{"id":41726,"date":"2026-02-11T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/?p=41726"},"modified":"2026-02-16T12:13:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T12:13:10","slug":"creating-local-opportunities-through-facilities-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/news\/creating-local-opportunities-through-facilities-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating Local Opportunities Through Facilities Management"},"content":{"rendered":"
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OCS delivers facilities management services for Everton Football Club<\/a>. From the outset of the contract, OCS, Everton, and Everton in the Community<\/a> shared a clear ambition: to create opportunities for people across Liverpool, particularly those living in areas facing long-term unemployment and lower levels of investment. Together, the partnership has created a model that shows how stadium-based FM contracts can deliver meaningful social value<\/a>, measurable outcomes and long-term progression for local people.<\/p>\n

A Values-Led Partnership<\/h3>\n

The partnership began during mobilisation<\/a>, when OCS needed to recruit colleagues for a wide range of FM roles at Everton\u2019s new Hill Dickinson Stadium<\/a>. Everton in the Community brought essential local knowledge, relationships and credibility, enabling OCS to reach people who might not otherwise engage with employment opportunities.<\/p>\n

About Everton in the Community<\/h3>\n

Everton in the Community is the official charity of Everton FC. It delivers more than 60 bespoke programmes each year, supporting people of all ages through education, skills, employment, health and community development. Its trusted presence and deep connection with local neighbourhoods made it the ideal partner to guide OCS\u2019s community-focused recruitment and employability approach.<\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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\n \u201cEverton in the Community opened doors that would have taken us much longer to reach on our own. People trust their presence. When you combine that trust with real jobs and a clear pathway, people come forward. The values between us have aligned from day one.\u201d <\/p>\n

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\n Lucy Haddon <\/p>\n

\n Head of Contract Support, Private Sector FM, Venues – UK&I <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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Dual-branded recruitment events brought together OCS, Everton in the Community and the Department for Work and Pensions. Holding interviews and employability sessions at the former Goodison Park Stadium<\/a> created familiarity, confidence and a strong sense of welcome. Attendance averaged at around 80 per cent, much higher than typical recruitment events.<\/p>\n

The relationship grew through transparency, shared purpose and consistent follow-through \u2013 essential foundations in communities where trust must be earned.<\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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Timeline of Social Value Delivery and Impact<\/h3>\n

Phase 1: Community Engagement and Recruitment<\/h5>\n

Starting with a series of community focused recruitment events at Goodison Park, the sessions brought local people together with colleagues from OCS and Everton in the Community in a familiar, trusted setting. Across these events, 214 people from the area took part in interviews and employability conversations. From this group, 154 individuals (72%) were offered roles, including positions on the Everton FC facilities management<\/a> contract and opportunities across wider OCS services. Several of these colleagues have since moved into full-time, sustained employment. This initial phase demonstrated how combining local insight, accessible venues<\/a> and genuine opportunities can create strong engagement and meaningful outcomes for communities.<\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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PHASE 2: Sustained Collaboration After Stadium Opening<\/h5>\n

After the Dickinson Hill stadium opened, the partnership continued to support new starters, resolve individual challenges and maintain a smooth entry into work. Maxine Roberts, Adult Enrichment Manager, Everton in the Community, described the impact of this approach:<\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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\n \u201cThere has to be integrity in a partnership like this. People need to know that promises are kept and support is there when it\u2019s needed. Working with OCS has been honest and collaborative throughout, and that makes a real difference to the people we support.\u201d <\/p>\n

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\n Maxine Roberts <\/p>\n

\n Adult Enrichment Manager, Everton in the Community <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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Phase 3: Building Long-Term Career Pathways<\/h5>\n

A practical example of how local partnerships can support young people into work is Everton in the Community\u2019s role in delivering the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer initiative. The UK Government<\/a> funded pilot focuses on 18 to 21 year-olds from the local area who are not in education, employment, or training, bringing together employers, training providers, and support services to help them take a first step into work or further learning.<\/p>\n

Everton in the Community is leading on Liverpool\u2019s Trailblazer programme<\/a>, in partnership with OCS, by providing opportunities in facilities management. The initiative combines employability support with hands-on experience, and candidates can gain accredited qualifications alongside live-event work experience.<\/p>\n

The programme is another successful employability initiative. It introduces young people from the area to a sector they might not have previously considered, helping to build confidence, capability and, ultimately, sustainable employment.<\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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The Blueprint for Social Value in Stadium FM<\/h3>\n

This partnership demonstrates how facilities management can support genuine social value when organisations combine their strengths and act with shared purpose. The emerging blueprint includes:<\/p>\n