Overview

The Midlands Employer Alliance is a network of local employers committed to creating and sustaining good jobs in the region.

Starting in the West Midlands and then expanding to the East Midlands, our goal is to ensure that employers throughout the Midlands are encouraged and supported to design their roles and make them accessible to all in society - not because they are told that it's the right thing to do, but because they recognise the value that those individuals bring to their organisations.

Success will see thousands more people from disadvantaged backgrounds employed across the region and make businesses more successful. We’ve started our work focuses on people with experience of the care system and people with convictions.

The Alliance has been set up and co-chaired by Severn Trent and ReGenerate.

We’re always looking for more people to partner with, from businesses and employers of all sizes, to charities and non for profits.

For more information about how to get involved, contact harry.brown@re-generate.org or elizabeth.heath@severntrent.co.uk. 

Find out more

Steering
Group

Our Steering Group includes leaders from prominent companies such as Severn Trent, Cadent, Wincanton, and more. This group is essential for driving our initiatives and achieving our goals.

Care Leaver Programme

Our vision is that every young person transitioning out of the care system in the Midlands should have access to meaningful work experience.

We'll update the website as work progresses, sign up below for updates

Coming soon

People with convictions

We aim to leverage meaningful work as a tool for rehabilitation, reducing reoffending rates, and driving business success. People with criminal records face significant barriers to good jobs, and we are working to change that.

Testamonials

“When it comes to inclusive recruitment, collaboration is key. That's why together with ReGenerate, we've formed the Midlands Employer Alliance. As a strong coalition of leading employers who have joined forces to recruit more marginalised talent, we want to inspire others in the region to do the same. We don't want to be another talking shop - we want to drive action on the ground, transforming the lives of people with convictions, care experienced and others, ultimately driving greater prosperity in the region."

Neil Morrison, HR Director, Severn Trent

“Being part of the West Midlands Employer Alliance has been a significant experience for our business. The collaboration has equipped us with valuable insights and resources focused on promoting high-quality jobs and improving workplace practices that focus on employee well-being and sustainable growth.

We've witnessed firsthand the impact of fostering a workplace culture that values good jobs - enhanced productivity, increased employee retention, and a renewed commitment to our core mission. The collaboration with like-minded organisations has opened doors to innovative solutions and shared learnings that have enriched our business strategy.

Additionally the opportunity to connect with other like-minded organisations foster shared learning and innovation, enabling us to remain competitive in our industry while promoting responsible employment practices. Joining this alliance has not only strengthened our commitment to ethical employment practices, positioned us as a leader in our industry, it has reinforced our commitment to making a positive impact in our community. We are grateful for the support and guidance from Regenerate and The Good Jobs Project, and we wholeheartedly encourage other businesses to become involved for the immense benefits it brings."

Kat Barrett, Group Head of Gateway Programmes, Wincanton

“It is refreshing to leave competitiveness at the door and work together with passionate people on a project with a high purpose. It has been great to see how much we can learn from each other.”

Antoinette Farrell-Jones, People Director, Birmingham Airport

“We joined the West Midlands Employment Alliance to be part of a collective force that is transforming employment opportunities for marginalised groups across the region. This partnership with Severn Trent and other major employers allows us to amplify our impact and contribute more effectively to community resilience by supporting the integration of care leavers, prison leavers, and the neurodiverse into our workforce

We hope the Alliance will become a leading example of how collaborative efforts can address regional employment challenges and enhance social inclusion. Our goal is to establish robust pathways that not only facilitate employment for marginalised individuals but also support their ongoing development and integration within the workforce, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic regional economy

The Alliance's objectives align well with our commitment to social mobility and inclusion. By participating, we can leverage the collective expertise and resources of the group to enhance our own programmes and initiatives. Looking forward, this alignment will allow us to further integrate these principles into our strategic planning and operational practices through our projects ensuring long-term commitment and impact.

Collaboration is vital because it enables us to tackle complex social issues with a unified approach. By working together with other major employers and stakeholders in the region, we can share best practices, resources, and innovations, creating a more cohesive and effective response to the employment needs of marginalised populations. This collective action is crucial for achieving substantial and sustainable change in the community, which is something that Kier are excited to be a part of.”

Nikki Watkins, Senior Social Sustainability Manager, Kier

“Working with ReGenerate and being part of the Midlands Employer Alliance provides a great opportunity to share best practice and collaborate with employers from a number of different industries. Our shared vision of breaking down barriers for people from all walks of life to gain employment creates an incredible opportunity, both for our organisations and for those seeking employment.”

Graham Briggs, Head of Apprenticeships & Employability Programmes, Greene King

With prisons at over 99% capacity, the annual cost of a prison place rapidly exceeding £50k per prisoner, as well as the £18bn annual cost of re-offending to the taxpayer , a radical and transformative approach that tackles this social, economic and commercial crisis is needed. At Timpson, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of offering prison leavers meaningful employment. It’s a win-win for both our business and for individuals who deserve a second chance."

Darren Burns - Head of the Timpson Foundation