Nominations are being invited for the Fife Business Diversity Awards 2017

Hosted by Opportunities Fife Partnership, FBDA 2017 will recognise the success of Individuals and businesses in Fife who excel in promoting the employment of people who face disadvantages in the labour market.

The awards recognise and reward people who may experience disadvantage in finding and keeping a job due to personal issues, disability or health conditions, lack of work experience, skills or qualifications.

These awards specifically acknowledge determination, resourcefulness and originality in creating equal opportunities for all in the work place.

All shortlisted nominees will be invited to an Awards Ceremony on Friday 1st December 2017 at The Bay Hotel, Burntisland Road, Burntisland, Fife from

10.00am to 12.30pm.

Refreshments and Buffet Lunch provided.

The deadline for nominations is 1^st September 2017

Nomination forms are available online at www.opportunitiesfife.org

or can be obtained by calling 03451 55 55 55 444815 or by emailing [email protected]

FOR OPPS FIFE WEBSITE

Click on the Nomination leaflet icon for more information about FBDA 2017 and

Click on the Nomination Form icon to complete your nomination

Quotes from Last Year’s Awards

Lucinda McAllister, Service Manager for Employability and Employer Engagement Service said, “These awards started in 2003, and every year, we are inspired by the efforts of the people we support and the contribution that Fife’s Employer’s offer through offering chances and challenges in the world of work. We are delighted that this event is endorsed at a local and national level, encouraging us to continue and increase our efforts to support people who want to realise their work goals, and whose drive and determination helps them achieve their ambitions.”

The Awards ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks from Councillor Antony Martin, then Chair of the Opportunities Fife Partnership who said, “This event is testament to the excellent work achieved through the Opportunities Fife Partnership, ensuring people are provided with every opportunity to work. Of course at the heart of this, we recognise the exceptional efforts of individuals, who in the face of difficult circumstances, show determination and commitment to get a job, and the employers who offer opportunities for all.”

Client Journeys

Last year’s Gold winner in the Young Person’s Achiever Category was Liam Rankin.

Liam’s journey started with the Works Better Programme run by Fife Council’s Supported Employment Service. This supports individuals experiencing mental health issues, lacking in confidence or low self-esteem.

Throughout his time on the project, Liam took part in the Employability Fund Stage 3 programme, gained his SCQF level 4 Employability Qualification, undertook 120 hours of voluntary work and then secured a place at Fife College studying NC Sound Production SCQF level 6. He now also works part time at a local hotel.

Owen Miller won the Gold award in the Adult Employee category in 2016. Owen is an outstanding gold winning athlete, who applied the same determination and discipline into finding work.

Supported by Fife Council’s Supported Employment Service, Owen, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, has progressed from a shy individual to a confident young man, who has undertaken a variety of training and work placement opportunities to develop his personal and work skills. Despite experiencing several knock backs at interviews, his determination paid off, when he was offered paid with at Adamson Hotel.

Owen said “I love working at the hotel. I hope I can be involved in more cooking or serving in the future. I am getting better all the time with my tasks”.

Opportunities Fife, is a partnership of organisations and employers to help people find work, and help businesses to recruit the right people for the job.

You can find out more about all of the organisations involved at:

www.opportunitiesfife.org