also received practical interview support, including preparation for both in-person and phone interviews, often using the Clubhouse itself as a calm and professional space to carry these out.

Over time, Jaswinder has increased his confidence and independence. He now uses the Clubhouse regularly for his job search, working largely independently and making proactive use of the support around him when needed. He’s shared that he feels happier and more productive in this environment, reflecting the positive impact it has had on his routine and mindset.

Beyond his job search, Jaswinder actively contributes to the Clubhouse community. He participates in men’s mental health sessions facilitated by Rix, joins group activities such as quizzes, and frequently supports other members with IT, demonstrating both generosity and growing technical confidence.

Overall, Jaswinder’s commitment and engagement have led to clear personal and professional development. His increased confidence, independence, and positive contributions to the community highlight the progress he continues to make.

As he describes it, “What I’ve appreciated most is how empowering the atmosphere is. The support isn’t clinical or formal, it’s human, warm, and collaborative.”

The post An empowering atmosphere for Jaswinder appeared first on Fedcap.

When  Sam  first attended our Brighton office, he always came with his mum and  required  the use of a private room, as he was not comfortable speaking on the main floor. Through steady progress and by building a relationship with his Employment Adviser, Vicky, Sam began attending appointments independently and eventually no longer required the private room.

To further improve his confidence,  Vicky recommended that he join the New Wave Clubhouse. This step significantly improved his confidence and ability to manage social interactions. He quickly became a regular member, building positive relationships and forming new friendships. This improvement in his confidence meant he was able to start attending group workshops to improve his employability skills. He has also been supported with job applications and interview preparation for roles aligned with his interest in the creative sector.

Sam has made outstanding progress. He now attends appointments independently, fully  participates  in workshops, and is a confident and regular member of the Clubhouse community. His increased confidence is evident  in his willingness to pursue high-quality roles aligned with his career goals.

A key achievement has been progressing to the video interview stage for an Apprenticeship Producer role with the BBC. He is currently waiting to hear the outcome. This is a significant milestone and reflects how far he has come in terms of confidence, engagement, and ambition.

This journey has also had a wider positive impact on  Sam’s life. He now has structure, improved wellbeing, stronger communication skills, and a clearer sense of direction for his future.

Speaking about his journey,  Sam  shared:
“Initially, once I began the Restart programme, my anxiety was very tumultuous, and I could not look at anybody. Consequently, 9 months later, I am waltzing into Fedcap, ever so talkative and confident within myself.”

The post Finding confidence through the Restart Scheme appeared first on Fedcap.

Fedcap has delivered the WorkWell mental health advisory service on behalf of Surrey County Council for the last 12 months with 90% of people who accessed the service said our advisers helped them to manage their mental health in work, support their return to work or progress towards their job goals.

One participant shared: “This service has been the best mental health support I have ever received, and Jane is the best mental health professional I have worked with. As a result of her encouragement and understanding, I feel more confident about my skills, what I can offer and believe I am capable to return to work and cope.”

We’re proud to be building capacity for the NHS by keeping people in work – reducing GP appointments and mental health referrals; or by supporting a successful return to work, reducing the need for NHS intervention.

Fedcap passionately believes that good work forms part of a healthy life and we’re excited to continue building effective systems and driving innovation with Integrated Care Boards and local authorities during the wider roll-out of WorkWell, supporting more people to remain healthy at work.

The post 9 in 10 people successfully supported to manage their mental health through WorkWell service appeared first on Fedcap.

The report finds that integrating mental health support with employment services -through Fedcap’s UK Clubhouse model – can significantly improve workforce participation and long-term economic outcomes for individuals facing complex mental health challenges.

The findings come at a critical juncture. In the UK, 2.8 million working-age individuals are economically inactive due to health conditions, with mental health issues playing a central role. The economic cost is staggering – estimated at up to £300 billion annually when accounting for lost productivity, healthcare, and social impacts.

Fedcap’s UK Clubhouse model offers a community-based, non-clinical approach that combines mental health support, social connection, and employment readiness. Unlike traditional programmes, the model focuses on sustained engagement and real-world work pathways.

Analysis found that approximately one-third of participants transitioned into sustainable employment – a significant outcome for a population with historically low job placement rates. In addition, 82% of members reported improved mental wellbeing and 65% sustained engagement rates, compared to 45% in traditional programmes.

The report further highlights the model’s strong return on investment. Clubhouse services operate at a fraction of the cost of clinical interventions and have demonstrated the potential to generate significant public value by reducing reliance on benefits, healthcare services, and repeated programme participation.

The report outlines a clear roadmap for scaling impact, including expanding access to Clubhouses in high-need regions, further integrating the model into national employment and health programmes, strengthening referral pathways from healthcare and community systems, supporting multi-year funding to enable sustained engagement, and enhancing data tracking to capture long-term public value. The pilot was funded by the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart Scheme.

“This report makes clear that we cannot address economic inactivity without addressing mental health,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap. “The Clubhouse model demonstrates that when individuals are supported in a community, with integrated health and employment services, the results are transformative – not just for the individual, but for the economy as a whole. We applaud the Department for Work and Pensions for funding this innovative pilot. This is a scalable, evidence-based solution that policymakers should embrace.”

Susan Paterson, Executive Director of Fedcap Employment, added: “Fedcap has long recognised the need to devise solutions that integrate work and health to address growing numbers of people who believe their mental health conditions prevent them from working. We’re grateful to the Department for Work and Pensions for funding Clubhouse to allow us to pilot and continue this innovative model of mental health and employability support.”

A full copy of the report can be found here.

The post Fedcap’s Community Impact Policy Institute Releases New Report Highlighting Scalable Solution to Mental Health-Driven Economic Inactivity in the UK appeared first on Fedcap.

By co-locating at the BE-ST Campus, Apex Training will enable individuals to gain industry-recognised credentials and practical experience, supporting entry into high-demand roles across the UK’s growing green economy utilising Scotland’s national innovation centre for the built environment.

Steve Kiakowski, Director of Green Skills at Fedcap’s The Verdancy Group, said: “We’re delighted to have begun delivering our sustainable green skills jobs programmes from Scotland’s state-of-the-art facility in Hamilton. The building itself has undergone a full retrofit, making it the ideal place to base our operations.

“By choosing the BE-ST Innovation Campus as our home, we will remain at the forefront of low-carbon construction, digital innovation, and retrofit best practice – ensuring our learners receive best-in-class green skills training.”

Courses include Pathways to Net Zero; Award in Understanding Damp and Mould; NOCN Level 2 Understanding Domestic Retrofit; SCQF Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit; Introduction to Airtightness and Ventilation; and Award in Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings.

Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap, said: “Following the launch of our Apex Training Centre in Basingstoke in early 2025, we are already seeing clear results – graduates of our solar installation programme are earning, on average, 20% more in entry-level solar roofing roles than in comparable warehouse positions.

“We project the same at the BE-ST location. This programme delivers tangible economic mobility for individuals from barriered communities. We are thrilled to partner with Scottish leaders to bring our proven, industry-aligned green skills programmes to scale, supporting the workforce needed to advance Scotland’s decarbonisation goals while expanding access to higher-paying careers.”

The Verdancy Group joined the not-for-profit organisation Fedcap last year and is expanding and strengthening its training offer through its Apex Training brand, drawing on the expertise of Fedcap’s Apex Technical School, a leading US vocational training institution with more than 60 years of experience.

Stephen Good, CEO of BE-ST said: “We are excited to welcome The Verdancy Group, one of Scotland’s most innovative low carbon training providers, as our new partners and tenants on campus. We look forward to collaborating to expand support to those across the sector looking to upskill over the next few years.”

Apex Training Course Dates for BE-ST, Hamilton are available to book now

The post Apex Training launches new green skills training programme at Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre appeared first on Fedcap.

Through Inspiring Futures, Binx worked with their Supported Employment Specialist, Henry, to explore their interests, strengths and possible career paths. A vocational profile was completed to better understand their creative interests and wider skills, which helped identify short-term goals such as exploring voluntary opportunities and entry-level roles in environments like retail or cleaning. Binx was supported to create a skills-based CV that reflected their abilities and experiences, and they were introduced to LinkedIn and job-search strategies. Clear, achievable tasks were set to help build confidence and independence when approaching employers. The VIA Strengths assessment was also used to help Binx reflect on their personal strengths in a positive way, including recognising how qualities such as being a supportive team member can be valuable in the workplace.

Alongside employment support, attention was also given to wellbeing. When Binx experienced challenges with their mental health, Henry provided support to arrange a GP appointment and to create a daily routine that added more structure to their day, including consistent wake-up times, meals and creative activities.

Binx expressed a strong desire to work regularly and earn their own money, ideally in a part-time role in a quieter environment close to Congleton. After applying for several roles without progressing, open conversations about workplace readiness led to a decision to focus on volunteering as a way to build experience, confidence and strengthen their CV. A digital marketing volunteer role was identified with South Cheshire CLASP, a small charity in Crewe that supports lone and single-parent families. Their advisor contacted the organisation to learn more about the role and explain the programme before supporting Binx with their application.

Binx was invited to interview, and on the day their advisor travelled to Congleton to meet them at the train station. Henry and Binx travelled together to Crewe, using the journey as an opportunity to practise travel training, including buying tickets and navigating stations, while also preparing for the interview. Binx attended the interview with this additional support and was successfully offered the digital marketing volunteer role with South Cheshire CLASP, which they started in January. This marks an important step forward, allowing them to gain experience in an area they enjoy while continuing to build confidence and work towards future paid employment.

The post Supporting young people into work they enjoy with Inspiring Futures appeared first on Fedcap.

Volunteers will be matched with around 30 young people aged 18-24 based upon mutual interests and will aim to develop positive personal relationships to help normalise fears about work and adult life, and provide space to talk informally about social anxieties.

It is the first of a range of initiatives Fedcap has been developing through working alongside young people in a series of focus groups and workshops, to complement our ongoing work to support individuals into sustainable employment.

“We’re seeing an increasing number of young people struggling to secure work in today’s job market,” said Susan Paterson, Executive Director of Fedcap Employment. “From listening to young people, the same two themes keep being repeated – a lack of work experience and awareness; and social anxiety and fear of the workplace.”

Fedcap has found that structural shifts in the labour market have reduced the informal entry points that once helped young people build experience and confidence. Weekend jobs, entry-level roles, and early workplace exposure have declined in many areas, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pilot youth mentoring programme, which will initially be rolled out across South Central England, will be bolstered by Fedcap-initiated employer awareness days – giving young people the chance to spend time inside real organisations, see what a typical working day looks like, and help demystify the workplace.

Susan added: “Many young people simply don’t know what different jobs look like in reality, or the variety of career paths available to them. For many, the idea of being in a workplace feels intimidating and overwhelming. This isn’t about motivation – it’s about confidence, exposure, and feeling like they belong.”

This follows a recent report by Fedcap’s Community Impact Policy Institute, recommending ways to end youth inactivity which highlighted the need for universal access to meaningful work experience to help young people improve their economic mobility.

“Recommendations to End Youth Inactivity in the UK: A National Framework for Re-Engagement”, builds on Fedcap’s integrated approach to supporting young people to improve their economic mobility – providing structured, personalised support that combines employability services, skills development, and health interventions.

Read the report here

The post Fedcap Launches Youth Mentoring Programme to Tackle Rising NEET Levels for People Under 25 appeared first on Fedcap.

Since 2019 Fedcap has supported over 120,000 customers across the UK improve their economic mobility through its workforce development, health and education practices.

The Verdancy Group – a leading provider of green skills training and sustainability education and consultancy – joined not-for-profit organisation Fedcap last year. Its new Apex Training arm is helping expand and strengthen the group’s training provision across the UK.

The matrix Standard is the international quality mark for organisations that deliver information, advice and/or guidance either as their sole purpose or as part of their service offering. Owned by the Department for Education, the standard is managed by The Growth Company on its behalf.

Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap, said: “It’s an honour for Fedcap and The Verdancy Group to gain this accreditation to sit alongside training providers, universities, and further/ higher education colleges around the world.

“By recognising strong leadership, clear governance and a genuine commitment to learning and continuous improvement, the matrix Standard is a mark of Fedcap’s mission to positively impact the economic mobility of our customers.”

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Fedcap and The Verdancy Group, and I would like to congratulate the teams on their success.

“We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available.

“The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, Fedcap and The Verdancy Group are working to provide the best possible support to their customers.”

The post Fedcap and The Verdancy Group gain international standard for high-quality support to customers appeared first on Fedcap.