News

Mick May

We are deeply saddened to hear the news that our patron Mick May OBE has passed away. Mick was the founder in 2005 of Blue Sky, a charity and social enterprise devoted to employing ex-offenders, which became part of The Forward Trust (formerly RAPt) in 2015.

National Careers Week 2022: Why we need green skills today for the workforce of tomorrow

As part of National Careers Week, Forward’s Executive Director of Employment Services Asi Panditharatna shares his reflections on the importance of green skills and careers in building the workforce of the future.

Why community matters this LGBTQ+ History Month

This LGBTQ+ History Month Drug and Alcohol Practitioner Darren Lacey explains why he set up a dedicated LGBTQ+ recovery group at The Forward Trust.

One year on: What we’ve learnt from delivering the Employability Practitioner Standard

This National Apprenticeship Week members of our Employment Services Directorate reflect on the delivery of our Employability Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard.

National Apprenticeship Week 2022: Building a Better Future

It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2022 and at Forward we are celebrating the great work of apprentices, their employers and the families and networks that support them.

• Employment support

New Year’s Resolutions from our Employment Services Directorate

Forward’s Employment Service Director Asi Panditharatna looks at what we’ve achieved over the last year and goals for 2022.

• Employment support

The new government drug strategy: a moment of recovery?

The Forward Trust’s Chief Executive Mike Trace welcomes the promise of investment in the addiction treatment sector but explains there is work to do to make sure this reverses the declines of the last 10 years.

• Drug & alcohol support
• Recovery support

Making a difference: Forward’s Social Impact Report 2020-21

• Family support
• Forward Connect (peer-led community)
• Housing & resettlement support
• Mental health support
• Recovery support
• Probation support

Think global, act local: how we’re supporting people into greener jobs

AS COP26 draws to a close, Iquo and Asi of Forward’s Employment Services Division share how our green sector jobs and training pathway is supporting a ‘green’ recovery from Covid-19.

• Employment support

‘There is more to do’ – Forward’s Director of Employment Services Asi Panditharatna responds to the Autumn Budget announcements

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Spending Review announcements were a step in the right direction, but there is still work to do in order to revitalise the employability sector.

• Employment support