Hospitality charity Only A Pavement Away has partnered with sector software experts Polaris Elements in the creation of a custom tech solution to manage its employability programme.

The new platform supports the Only A Pavement Away team in connecting people who have found themselves homeless or rough sleeping (referred to as members) – which may include forces’ veterans and former offenders – with jobs, through an integrated, supportive process, including key input from industry employers and supporting charities. Stability through employment

The hospitality venues, management and supporting charities are also able to access the platform, ensuring 360° engagement of members before, during and after employment – a sustainable approach to long-term employability.

Founder and chief executive of Only A Pavement Away, Greg Mangham says: “As our charity continues to evolve in the sector, we needed to be more efficient in keeping in contact with multiple parties during employment rehabilitation – our members, hospitality management at various sites and our supporting partners.

“The Polaris app has enabled our wider team to keep updated with members’ progress, any potential issues arising, and ensure we’re providing the utmost post-engagement care as they make the move into gainful – and fully-paid – employment.

“We’re very thankful to the whole Polaris team for their ongoing support during this challenging year.”

The custom platform build follows Polaris Elements’ creation of a bespoke charity jobs board for Only a Pavement Away, enabling employer partners to review candidates and pursue hiring them through the charity.

“We’re delighted to again be working with our friends at Only A Pavement Away, helping them get people into hospitality jobs wherever they can,” says Neil Westwater, managing director of Polaris Elements.

“We’re in the business of increasing efficiency and getting people paid through our software, so helping the team to put people in jobs, powered by Polaris, is a good fit for everyone.

“Working closely alongside the rehabilitation team to give employment opportunities to people who have found themselves homeless is incredibly rewarding. We’re pleased to help wherever we can with our expertise.”

Charities supporting the employability programme in using the bespoke app include Crisis, St Mungos for the Homeless, Centrepoint and The Big Issue Foundation.

Industry employers partnering with Only A Pavement Away include Byron, De Vere Hotels, Fuller’s, Greene King, Gaucho, MacDonald Hotels & Resorts, Topgolf and Youngs.

Featuring the Only A Pavement Away logo and contact information, it is hoped the branded thermal flasks will raise awareness of the charity and its services to vulnerable individuals in need across both cities, whilst also helping to keep them hydrated throughout the year.

With a number of organisations including Greene King, The Ivy Collection, Craft Union Pub Company, Thomas Franks Ltd, The Strand Palace Hotel, The Athenaeum Hotel, Caterer.com, KAM Media and Bums on Seats all pledging their support, the £7,000 running costs of the Fill a Flask 2020 campaign were met through sponsorship and donations from Greene King, Thomas Franks Ltd and a very generous donation from an anonymous donor.