Paul Thompson – Employability Engagement Officer

What is your role at ACL for Your Future Matters?

I’m Paul Thompson, one of new Employer Engagement Officers at ACL. From now until the end of June I will be speaking to local businesses about our project called Your Future Matters.

Why did you take on this role?

My background is mainly within roles that have helped service users wherever I have lived to improve their personal and family circumstances, so I have long felt that being involved in community projects connects you to the place that you have made home.

 

What does it mean to be part of the Your Future Matters project?

Helping local businesses and residents to achieve their full potential can be life changing for both existing staff and prospective employees. If this project can improve a business’s engagement, particularly in a deprived area or where individuals who could make a valuable contribution to a company haven’t had the opportunity to do so, then this is something to be rightly proud of.

How does Your Future Matters support local residents?

This project is aimed at helping local residents improve their education and employability, with all the associated benefits upon economic circumstances, health and wellbeing.

 

How does Your Future Matters support local businesses?

By offering free and subsidised courses to local businesses, they are given a golden opportunity to increase their staff knowledge base, self-esteem and productivity, along with improving working practices and staff career progression.

 

Tell us a little more about yourself – what do you do when you’re not working on this project?

I like to cook but I’m an experimenter, so results can vary. I also love walking – my way of compensating for what I’ve just eaten! I used to walk a good 20 miles in a day; much less these days, but even a 3 mile beach walk still blows the cobwebs away.

 

If someone wanted to reach out and learn more about how Your Future Matter can help, what’s the best way for them to get in touch with you?

Anyone can get in touch with me by phone and email, and I can also arrange to meet by Teams, or in person at a venue local to them.

To get in touch with Paul, please call 0333 032 0934, email him at paul.thompson2@essex.gov.uk or use the contact form on the site.