CXK Shortlisted for Kent Charity Awards ‘Large Charity of the Year’

We’re delighted to announce CXK has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Kent Charity Awards ‘Large Charity of the Year’ category. CXK is one of only 3 finalists, with the winner to be announced on Thursday 9th September.

CXK was shortlisted following a rigorous judging process, involving a 5,000-word written submission followed by a meeting with the judges of the category at which the team discussed its successes over the course of the last year. Those successes included:

The successful completion of a merger with another Kent-based charity, with the aim of providing a stronger, improved service for beneficiaries across Kent and Medway;

Re-evaluation of our strategy, mobilising all staff to remote working and re-designing delivery models across a range of different services;

Managing the devastating financial impacts of COVID-19; transforming initial financial projections of staggering losses to a year end with a very healthy surplus.

Our priority to support those most impacted by COVID-19 resulted in exceptional success in beneficiary impact and outcomes, including:

• 36,000 individuals accessing National Careers Service through a multi-channel approach (face-to-face, phone, email, web, social media). Support was provided to the most disadvantaged individuals including 18-24 NEETs (not in education, employment or training), low-skilled adults, long-term unemployed, single parents, adults with special educational need/disability and adults aged 50+ unemployed or at risk of unemployment.  We achieved customer satisfaction rates of 99% and helped 95% of customers develop their career management skills.
• Our prison IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) service supported 3,700 individuals across 10 prisons. We designed a curriculum to support prison residents with structured pathways of education, work and training. Careers advisers supported residents on 1:1 and group basis, developing confidence and skills, producing personal learning plans influenced by individuals’ career aspirations.
• A youth engagement service and family support and relationship interventions were delivered to 300+ young people within Rochester Young Offender Institute.
• Our ASK (Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge) programme supported 280,000 students, 29,0000 parents and 1,700 teachers, working with 2,300 schools across the South promoting benefits of apprenticeships.
• Our NEET youth mentoring /employability services supported 5,100 NEET young people with 1:1 support.
• Our School Careers and Emotional Well-being services were delivered to 3,000 young people in more than 50 schools.

Pauline Smith, CEO at CXK, said: “This is absolutely amazing news and testament to the hard work and dedication of all of our amazing staff during what has been a very challenging year. I am so, so, proud of everyone and hope you share my excitement and joy at this incredible recognition of our wonderful charity and staff.

“CXK managed the impact of COVID-19 with determination, and dedication to our beneficiaries, staff, and stakeholders. Our charity mantra of “One Team, One Organisation, Changing Lives” has never been more significant.”

For further information about the awards, visit kentcharityawards.com.