Established 1969
Cogito’s latest client Careys, started their business in 1969 with three brothers and a van. John, Tom and Pat Carey moved to London from Ireland and started a groundworks contracting company called PJ Carey Plant Hire (Oval) Ltd. Their goal at the time was to grow to around 50 operatives and provide quality, safe work so that they and their employees could provide for their families and get home safe every day. This was achieved through hard work and committing to their values. Today, their vision is simple: “to be the most trusted and socially responsible construction company that people are proud to work with.” Careys have come a long way since 1969, and now deliver an extensive range of engineering, build and construction services for their long-term, valued clients.
The Project Brief
Cogito were approached by Careys to propose a solution for upskilling up to 12 employees via interactive online workshops on the important subject of right to work compliance. Supporting the HR team, the learning outcomes would ensure that Managers are equipped with a solid foundation of knowledge of right to work legislation that would therefore help mitigate any risks and legalities associated through non-compliance during their recruitment processes.
Cogito’s solution included leadership from Kirk Shortland, overseen by Cogito’s Director of Programmes, Rachel Parkes.
So, What Are Right To Work Checks?
As a UK employer, you have a legal obligation to comply with the prevention of illegal working legislation. All employers have a responsibility to prevent illegal working. This requires employers to conduct basic checks on every UK-based employee to ensure that they are only hiring individuals with permission to work in the UK.
According to battens.co.uk, there are three steps that must be undertaken by employers to ensure that a right to work check is compliant:
Step 1: Obtain all relevant documentation.
Step 2: Check all documentation is valid and compliant.
Step 3: Retain copies of all submitted items and completed checks.
As right to work checks are a mandatory, legal requirement, failure to carry out checks correctly can result in serious penalties, such as criminal prosecution or even business closure.
So, like all other UK employers, Careys are required to check that their employees have concrete evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK.
Enter Cogito.
Custom-Built Workshops
Careys were keen for Cogito to host online workshops for their employees. Delivered by Cogito’s in-house expert, Kirk Shortland, The Right to Work Compliance Workshop covered:
1. What is ‘Right to Work’ and why it exists.
2. Overview of current legislation:
- EU legislation.
- Visa requirements (outside of sponsorship).
- Documentation and processes.
3. Supporting case studies.
4. Q&A to have the opportunity for questions and to discuss support resources available.
The interactive workshop was delivered to 6 delegates in an online session, lasting 90 minutes. A Q&A session provided opportunities for delegates to ask questions to support their knowledge of right to work legislation.
A support pack was also provided as a reference guide to support the learning transfer.
Our workshop improved knowledge of right to work legislation, and refreshed colleagues on how to efficiently conduct right to work checks.
Cogito Dig A Little Deeper
As part of this project, Cogito also used surveys, custom-built by our data and insights team, to create a short quiz at the end of the session to ensure the learning transfer and session outcomes were met. Ideal for capturing feedback from the delegates, these valuable insights also identified how the workshop helped to improve their knowledge about right to work legislation.
“The workshop delivered by Cogito was excellent, and Kirk ensured they were engaging and interactive. Our team felt the session was a helpful refresher on the importance and process of carrying out right to work checks.”
Ellis Patterson, People Services Manager at Careys
Are You Looking To Obtain Valuable Insights About Your Business? Get In Touch With Cogito!
Companies can discover, engage, acquire and train the best talent in the market using insightful information. Our approach is simple; to understand the challenges our customers face, identify the talent and skills they need and create bespoke training and development solutions to complement talent strategies, delivered in meaningful and energetic workshops using the art of storytelling. When you work with Cogito, you benefit from some of the best recruitment, employer branding, data analytics and training experts. We build programmes of work around your needs, applying our passion, skill and experience to transform how your business conducts recruitment, engages talent and develops its employees. Cogito can help you to implement the most effective strategies to help your company succeed. Act now and get in touch! Visit Learning and Development – Cogito (cogitotalent.com) or get in touch with us today to find out more!
