S2 Ep19: The Power of Partnership: Change Please x Only A Pavement Away

Speaker A: Hello, I'm Holly, the head of charity and candidate development from Only a Pavement Away, the charity that supports people looking to rebuild their lives through employment opportunities in hospitality. Welcome back to our podcast series. Today I'm joined by Shah from Change Please. Um, which is a really exciting one actually, just because we've not actually had a referral partner on the podcast before. And um, you are our top 2025 referral partner as well. To kick us off. For anybody who doesn't know Change, please give us the rundown. Who are you and what's the amazing work that you do?

Speaker B: Amazing. So we're Change Please. We are a, uh, not for profit social enterprise. So we're actually split into two companies. We have Change Please Coffee and our Change Please Foundation. So the way it works is first and foremost, we are coffee company and we use coffee as a vehicle for good. So we sell our coffee into a lot of our different, um, wholesale partners and then we also have shops around, um, London. And the profits that we make from our coffee sales go back into our foundation. And our foundation supports people experiencing homelessness by training them up to be baristas and supporting them back into work. And alongside that we have our wraparound support. So we have an in house support team. They support with, you know, mental well being, they support with housing, they support with any kind of advocacy work you might need around supporting someone that is, you know, coming from a more difficult and vulnerable position. So there's lots of little things that go into it, but that's a really, you know, quick overview of what we do and how we do it.

Speaker A: And what does a sort of day, week, month, uh, in your role look like for you?

Speaker B: Well, I will say no two days are ever the same. Which I would say is actually one of the reasons I love it. Um, a big part of my role is building and managing our employment partnerships. So working alongside our wholesale team really closely. So the people that buy our coffee are then hiring our trainees, um, you know, and doing a lot of advocacy work for people that are facing barriers into work, you know, talking about and re allowing people to reimagine what someone that's experiencing homelessness is and what they can bring to a workforce. So that might be, you know, going into present, that might be, um, going with a trainee to talk about their experience, but then also setting up successful job trials. You know, we really advocate for job trials over job interviews. So doing a lot of work around that. And then I also do a lot of volunteering work as well. So I look after our volunteering program where people come in and work with our trainees around their CVs, around mock interview skills. And then I do a bit of our grant, ah, work as well. So I work with them, um, some of our grant providers and, you know, some of our places where we are charity partner of the year. So getting them involved, how can they see the work we're doing on the ground? Um, so it's, yeah, it can be very different, but that is a day to day, um, by day, very jam packed.

Speaker A: Um, and this question, I feel like is a little bit of a strange one. Um, only because it is the partnership between yourself and I. But change, please. And only a pavement away. Obviously we've been working together for a few years now. What does that partnership look like on a day to day for anybody who's probably not as familiar as the pair of us?

Speaker B: Yeah, so I think day to day it looks like, you know, discussing candidate needs, um, referring them to your platform, um, getting them ready for interviews. Um, it can be chatting to our candidates about what Only a pavement away is. Um, and then actually also looking at our cross collaborative clients, you know, we see that quite a lot in the people that we supply coffee into and people that you work with. So, yeah, looking at those cross partners that we both work with and then also making sure that we are supporting everyone, our program onto Only a pavement away. So no one's kind of falling through the cracks. You know, sometimes we often notice that people might need a little gap after they've been with us and actually that's a really great way to introduce them to yourselves. Maybe they need a bit more support. Um, and yeah, I would say day to day, that's kind of what it looks like. And you know, chatting it through with candidates.

Speaker A: Yeah, definitely. And I think obviously you guys are doing the sort of the training beforehand, um, that sort of 12 weeks kind of getting somebody really quite prepped for the hospitality industry. And we're very fortunate, I think, that we're stepping in at the end after you've done all the hard work and, you know, trying to kind of funnel them through a little bit. So, no, thank you for explaining. Um, we both have missions that are quite similar, um, to support people at risk of homelessness into hospitality. What do you think are the strengths of our shared visions?

Speaker B: I personally think our biggest strength is that we are both people first. Um, you know, we work in hospitality, which is an incredible industry for creating opportunities because it does, you know, value, attitude, resilience, um, and potential. Sometimes, you know, we do find partners that look for potential, not a finished product. And that is amazing. And together we are working towards helping employers see beyond CV gaps, um, and recognising talent that might otherwise be overlooked. And I think that's something that's really special that we share together. Um, and, you know, we're also showing with the right support. Barriers don't define someone's future and we're really, really passionate about that. Yeah.

Speaker A: And I think another thing as well is just that, as you know, we're both working in the homelessness sector, but we're also working in the hospitality sector. I think we'd never really explaining to each other like, um, decisions made or, you know, why things might have gone a certain way for a certain candidate. It seems to be like we're always just on the same wavelength, which is always really nice feeling.

Speaker B: Yeah, I agree. Um, it's nice to not have to. I know I mentioned earlier about that kind of advocacy and changing people's mindset. I don't have to do that with you. You know, you're working in the same space, um, you totally understand where a candidate might be in, meeting them at that level, which I think is really, really important. Um, and I think it's really special. You know, we don't see that with all of our partners. So, yeah, it is really special.

Speaker A: No, 100% agree. What I wanted to come on to next, um, is actually to talk about one of our members, um, Jamelia. Now, she was actually on our previous podcast, she was talking about, um, the passport to employment course that she did, all the work that she's done with our L and D coach, Leena, and she now works at Devere, but obviously before that she was referred from Change, please. So could maybe describe, um, what does someone's first contact with change fees usually look like? Perhaps from Jamila's perspective.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker A: What are they walking into?

Speaker B: Yeah, amazing. So their first contact will be their referral partner. So their referral partner will discuss what we are, what we do and how we deliver it. And then they'll be referred to our amazing senior program manager, Susan, who will do an initial phone call. Understand what is it they're attracted to about change, please? Where are they at? What, what can we do to support them? Post that phone call, they'll walk into our academy in Peckham, which we were at last week, um, and they will meet one of our fantastic trainers and they will do a pre assessment day. So what that means is they come in, they understand change, please, what we do, what we deliver and how we do it. So they learn all about coffee, they get on the machines, they learn how to dial in a grinder, they learn all about milk texturing and latte art and probably lots of stuff that I haven't mentioned. Um, and we would just get an understanding of where they're at during that time. They'll also have a check in with one of our amazing support team just to understand, you know, where are we meeting them in their journey and what can the support team do to, you know, support them in their next steps when they join Change, please. So after those pre assessment days, we will have another check in. Did they enjoy it? Is this something they want to go on and do? Um, and actually are they in a position to take on the responsibility of work? Um, you know, that's a really big key thing. We are expecting a lot from someone. So are they ready for this and are they ready for this next step? So that is that initial, um, first step interchange please. And then after that they'll be welcomed onto our four day training. So that's when they get back on the machines and it's, it's really intensive training around coffee. And then our last day is like a live cafe experience, testing their customer service skills. And we invite everyone in the local area to come and get free coffee and really just put them, um, in a position where they have to try out and put everything they've learned to test. And it's really beautiful, like seeing them from day one to day four, you know, serving customers, getting on the machine, you know, and they're really proud of themselves. They're taking pictures of their coffee and it's really nice. Um, and I hope what they walked into is someone that's very safe. You know, our academy is for everyone. Our training space is in the same place as our office and we want everyone to feel like they're part of change, please, and part of a family and that's really, really important to us.

Speaker A: No, definitely. And I think, you know, the times that I've been along, um, to the training academy, it's always been so lovely in there. Um, and the free coffee never goes amiss. I will say that's always been quite nice. Sometimes I skip breakfast because I know I'm going to get a nice breakfast there. Um, brilliant. And what was it that perhaps you first noticed about Jamelia? What made her stand out?

Speaker B: I think Jamelia came to us with a real passion to change her life and I think you can never underestimate that power in someone. She really dedicated herself to learning, to being brave, to putting herself out there, to asking questions and asking for help. And I think that is such a brave step forward in someone's journey. And I think recognizing that in someone is really beautiful. And I just, I remember meeting her for the first time and just being like, you have such a fire in your belly. And I hope no one ever kind of dulls that.

Speaker A: No, it definitely hasn't. Because when she came to us, she was exactly the same. Just so motivated to get back into work. Um, what's something that Jamelia, or someone like her, perhaps another graduate of yours, has taught you rather than the other

Speaker B: way around, 100%, like resilience? Um, I think sometimes it's quite easy to give up. And I even find that, you know, sometimes with day to day tasks, I'll move on to the next thing because, you know, that thing's making me confused and I just move on. But actually, when I watch our trainees come through the program, they're so resilient. Um, and I'm just so constantly inspired by people who are showing up despite setbacks. And, you know, we all have things going on in our everyday life, but the fact that they're turning up every day for work, despite the vulnerabilities that they're experiencing, um, you know, they've navigated incredibly complex scenarios, and the fact that they are still showing up, they're still being authentic to who they are, I think that inspires me every single day. And not only that, I learned so much about people's cultures, I learned so much about people's countries, and it's beautiful that they feel safe to share that with us. And I, you know, I'm learning every day from the people that come on our program, and I'm so inspired by that.

Speaker A: No, that's definitely something that we see as well. I mean, even when Jamelia was on the podcast last, she was talking about her favorite food and she was talking about her home country. And just, it's always quite nice just to understand the candidates before they, um, got to us before, you know, they're trying to find employment in hospitality in the uk and, um, there's. There's so much to learn. Absolutely. What's the biggest misconception that people might have about someone like Jamelia or anyone else facing some form of barrier to employment? What do employees perhaps get wrong?

Speaker B: I truly think the biggest misconception is that a barrier to employment reflects a lack of capability or motivation, and I just don't think that's true. At all. The reality is that many people we support have fantastic skills, they have really, really strong work ethics and they become one of the most dedic people in the team that they move into and you know, huge potential. Um, so I think often they've just faced circumstances that has disrupted their employment journey. So yeah, I think employers who get the best results are the ones who focus on strength and potential rather than a perfect looking cv.

Speaker A: Absolutely. I think you always get loyalty as well, like retention rates, um, is such a strength. I think if you give somebody that chance, they do feel there's more of a loyalty towards that company and they do want to stay longer because they've helped them out. So, um, I'd completely agree with that. Um, and as we both know, employment is m, much more than a pay slip. But what else would you say that it provides?

Speaker B: Employment provides so many things. I think it provides purpose, it provides structure, it provides confidence, um, connection, community. I think there's so many things that we take for granted and of course financial stability. We can't ignore that. You know, it is incredibly important. But work can also help people rebuild their identity and their sense of belonging and it creates opportunities to form relationships with people. Um, and I think that is such an underrated, um, skill that maybe we all have and something that we can unlock very easily. Community is such a huge power to someone's next steps and, you know, connecting with people they might not have had the chance to otherwise and rebuilding their lives in a way that isn't just work or home. You know, people need others around them in order to continue to be successful. And we've just seen time and time and time again that employment is a real catalyst for positive change and across so many areas of people's lives. You know, I've had so many trainees that have gone for interviews and they've actually just connected with the person on a human level and they walked away being like, that was the best interview I've ever had. And actually maybe they just spoke about football for the first 15 minutes. Um, but yeah, I think community and maybe something that I, you know, on a social level is something that people are noticing, um, you know, lack of community in other areas, not just work. So I think, yeah, that's a. Definitely a real power.

Speaker A: Yeah. And I think we've had it where members of ours or, and candidates too, I think they've come to us and obviously they, they talk about the sort of financial side, but they just, they do want that community. They want that sense of structure, they want People around them, um, and when they do get into work, you can see the shift and they just so much more positive about everything. And you, you get the occasional messages just saying how much they're enjoying work, but also just life. Um, and it's, that feels, it's always a really nice, it's a nice feeling because that's the main thing that they wanted out, ah of all of this.

Speaker B: I agree. And there's nothing more beautiful to us when people make friends on the program. We've had people walk away with like new friendships and that's also just as important to us as, you know, the skills that they're learning and stepping into employment. We're building a community for these people.

Speaker A: Yeah, we sometimes see it actually, um, at the recruitment fairs because obviously if we bring in along the latest cohort, there's a few of them that know each other. So you just see them go like, ah. And then they go running over and stuff and then they sit down together, they have a bit of a catch up before they go in and I think that gives them a little bit of a boost because then they're immediately like in such great moods and they're speaking to employers and it shows afterwards. You know, the employers want to interview them, they want to bring them on the team. So yeah, we see the ripple effect. Absolutely. Looking to the future, what would you love to see us collaborate on next?

Speaker B: I think I touched on this before and uh, maybe I'm doing like, you know, that blue sky thinking, um, I would love to see us do some kind of cross collaborative recruitment fairs where we look at the clients that we both work with. Um, and then it is a specific focus on coffee I guess. But I think it would just be amazing to like bring our, I keep saying communities, but bringing our partners and our communities together. Um, I think it would be really fun, you know, um, we love working with you guys and yeah, I just think it would be really cool.

Speaker A: Yeah, no, I mean, I'm not going to say no to that either. And I think, um, in the video interview that we did together as well, I think, um, my answer was that I'd love to see more um, collaboration in the regions as well. I know we have been growing that but, but we've got a couple of people in Birmingham now. Between us, we've got a few people in Manchester. No, Scotland's kind of coming underway. So that would be my answer to add on top of that, um, what's one thing you want change, please, to be doing in five years that Perhaps you're not doing now.

Speaker B: I would really love, and I say we can do this, but on a minor scale. We're not necessarily as loud and proud about it. Um, I'd love to see change, please, influencing just employment practices and employment laws on an even larger scale than we do. We've done a little bit of work around, you know, changing HR policies, but actually, I'd really love to be a driving force in the space for that. You know, it's something that we've learned over time and it's taken us 11 years to understand what someone really needs. And I think to be able to be loud and changing people's mindsets and actually changing policies would be, you know, a real win for us. And it's something I feel really, really passionate about. Um, you know, we, we both feel really passionate about inclusive hiring and. Yeah, that would be my answer. That's what I'd really like to see us doing in five years.

Speaker A: Big goal.

Speaker B: Big goal. Sorry, Jamal.

Speaker A: Does he know that you're signing?

Speaker B: No.

Speaker A: Well, he's gonna find out now. And if someone who's listening, um, who works in hospitality and wants to help, either as an individual, um, or perhaps as an employer, what's the one thing, if you can choose just one that they should do?

Speaker B: This is really hard to choose one, I think take a chance on potential, not skill. Whether that's offering a job, a placement, mentoring, interviews, job trials, whatever that is. Offer that to someone that you don't see that has the traditional background, but you see has a lot of the personal traits that you, um, would want in a team.

Speaker A: Great answer.

Speaker B: Thank you.

Speaker A: Um, and well, that's now the in depth grilling. Over and done with. We're now going to move on to the last part, which is our quick fire question round, which is how we finish all of our episodes. Okay, ready?

Speaker B: I'm ready.

Speaker A: Since you are the coffee connoisseur, how do you take your coffee?

Speaker B: Oat flat white. Every time. And I feel like I can tell a good coffee shop based off their flat white.

Speaker A: I hope so.

Speaker B: Yeah, very true.

Speaker A: Um, what's your go to order in a restaurant?

Speaker B: Ramen. Love ramen. One of my favorite foods.

Speaker A: If you could have dinner with any figure, past or present, who would it be and why?

Speaker B: I'm gonna go with Jeremy Corbyn. I want to understand how it felt to be in the onslaught of media, uh, during his time. I really want to understand from his perspective. Obviously, a lot of us have opinions, um, but we're not scrutinized under the media, the light of media. I would really want to have that conversation with him.

Speaker A: That would be a very interesting conversation. Um, and I mean, so many decades in politics as well. Like, there's a lot for him to share.

Speaker B: Absolutely. We'd be there for a long time. Ramen's getting cold.

Speaker A: Um, and describe only a pavement away in one word.

Speaker B: Inspirational, I think. Yeah. Um, we take a lot of inspirations from the work that you're doing. And, yeah, I really love the team and the community that we have together.

Speaker A: Well, likewise, naturally. Well, that's it for today. Thank you, Char, for joining us on the podcast. Um, and a big thank you to our sponsors at Stonegate Group. We couldn't do this without your support. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the next one. And, um, until then, see you soon.