Case Study

The best of both worlds

18 Jul 2025

Long-serving Ingeus team member, Alisha, is no stranger to stepping into new realities. With almost 100 books under her belt to date this year, her love of reading regularly whisks her away to gritty New York crime scenes, fantastical realms, and the shrines of ancient emperors.  

That free-spirited passion for discovery has served her well in her 13 years at Ingeus, anchored by a consistent drive to help other people, and the reassuring familiarity of a company she joined back in 2012. 

“It’s good to know who’s who, who’s good at fixing the printer, and where the sandwich van parks,” jokes Alisha, now a Senior Service Manager for one of Ingeus’ newest employment contracts in Greater Manchester. “It means I can focus on the job at hand instead of having to absorb things in the periphery.” 

Yet far from being staid, it’s the ever-changing evolution of Ingeus that satisfies Alisha’s quest for newness. Now working on the mobilisation of her fifth major employability contract, she has implemented pilot programmes; worked in front line, compliance, and performance management roles; and travelled extensively across the North West. She’s made lifelong work friends; got married, moved house, and started a family all in her time with the company. 

“I love the familiarity of Ingeus,” adds Alisha, who was involved in developing the company’s values back in 2016, “but we’re a contract business and commissioners and programmes change regularly, there’s always something new around the corner. I like change and there’s more still to come with new contracts and ways of working. 

“I also get to meet some great people – one has become a close friend and was the witness at my wedding. The variety of people I get to work with is eye opening. Teams can have people aged in their 70s to being fresh out of Uni, people who identify differently to me, have disabilities, or difficult past life experiences. It’s like the most interesting book ever! It helps broaden my mindset; it’s a real win for me. 

“I guess I add to that mix by being a working mum. My son’s just started school and I’ve been able to restructure my work hours to allow for a couple of school runs.” 

Reflecting on her transition from hospitality, to a spell in recruitment, then into the employability sector, Alisha believes being values-driven, with your eye on the ball, and a helping hand for those around you, is the secret to building a successful career at Ingeus:  

“I try to make work fun, and a lot goes into building team spirit, but there’s generally a spreadsheet behind it! I was an original values ambassador and sit on two of our employee forums. Ingeus has a healthy balance of driving performance while supporting people the right way.   

“I’ve had many standout moments; every time we won a new programme or welcomed a VIP to our centres, but winning a national values award (2016) and being named a Fellow of the Institute of Employability Professionals (2023) are personal highlights. I hope there’s many more to come.” 

It’s been 13-years lucky for Alisha. You could start your Ingeus story here: Search Ingeus Career Opportunities | Ingeus