TALENT BEYOND BOUNDARIES AND CAPCO: COLLABORATING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

As part of our continued effort to support external initiatives that serve underrepresented groups, Capco recently collaborated with Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) - a non-profit organisation that helps refugees and displaced people access job opportunities. Their mission is to connect skilled refugees with companies in need of talent, thus offering economic opportunities and providing a path to stability and self-sufficiency.

As part of this engagement, four Capco consultants hosted a session on ‘Demystifying Consulting’, sharing their work experience and personal career journeys to provide insight into the world of consulting. The session was designed to help the participants understand the industry, its practices, and the skills required to succeed, with the main focus on how to use personal and professional experience to get started and thrive in consulting.

The panellists shared the importance of personal brand and leveraging existing professional networks. They also explored the topic of transferable skills and provided tips on how to remove barriers to entry by identifying which skills are the best for leveraging opportunities. We ended the session by sharing how community can play a part in helping to bridge the gap, especially for those from marginalised groups. With over 250 delegates engaging with the Capco panel, the event was a great success and is the start of our relationship with TBB.

As someone who works in the DEI space, I frequently interact with organisations aiming to better equip marginalised groups. TBB is a great example of how to support a community through network and direct access to employers. I personally know how hard it is to transition into a new country, having moved to the UK at the age of 10 and barely speaking English. Trying to settle into a new school, culture and environment was extremely hard at such a young age and I can only imagine how difficult it must be to make the transition for a mature individual with years of work experience trying to break into professional services. Identifying ways to support individuals as well as identifying and removing barriers to entry are important goals which I’m proud to be able to support as part of my DEI role at Capco.

There are 32.5 million refugees worldwide, who like most of us have hopes, dreams, ambitions and career aspirations, but have been forced to leave their home countries in search of security and stability. Sadly, there is a negative association with the word ‘refugee’. TBB aims to destigmatise perceptions and support those in need.

The list below is how we have found it beneficial to work with TBB, which can serve as a useful template for those wishing to engage with non-profit organisations as individuals or as part of their professional role.

1. Research: Visit the Talent Beyond Boundaries website to understand their mission, goals, and the services they offer. Explore their resources, success stories, and the impact they have made on the lives of displaced individuals.
   
2. Determine a goal: Consider how you or your organisation can collaborate with TBB.For example, our team offered insights into how to transition into consulting.Assess your organisation’s capabilities and how you can contribute effectively, for example by offering job placements, providing knowledge and resources, or supporting TBB financially.
3. Contact Talent Beyond Boundaries: Reach out to TBB directly to express your interest in working with them. Provide details about your organisation, your intentions, and how you believe you can collaborate effectively. TBB will guide you through the necessary steps and provide further information.
   
4. Understand the process: Talent Beyond Boundaries works to match skilled refugees with employers based on their qualifications and the needs of the employers. They assess candidates' skills, experience, and language proficiency and work with employers to understand their requirements. TBB also assists with immigration and legal processes to facilitate the hiring of refugees as well as ongoing support for the refugees through the hiring and resettlement process.
5. Collaborate and provide support: Once you establish a partnership with TBB, collaborate closely with their team to identify suitable candidates for your joint project. In the case of providing job placements, this may involve facilitating interviews, assisting with work visas or permits, and helping with the workplace integration.
6. Promote diversity and inclusion: Embrace the opportunity to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. By facilitating the hiring of refugees, you contribute to their economic empowerment and help build a more inclusive society. Encourage cultural exchange, provide language and cultural sensitivity training, and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.