Lily Li Master’s graduate has joined Wider Impact as part of the Graduate Advantage internship scheme. Lily is with us for 3 months and we look forward to working with her.  

Recent research carried out by Wider Impact has indicated that whilst schools and colleges are focusing on academic results, employers are reporting that students are not ‘work ready’ and often lack the ‘soft skills’ they are looking for. What is your experience or views?

I have been fortunate to meet with 2 Walsall based Church based groups this week, and have been impressed with the quality of community based work they are involved in, which is significantly financed by congregations, rather than ‘funny money’ / grants etc.

I am increasingly convinced that the way to reduce prison populations is to invest in ‘interventions’ at every stage of the offending cycle. This includes a juvile receiving a caution to a proflic offender being supported by a trained mentor on release from prison. Unfortunately this risks being overlooked by criminal justice agencies, or the first to go due to budget cuts. What are your views?

I am convinced of the power of community empowerment. I am currently working in Great Bridge (Black Country), supporting the development of the ‘Haines Branch Walk’. We have carried out a community consultation exercise, and have been amazed by the involvement of the local community.