Blog

Basecamp: The Return

11 Oct 2024

In my experience, sequels rarely live up to their originals. Yet I find myself eating my words when reflecting on the Institute of Employability Professionals’ second Basecamp event, held on 10 October in Birmingham. Second Best? No, Second IS Best!

Despite the ultra-modern surroundings and forward-thinking debates, the day quickly transported me back 25 years to when I first began working on the employability frontline. It was a new sector for me then, but I loved it from the first day. It takes a special type of someone to do what we collectively do so well, and Birmingham’s Think Tank was buzzing with them. It was a day bursting with enthusiasm and promise.

Kicking off proceedings alongside host Dan Howard was Ingeus’ own Regional Restart Scheme Director, Gitin Chavda. It was a proud moment for Gitin to launch the conference. Prouder still to know that Ingeus’ sponsorship was enabling over 150 practitioners to come together to advance their skills and knowledge. 

I am a great proponent of lifelong learning and encourage everyone to seize any opportunity to grow and develop in their work. Formal study has its place of course, but I never underestimate the value of coming together and sharing knowledge. In our world, the most informal coffee-time connections can often lead to great things. Basecamp gives our frontline workers that dual opportunity – to learn from expert speakers and build their own collaborative networks.  

Among the speakers on the day was Jonty Rooke, our Head of Employer Services for London. His session gave us some fresh takes on a long-established and much debated need: engaging employers as active partners in the development of participants’ careers. Well done to Jonty on his fantastic and enthusiastic presentation. He really did nail the topic!

While many of the core sessions during the day touched on familiar themes and systemic challenges such as navigating conflict and addressing complex needs, I was particularly drawn to the ever-evolving topic of artificial intelligence, AI. As we begin to embrace emerging technologies to help us and our participants thrive, it was fascinating to hear about some of the latest functionality and how, when carefully balanced, it can enhance our work and create better outcomes for our clients. An area to certainly contemplate.

An undoubted highlight for me of Basecamp 2024 was the recognition of IEP learning achievements. Congratulations to everyone nominated for stepping above and beyond their day job to excel in their professional development. As someone passionate on this subject, personally it was great to have the day interspersed with outstanding learners. Congratulations to our very own Helen Emerson who won Employer Services Learner of the year as well as Jonny Pilkington who was a finalist in this category. 

Ingeus proudly sponsored the Member of the Year Award, recognising exceptional performance and supportive attitudes towards participants and colleagues. Voted for by their peers, I would like to applaud Mark Power, Jemma Orange and Jane Okoro as our finalists. Seeing Mark awarded Member of the Year was a real treat.

I’m sure everyone attending Basecamp will have taken from it their own practical tips and renewed vigour. Thank you to the speakers, not least my Ingeus colleagues, panel members, and the IEP for making it such an engaging and productive day for all involved.  

I have always loved work and am intrinsically motivated to help others find work they enjoy and are fulfilled by. Basecamp was a double-blessing for me: seeing the energy and enthusiasm of everyone I met there – and knowing that in-turn would be invested in the people whose lives they’re changing. 

I left with a renewed sense of optimism that no matter what challenges we may face, we have the tools, techniques and technology to meet the needs of today’s jobseekers and have a sector populated with committed and talented professionals.