Programme run by EHDC and the Department for Work and Pensions helps people into employment
A scheme designed to give job seekers a way into work has celebrated a successful first six months.
In October 2025, EHDC launched a new partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver a programme designed to support residents claiming benefits and help them move closer to permanent, sustainable employment.
People taking part receive a six-month work experience placement, gain practical workplace experience, develop new skills and increase their confidence in a real working environment.
Candidates were selected by the Alton and Bordon Jobcentre offices, which coordinated interviews with employers and provided ongoing support to help participants settle into their placements.
So far nine people have taken placements in eight local businesses, each benefiting from fully-funded support provided by the council. You can find out more about some of these successful placements below.
To protect both participants and existing staff, placements could not replace existing or planned vacancies, nor could they be created in a way that would result in reduced hours or job losses for current employees or contractors.
The council is proud to have worked collaboratively with the Department for Work and Pensions and local employers to deliver a programme that supports residents, strengthens local businesses and contributes to a thriving district economy.
Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “Seeing this programme change lives in such a short space of time has been incredibly encouraging.
“The work placements have given participants real experience, new skills and renewed confidence.
“This partnership approach shows what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared commitment to helping residents into long term, sustainable employment.”
Employer and Partnership Manager, Jackie Sutherland, said: “The DWP welcomed the opportunity to work on the visionary East Hampshire Kickstart scheme, a partnership that has brought genuine energy and momentum to the local community.
“This exciting initiative has made a real difference to job seekers across the area, helping them build new skills, grow in confidence and showcase their talents to local businesses. Through meaningful paid work placements, participants have been able to strengthen their CVs, broaden their horizons, and significantly enhance their future job prospects. It’s been an inspiring collaboration that continues to open doors and create brighter futures.”
Future Kickstart positions may be funded through the council's Grow Up! fund, supported by money drawn from the Government's UKSPF.
If you are a business interested in this scheme, please contact Sarah Flamson by email: sarah.flamson@easthants.gov.uk
Case studies
Four of the businesses benefiting from the Kickstart programme have provided pocket-sized profiles on the people they have employed and the way the scheme has helped both the business and the employee.
Dominic – Admin assistant at Local Treasures, Petersfield
Local Treasures is a home services business providing gardening, cleaning and companionship around East Hampshire
We are delighted that EHDC has given us this opportunity. Dominic’s skills are boundless and he is always enthusiastic.
It is clear the Kickstart scheme is helping Local Treasures, but we think that we are in turn helping Dominic. He has been such a success.
Cerys – Events assistant at Chawton House
The scheme has enabled Cerys to develop a diverse skill-set spanning creative practice, digital skills, hospitality and events delivery, and more recently she has devised a programme of creative workshops that showcase her talents as an illustrator.
Kickstart has allowed us to provide meaningful, paid employment to someone at an early stage of their career, building confidence, skills and professional experience that might otherwise have been out of reach. It has been a genuinely positive example of how employing someone who was previously outside the labour market and developing early career skills can strengthen an organisation.
Kurt – Working in the ice creation unit at Techne Ice Sculpture, Alton
The placement has been particularly helpful in addressing short-term manpower needs during a busy operational period and has allowed us to meet production demands and maintain high standards without any financial burden to the business in terms of wages.
We are grateful to East Hampshire District Council for delivering such an impactful and supportive programme and would highly recommend the Kickstart placement scheme to other organisations seeking to engage in meaningful community-driven employment initiatives.
Jess – Admin at PHA Homes, Petersfield
As Jess builds her knowledge and confidence, she is increasing her value to the business and to the team – always a joy to work with and hungry to learn.
We have benefited from having an enthusiastic and capable person in our team – someone who brings a different perspective and experience – at relatively little cost.
The whole Kickstart process has been easy and well supported by both EHDC and DWP – and we would strongly recommend it to others.