Causeway have been reappointed to run Bright Future Cooperative's National Matching System for three more years.

The Bright Future scheme was created by Causeway and the Co-op Group in 2017 as a way of supporting survivors of modern slavery into employment through a paid work experience scheme with the chance of permanent employment. It was designed to help vulnerable people avoid the barriers that made them nervous about re-joining the workforce, such as lengthy job applications or formal interviews.

In 2020 Bright Future developed into an independent cooperative and appointed Causeway to run its National Matching System which helps place candidates with prospective employers, and has so far helped 77 people find stable work.

The cooperative currently has 33 members, which include 20 organisations who refer their service users for work experience, and 13 business members offering employment opportunities, including Co-op Group, Midcounties Co-op, Currys, Pilgrims, Balfour Beatty, Greencore and Morrisons.

Speaking on behalf of Bright Future Cooperative, Alison Scowen said: "Over the coming years we’ll be looking to deliver more placements, more efficiently, and for more survivors. We’ll also look to encourage survivors who have completed a Bright Future Cooperative placement to get involved in its running."

Pete Westall, Chair of Bright Future Cooperative added: "I am delighted that Causeway have been re-appointed following a robust and thorough open-tender process, to continue to provide this service for the next three years. The Board look forward to working with them, and all our members, to continue to provide help and opportunity to give those in need the chance to rebuild their lives.”

Causeway’s Bright Future Cooperative manager, Mischa Macaskill added: "I am so thankful that the Board has trusted Causeway and believes in our vision for the Bright Future Cooperative. We are extremely proud of the 77 placements we have supported candidates through, and are looking forward to the growth of the programme. This is a very exciting time for us as we continue to diversify the roles on offer to candidates. As more businesses get involved in becoming Bright Future employers it means that survivors get more choices in their accessible route to employment.”

If you would like to find out how to get involved in Bright Future, get in touch with the team at [email protected].