Fedcap, which helps people find sustainable work, mobilised 300 staff members for a day of service – supporting homeless and disadvantaged individuals, food banks, community farms, and organisations that serve people with disabilities, autism, and neurodivergence.

In the US and Canada, our international colleagues joined in by supporting their local communities – from Hamilton, Ontario, to locations across the United States, stretching from Maine to Texas.

Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group, said: “Across three countries, our teams came together for one purpose: to live our mission of putting people on the path to economic well-being.

“Community Day is more than service – it’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe in.”

Brian Bell, Fedcap’s Lead in the UK who spent Community Day at The Moses Project on Teesside, said: “As a charity, we’re very keen to support other organisations and maximise the amount of value we give back to society. Our people find it incredibly rewarding to volunteer their time – whether that’s working in a charity shop, preparing food for people or cleaning a church which supports homeless people.

“I’m very proud of our teams who put in so much effort to genuinely make a difference in the communities we’re a part of.”

Susan Mead from Bromley Bloomers thanked our Crewe and Macclesfield teams who helped get their Friendship Garden ready for next year and picked fruit and veg to give out to local people.

She said: “You guys are truly amazing, and I really appreciate everything that you’ve done. The team was fun to work with, super helpful and just amazing in general. I cannot express how much your team’s work has helped the community.”

Some of the UK organisations which benefited from the army of volunteers included:

• Bromley Farm Hub in Congleton, which offers a range of activities to boost local residents’ wellbeing
• Edinburgh-based charity Four Square which provides accommodation, support, employability and furniture services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• SeeAbility in Guildford, which specialises in supporting people who have learning disabilities or autism, who may also have sight loss
• neurodivergent support charity Daisy Chain on Teesside
• a food bank in Burnley

The post From Burnley to The Bronx – Dozens of charities benefit from international not-for profit’s annual Community Day appeared first on Fedcap.

The programme will provide subsidised training opportunities for installers and retrofit professionals across all five of the Government’s Net Zero Hubs, including installing insulation and solar panels in homes and non-domestic properties.

The programme will build competence and capacity in the retrofit supply chain to deliver energy efficiency installations in support of the government’s Warm Homes Plan to improve homes across the country by making them cleaner and less expensive to run.

The Verdancy Group through its Apex Training Centres will provide level 2 and 3 accredited courses in understanding domestic retrofit, solar PV installer and operator, and insulation and building treatments.

Steven Kiakowski, Director of The Verdancy Group, said: “Businesses will benefit from support to upskill their workforce in green skills, which in turn will help organisations and households access high-quality energy efficient improvements.

“Our industry-accredited training is aimed at those already working in the sector and those looking to embark on a new career.”

Brian Bell, Fedcap’s Lead in the UK, said: “We’re excited to have been chosen by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to address critical skills gaps in the retrofit industry, helping organisations build workforce capacity for a low-carbon economy and support the delivery of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan.”

Retrofit and clean energy careers offer not only the chance to make a real impact on the UK’s Net Zero goals, but also strong prospects for progression, stability, and security. The wider green economy already supports nearly 700,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the UK, an increase of more than 30% since 2015 (ONS, 2025).

On average, jobs in the Net Zero economy pay around 23% more than the UK average salary (Energy UK), highlighting the value of equipping more people with the skills to access such rewarding careers. With demand for skilled workers continuing to rise, this programme will open pathways for people to progress from entry-level roles into highly skilled, future-proof careers in a sector that is only set to grow.

The Warm Homes Skills Programme is designed to open up these rewarding pathways, helping people access training that leads to well-paid, future-proof careers in a sector that is only set to grow.

The post Fedcap’s The Verdancy Group Selected to Deliver Warm Homes Skills Training Across All Net Zero Hubs appeared first on Fedcap.

The move follows Fedcap’s expansion into the education and learning sector with the opening of its first Apex Clean Energy Training Centre in the UK earlier this year. The centre’s first group of graduates in solar panel installation are now finding work in the solar industry. The addition of The Verdancy Group builds on that momentum, bringing cutting-edge expertise in sustainability education and customised training in the UK. 

The Verdancy Group’s robust online learning platform offers a suite of accredited and non-accredited courses for organisations, educational providers and individuals. The Group is adept at tailoring content to meet the needs of individual business, upskilling their teams to meet changing industry requirements. 

Verdancy’s robust platform offers courses in areas such as introduction to renewable technologies, environmental impact assessments, and energy efficiency and building retrofits. The company is known for tailoring content to meet the unique needs of employers and helping organisations build workforce capacity for a low-carbon economy. 

Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap, said “As demand for sustainability-focused jobs grows, Verdancy’s expertise in green skills curricula and Fedcap’s proven track record in training and job placement create a powerful pathway from education to employment.  

“Together, we’re expanding access to meaningful careers and advancing training opportunities across the clean energy sector – furthering Fedcap’s mission to drive economic mobility and lasting opportunity.”  

Steven Kiakowski, Director of The Verdancy Group, said: “We believe that every job has the potential to be a green job. By combining forces with Fedcap, we can help more employers and communities transition to net zero and develop a future-ready workforce. 

“Joining the Fedcap family expands our reach and strengthens our impact across the UK’s growing sustainability sector.” 

Brian Bell, who leads Fedcap in the UK, said: “We’re delighted that The Verdancy Group has joined Fedcap to expand our green skills training offer. They’re a natural fit with Fedcap’s growing education and learning practice, which includes our Apex Clean Energy Training Centre in Hampshire that’s equipping individuals with the skills needed to excel in the fast-growing solar industry. 

“We’re now positioned to work with employers who are searching for people to join the clean energy and green skills sectors, which are set to keep growing in importance in the UK.” 

The post Fedcap and The Verdancy Group combine to expand training opportunities in sustainability and green skills across the UK appeared first on Fedcap.

This partnership brings together ELITE’s deep local roots, specialist knowledge, and trusted relationships with Fedcap’s decades-long expertise in sustainable employment—particularly for individuals with disabilities and underserved communities—along with its established infrastructure and geographic reach, creating new opportunities for ELITE to grow and expand its impact.

With more than 30 years of experience, ELITE has worked tirelessly to enable more than 20,000 disabled people and individuals with barriers to work to access and sustain meaningful employment. Through its award-winning social enterprises operating across South Mid and West Wales, ELITE creates pathways into work by providing tailored supported employment, training and advocacy. It is recognised for its holistic approach, empowering individuals to thrive in the workplace.

Andrea Wayman, Chief Executive Officer of ELITE, said: “ELITE has been committed to building a world where disability is never a barrier to work. By joining forces with Fedcap, we’re gaining a partner that shares our values and extends our reach, helping us expand our impact.

“As a charity, we’re proud to support local authorities, Welsh Government, and other partners in designing services that work for local people facing barriers to employment. Combining with Fedcap strengthens that position— bringing us added expertise and scale, while keeping our identity, values, and local connections at the heart of what we do.”

ELITE will retain its charitable status, leadership, and strong Welsh identity, ensuring it continues to serve communities in the way that has made it so valued. The partnership will enable ELITE to expand its current services across more regions, pilot new programmes aimed at supporting individuals with autism, mental health conditions, and complex disabilities, and benefit from Fedcap’s operational infrastructure and best-in-class programme models.

Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap said: “The partnership with ELITE aligns perfectly with Fedcap’s mission of empowering individuals facing barriers, especially individuals with disabilities, to work and achieve economic mobility. By combining our strengths, we will be able to innovate, scale, and deliver a greater impact for individuals who too often remain excluded from the workforce.”

Through this combination, ELITE will maintain its brand, leadership, and deep community roots while gaining access to broader resources and new opportunities for growth and sustainability.

Brian Bell, President of Fedcap Employment said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside ELITE Supported Employment, an organisation with an outstanding reputation and deep commitment to supporting people with disabilities into meaningful work.

“There’s a natural synergy between our charities as we’re both embedded in the communities we serve and put people at the centre of what we do. Together, ELITE and Fedcap will offer more opportunities for people in Wales who face the greatest barriers to work – and help employers across the country access this untapped talent.”

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At Fedcap we are committed to accelerating the momentum for gender equality through action—empowering women and fostering an inclusive culture.

Take a look at the inspiring blogs from our people below which embrace the theme ‘Accelerate Action.’

Becky-Ann, L&D Business Partner

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action’, which led me to think about the ways in which we can do this, and how empowering this can be. For me, one of the most impactful ways we can accelerate action is by investing in ourselves our skills, our growth, and our confidence. One key lesson I’ve learned is that personal growth is a responsibility we owe to ourselves. In the past, I didn’t always prioritise my own development as much as I should have. But over the past couple of years, I’ve worked hard to change my thinking in this area.

The reality is that we are still fighting for equal representation and opportunities. I want to ensure that when I take my seat at the table, no one doubts the value I bring because I’ve equipped myself with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be there through the opportunities and experiences I’ve sought out.

Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve experienced first-hand how continuous development can open doors and create new opportunities. A few years ago, I made the big decision to leave my career as a primary school teacher both terrifying and freeing in equal measure. I joined Fedcap as an Employment Adviser, then progressed through a couple of other roles, leading me to where I am today an L&D Business Partner. Each role has taught me invaluable lessons, built my confidence, and given me a diverse set of skills that I now apply every day. I am incredibly grateful for each opportunity I’ve had, as every experience has contributed to where I am today working in a role I genuinely love, helping others learn and grow.

So, on International Women’s Day, I encourage every woman to take that next step. Whether it’s enrolling in a course, taking on a new challenge, or simply saying ‘yes’ to an opportunity that scares you do it! Accelerate action for yourself, and in doing so, empower those around you to do the same. The future is shaped by those who dare to grow, and together, we can push boundaries, shatter ceilings, and create a world where women thrive without limitations.

Jodi, Health and Wellbeing Performance Manager

At Fedcap, every day is an opportunity to make a difference not always in big, obvious ways, but in the small moments that truly matter. Whether it’s through encouraging someone to believe in their own abilities, supporting a colleague, or challenging outdated ways of thinking, I try to play my part in moving things forward.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” really resonates with me. Progress isn’t just about policies or programmes; it’s about what we choose to do in our daily interactions. It’s about speaking up when something isn’t right, making space for voices that aren’t always heard, and ensuring that women whether colleagues, friends, or those we support feel valued, respected, and empowered.

I’ve seen first-hand how much confidence can grow when someone feels supported. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of belief a nudge to apply for that role, to speak up in a meeting, or to see themselves as capable and deserving. That’s something I try to encourage every day, and it’s what keeps me motivated in my role. We all have a part to play in pushing for change. Whether it’s amplifying female voices at work, calling out inequality, mentoring, or just making sure the women around us know they belong in the room, every action matters. It doesn’t have to be loud or grand it just has to be consistent. So today, and every day, let’s keep taking those small steps. Because when we support each other, we don’t just accelerate action we change lives.

Neelam, Performance Manager

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, I find myself reflecting on this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” and how it resonates with my own journey. Looking back, my path has been shaped by resilience, growth and an unwavering commitment to building a meaningful life not just for myself, but for my daughter.

The Woman Who Showed Me What Was Possible
Growing up, I was blessed with the most incredible role model, my mum. She was a force of nature; a woman whose perseverance and strength carried us through life’s toughest moments. She didn’t have a formal education, yet she built a successful business from the ground up, proving that determination and hard work can open doors even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Watching her navigate life with such grit, instilled in me a deep belief: no matter how many obstacles life throws your way, you keep going. You rise, you push forward and you make things happen.

For years, I poured my energy into a successful career in high-end retail management. I thrived in the fast-paced environment, constantly pushing myself to excel. But then, motherhood changed everything. Becoming a Mother was one of the most beautiful yet challenging shifts in my life. It forced me to reassess what success meant to me. The demanding hours of retail no longer aligned with my priorities, I wanted to be present for my daughter in ways my mum couldn’t always be, given her own relentless work schedule. I wanted to create memories with her, not just provide for her.

That’s when I made one of the boldest decisions of my career: I left the industry I had known for so long and stepped into a completely new field of employability. I had no prior experience, but I knew one thing for sure: I was ready to build a life that balanced my passion for meaningful work with my role as a mother.

Joining Fedcap was the turning point I had been waiting for. Here, I found not just a job, but a career that allowed me to grow, make an impact, and still be the mother I wanted to be. It was the balance I had been searching for the ability to thrive professionally without sacrificing precious time with my daughter.

In just two years, I have grown tremendously. I started as a Specialist Key Worker, then moved into an Employment Specialist role, where I discovered a passion for empowering others. With the encouragement of my manager and colleagues especially the incredible women at Fedcap, I found the confidence to push beyond my comfort zone. Today, I proudly step into my role as a Performance Manager, a position I never imagined when I first started this journey.

A Message to Every Woman: Keep Going
Looking back, one truth stands out, hard work always pays off. Life will challenge you. You’ll have moments of doubt, times when the road ahead feels too long, too uncertain. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: keep going anyway.

Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Every challenge overcome is proof of your resilience. Whether you’re navigating a career change, balancing family and work, or chasing a long-held dream, trust that your efforts will bear fruit.

Accelerating Action: A Future for Ourselves and the Next Generation
My journey is far from over, but if there’s one thing I hope to pass on both to my daughter and to other women it’s this: you are never stuck. You can change your path at any stage, redefine your purpose, and build a life that aligns with your values.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” reminds us that progress isn’t just about personal growth it’s about lifting others as we climb. It’s about ensuring that the next generation of women steps into a world where their ambitions are supported, their voices heard, and their opportunities limitless.

So, let’s continue taking bold steps. Let’s support each other. Let’s accelerate action not just for ourselves, but for the women who will follow in our footsteps.
Let’s continue to accelerate action, one step at a time. Together, we can make gender equality a reality.

The post International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerate Action appeared first on Fedcap.

The report highlights the work Fedcap has undertaken to help build capacity in its local areas and increase opportunities to support people who live there.

Year on year, the organisation has built on the impact it’s had on its people, customers, partners and communities, delivering 20% social return on investment into our communities in 2023, and more than 30% in 2024.

This includes:
• continued commitment to recruiting locally
• hosting an annual Community Day supporting local community projects
• planting one tree for each customer on Fedcap’s programmes that starts work – 20,000 since 2023
• working with local partners to capacity-build and embed social value and environmental awareness into all aspects of delivery. 

Brian Bell, CEO of Fedcap UK, said: “I’m proud to lead an organisation that puts local people and communities at the heart of what it does. We’re working hard to increase the social impact we have on the areas that we serve, delivering 30% social value return on investment into our communities last year. 

“This includes widening our reach by partnering with our colleagues in North America who joined us for our annual Community Day, delivering 483 hours of volunteering benefiting 57 different areas. 

“Delivering services for local people is at the centre of what we do, and alongside our partners, I’m looking forward to the year ahead as we continue to have a positive impact on communities.” 

Read in full: Fedcap’s Social Impact Report 2024 

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Designed for people who want to work but are struggling to manage their health, the service is being delivered by not-for-profit organisation Fedcap, on behalf of Dumfries and Galloway Council.  

The service provides tailored one-to-one support for individuals to help them manage their health conditions and improve their wellbeing to allow them to progress into work.  

Fedcap offers 1-1 sessions with a dedicated health and wellbeing professional who will offer both physical and mental health and wellbeing support. Together with individuals, they’ll identify effective coping strategies to help people progress into employment and look at what work people are capable of doing and what adjustments they might need to succeed in the workplace. 

Brian Bell, Fedcap CEO, said: “We’re excited to be working with Dumfries and Galloway Council on this new service to support people into employment by focusing on managing their health conditions. 

“We’re committed to bridging the gap between health and work, employing a dedicated team of health and wellbeing professionals to deliver services tailored to individuals.   

“People develop greater confidence and self-esteem while in work, which also supports their health and wellbeing. This can, in turn, reduce pressures on local health and mental health services.” 

Councillor Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “We are delighted to launch this new health and wellbeing service in partnership with Fedcap, which is designed to provide crucial support to those in our communities who face challenges in managing their health while seeking employment. 

“Our priority is to help local people not only find work but also sustain it, and this service ensures that people receive the tailored support they need to improve wellbeing and build confidence. 

“We believe that by addressing health as a barrier to employment, we can open up more opportunities and create an even stronger, healthier and more inclusive Dumfries and Galloway.” 

The Fedcap Health and Wellbeing – Dumfries and Galloway service is open to residents who are accessing employability services with Dumfries and Galloway Council and believe their health or wellbeing is a barrier to work and need support. 

The post New health and wellbeing service to support people into work launched in Scotland appeared first on Fedcap.

As the employability sector celebrates ‘Employability Day’ today (13 September), our 25 offices across the UK have hosted meet-and-greet sessions between employers and customers, who we’re supporting to find sustainable jobs.

And we’re celebrating reaching 100,000 starts on our programmes in the last five years.

In Scotland, we’ve teamed up with holiday park operator, Haven, to give our customers a taste of some of the careers on offer to inspire them while on their employment journey with us.

Our Ayr office arranged for customers to visit the Craig Tara Caravan Holiday Park to explore what opportunities are on offer there, from cleaning, activities and leisure posts to joining the bar, restaurant and kitchen teams.

And in Reading, our office hosted a visit from the University of Reading recruitment team to speak to our customers about the wide range of opportunities in higher education.

Brian Bell, CEO of Fedcap, said: “Employability Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the work of our sector that supports thousands of people a year to transform their lives.

I’m very proud to announce that Fedcap has reached the fantastic milestone of supporting 100,000 customers and want to pay tribute to our people for the incredible work that they do.

“Our network of offices works very closely with local employers to help them fill vacancies.

We’ve had dozens of our employers including local, national and international companies, coming into our offices and meeting our customers to talk about the opportunities they have available.

“And this year, we’ve been able to take customers to businesses to give them real-world experience of the rewarding roles that are out there. We hope today’s events will result in even more people moving into sustainable employment.”

Eileen Potter from Haven’s Craig Tara Caravan Holiday Park, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Fedcap to give their customers an opportunity to visit our premises and find out more about the roles and vacancies we have on offer.”

Siobhan Kerr, Resourcing and Recruitment Manager at University of Reading, said: “We enjoy coming to Fedcap regularly. It’s a great way to spread the word about the kinds of roles we have, as well as give advice to Fedcap candidates on how to apply for roles they are interested in. The Fedcap team are knowledgeable, helpful and always friendly!”

The post Fedcap’s a haven for employability support appeared first on Fedcap.

Programme aims

“Healthy Minds, Inspiring People” has made a significant impact on the lives of young people in Scotland.

Commissioned by the Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, this 15-month long initiative was designed to support young individuals aged 15-25 who were facing learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or neurodiverse conditions.

We used up to eight one-on-one, evidence-based health and wellbeing interventions to provide support and guidance to navigate challenges, build resilience, and enhance overall mental wellbeing. The ultimate goal was to help these young people achieve positive destinations, such as further education, employment, volunteering, or apprenticeships.

Key achievements

• Participants Supported: The programme successfully supported 42 young people
• Referral Sources: Nearly 70% of referrals came from five local high schools, with many services being co-located within school premises
• Goal Achievement: 94% of participants who completed all eight appointments achieved the SMARTER goals they set at the beginning. These goals included accessing health support services, employment, training, education, and/or volunteering
• Mental Health Improvement: 81% of participants reported improved mental health symptoms through PHQ9 scoring
• General Wellbeing: 85% of participants reported improvements in their general wellbeing and level of impairment through Work and Social Adjustment Scoring (WASAS)
• Overall Satisfaction: 100% of participants agreed that the programme helped them move towards their goals

Testimonial

The feedback from school partners has been incredibly positive and encouraging.

Scott Cockburn, Pupil Support at Grangemouth High School, said:

“The project was very individualised and tailored to the needs of each young person, which was fantastic.

“Annually, we support a lot of people through and beyond school, and from our cohort, there is always a high number of school leavers who are neurodiverse, have a registered learning disability, and who are anxious about leaving. We support them as best we can and always look to put individual plans in place, but the support that Fedcap provided added an extra – and very welcome – layer of support to young people who require more. We cannot wait to work with Fedcap in the future, and now, having seen it in action, are keen to have more pupils involved and ideally serve as a support for a wider number of pupils allowing them to make a positive and sustained transition beyond school.”

Looking Forward

The success of “Healthy Minds, Inspiring People” marks a significant milestone for Fedcap and sets a strong foundation for future initiatives. We’re committed to continuing our efforts to support young people, helping them navigate their challenges and achieve their full potential.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, our dedicated team, the participating schools, and most importantly, the young people who took part in this journey. We look forward to building on this success and expanding our support to even more young people in the future.

The post Fedcap’s first stand-alone health practice programme in Scotland appeared first on Fedcap.

Paul Wickson will support the business bridge the gap between health and employability, an issue that is becomingly increasingly significant as the numbers of people in the UK out of work due to ill health continue to rise. 

A chartered physiotherapist with experience in primary and secondary care settings across several NHS Trusts, Paul developed a particular interest in providing musculoskeletal services, before joining Fedcap as Head of Health and Wellbeing to lead on integrated health services in welfare-to-work settings. 

Paul said: “We see a lot of customers who face health and wellbeing challenges, but at Fedcap we passionately believe that work is seen as part of a healthy life. I’m excited to be able to develop my new role as Health and Wellbeing Director to oversee our work developing scalable interventions that accelerate peoples’ journeys back to work – and better health.” 

Brian Bell, CEO of Fedcap, said: “Paul’s experience in the NHS, together with the knowledge he’s gained while working in Fedcap, makes him the ideal candidate for our new director’s role. He’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of our health-related services as we look to find solutions to tackle some of the pressing problems facing society today.”  

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