Shaw Trust and Employment Opportunities merge

National employment charities, Shaw Trust and Employment Opportunities are to merge it was announced today. The merger will take effect from 1 May 2009.

The merger brings together almost 60 years of proven expertise in helping disabled and disadvantaged people find and keep a job. Both charities deliver employment programmes on behalf of the Government and see the merger as strengthening that capacity.

Tim Papé, Director General of Shaw Trust said:
“Shaw Trust has always been committed to good partnership working. By combining the skills of two organisations with a similar charitable vision and mission, we will be able to support even more clients and make an even greater impact. We strongly believe the Third Sector has a vital role to play in shaping and delivering employment programmes for the Government.

“The merger of our two organisations will strengthen the capacity of the Third Sector to deliver and provide it with an even stronger voice.”

Karin Pappenheim, Employment Opportunities CEO commented:
“Our organisations have worked closely together for many years and the merger is a natural extension of that partnership. By combining our talents and resources, we aim to do even more for the clients who need our services.

“Employment Opportunities’ takes great pride in its many achievements over the years, especially the thousands of people whose lives we have changed through employment and we look forward to continuing that through the merger.”

ends

Notes to editors:

1. For further details, please contact Shaw Trust Press Officer Samantha Jobber on 01225 716 300 or 07595 214 649.

2. Shaw Trust is a national charity, formed in 1982, which helps people with disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence. We do this not only by delivering government programmes, but also through our own self-funded initiatives, and by campaigning to change attitudes at all levels. Across the UK around 1,400 staff now oversee a diverse range of more than 200 projects.

3. Employment Opportunities is a national charity dedicated to helping all people with all disabilities and health conditions find and keep a job. It was set up in 1980 by 10 major City of London employers. It has a national network of regional centres. Its expert advisers provide a tailor-made service for its clients. In an average year the charity helps about 2,000 people.

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