Tag: Johnston Carmichael

Johnston Carmichael clothing collection is the right fit for social mobility charities

Accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has collected over one hundred of items of new and lightly worn pre-loved clothing for charities that help unemployed men and women back into work.

They are being shared with Smart Works Scotland, which provides clothing and coaching to help women into employment , and Grassroots Clothing, an Edinburgh charity which supplies interview clothing to men in need.

Johnston Carmichael encouraged its people to donate high quality garments suitable for wearing at interviews as part of its ongoing drive to attract a more diverse range of candidates, including returners to work seeking to re-establish their careers.

Jane O’Berg, tax director, Johnston Carmichael, said: “Promoting greater diversity in the workplace is a priority for us as a business.

“We’ve embarked on several initiatives to attract new talent, including our JC Futures apprenticeship scheme, and our partnership with ICAS Foundation to support accountancy students from disadvantaged backgrounds, but we also want to engage with experienced individuals.

“People take career breaks for all sorts of reasons, from having children to looking for a change of direction. We want those who are ready to return to accountancy to know that our door is open, and we hope our donations to Smart Works Scotland and Grassroots Clothing help people across all sectors to take the next step in finding their dream job.”

Each office in the firm’s network across Scotland, the North East of England and London, hosted its own donation station, with several gaining support from other co-located businesses and clients. More than 20 boxes of clothing were collected and all items donated were new or nearly new.

Karen Wilson, Head of Smart Works Scotland said: “Johnston Carmichael’s contribution to Smart Works Scotland, comes at a pivotal time, as we are supporting more women into work than we ever have before.

“Not only are we in the final year of our three-year-plan, to support over 10,000 women nationally by 2025, but we have also just moved to a bigger Edinburgh centre, meaning we can significantly increase the number of women we support.

“Our clients come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and two thirds of women who find their way to a Smart Works centre get the job within one month of their appointment.

“It means a great deal to us to have the support of Johnston Carmichael and we thank everyone at the firm who got involved. We welcome any further donations at such a pivotal time for our charity, to help us in our goal of helping as many women across Scotland as we can.” 

Johnston Carmichael funds new netball development post in Edinburgh

Firm’s sponsorship deal will boost access to the sport  

An Edinburgh sports graduate has won her dream job as a netball development officer thanks to leading independent accountancy and business advisory firm, Johnston Carmichael. 

Correen Davies, 27, will be responsible for training new coaches and umpires, increasing the volunteer network, and being a visible point of contact in Edinburgh for the sport.  

Originally from Orkney, Correen moved to the city to study Sports Development and Coaching at Edinburgh College before gaining a degree from Edinburgh Napier University. A longstanding netball fan and player, she had always hoped to secure a job in netball after graduating. 

She said: “When asked by a lecturer on our first week, ‘what job do you hope to get after this qualification’ my answer was, ‘the job doesn’t exist yet, but other sports have development officers, and I’d love to do that for netball’. Four years later and now I am in a full-time position where I can help to realise the potential of the sport in my local authority. 

“I’d like to thank Johnston Carmichael for its generous contribution towards funding my dream job. I am lucky to work with some wonderful partner organisations where I hope to progress netball across its full pathway. From grassroots to high performance, there are opportunities for everyone regardless of your route.” 

Correen’s appointment is part of Johnston Carmichael’s new partnership with Netball Scotland.

The firm provided a funding package worth more than £30,000 to help grow the sport after COVID-19 restrictions and school closures curbed young people’s ability to take up the game. 

The deal, which will additionally support new development officer posts in Glasgow and Dundee, is also being used to fund ‘Road to Region’ camps and pay for emergency grants to junior clubs with critical needs linked to participation, accessibility, training and competition.  

Martin Osler, Chief People Officer, Johnston Carmichael, said: “It is extremely rewarding for Johnston Carmichael to be involved in such an exciting partnership with Netball Scotland. 

“Supporting the appointment of development officers is crucial to improving access to netball. Their work will help to engage the new players, coaches and umpires required to grow the sport and enable new generations to participate.  

“Sports such as netball play a vital role in enhancing the health and wellbeing of future generations, building their confidence, and providing them with experience in working within a team, as well as other vital skills needed to thrive both personally and professionally. 

“As a firm, we are committed to leaving a legacy in the communities we serve, and we hope to make a tangible difference to the aspirations and achievements of young people across Scotland with this partnership.”