Information for care-experienced students and graduates
Legally, care-experienced individuals are defined as someone who has been under local authority care at any point in their life. These individuals are supported by the Care Leaver Covenant, the Government initiative to help people leaving care to become more independent.
Exploring resources for your career journey
To help you understand your rights in more detail and identify employers who actively champion diversity and inclusion, we've compiled some helpful resources.
Sourcing opportunities
Many company websites have "About Us," "Diversity & Inclusion," or "Careers" sections where they might publish their commitment to diversity. Searching these sections for keywords like "care leavers", “care experienced”, "inclusion," "diversity statement," or "equality policy" can be helpful.
Some organisations may also sign the Care Leaver Friendly Employment Charter to signify support for care-experienced job applicants and employees.
External support organisations
- Sheffield Directory: Provides access to education, training and employment support for young people who have been in care, as well as a personal advisor to guide you through the process.
- Barnardos: Provides employment, training and skills courses (ETS) to help care-experienced individuals gain employability skills and qualifications.
Remember to carefully evaluate the information you find on these websites and consider reaching out to the organisations directly for specific advice and support.
By understanding your rights and knowing where to find supportive and inclusive employers, you can confidently navigate your career journey and find a workplace where you can thrive and be your authentic self.