CoFHE Conference 2009 – Plenary three

01 Jul CoFHE Conference 2009 – Plenary three

Encompass: Workforce Diversity

Ayub Khan, Head of Libraries (Strategy) at Warwickshire County Libraries, introduced the Encompass scheme, to encourage BME graduates to libraries.

Encompass is a three way partnership between CILIP, PATH (a skills development agency) and employers. Employers are asked to convert existing post or create new one on a 3 year contract basis whereby the trainee would be in the workplace 4 days a week and spend 1 day each week studying. The aim is for the trainee to have completed a CILIP-accredited postgraduate qualification in Librarianship and gain their Chartership by the end of the three years.

Benefits for employer

• Employer saves money in staff costs, national insurance – could save a threatened post.
• Also promote creativity and innovation through diversity
• Contributes to diversity and equality agenda of institution

Support for trainee

• Mentoring and support from PATH National
• Place provided on part time or distance learning CILIP-accredited course
• CPD opportunities provided by PATH
• Free CILIP membership
• Networking opportunities through CILIP and PATH

Outcome for trainee

• Masters in LIS
• MCLIP
• Network of contacts
• Increased employability

You can see more information on the Encompass website, including an Encompass toolkit, a standalone document with guidance and advice that can be used by anyone to encourage BME graduates to the profession. You may also wish to download a copy of Ayub’s powerpoint presentation.