Working Together, Creating Opportunity: Our Partnership with Bury Adult Learning Service
At Next Stage ‘A Way Forward’ Ltd, partnership working isn’t just something we do it’s part of who we are.
When we work alongside other organisations that share our values, especially those rooted in the community, we can achieve more together than we ever could alone. It’s how we bring social value to life, by creating real, practical opportunities for the people of Bury.
Steven Rawstron, our Social Value Manager, often says: “This is how we create long-term impact, through relationships, trust, and the right kind of support.”
One partnership that shows this in action is the one we’ve built with Bury Adult Learning Centre.
A True Partnership in Practice
We’ve been attending Bury Adult Learning Centres Introduction to a Career in Care, Level 1 course for some time now, offering learners real insight into working in health and social care.
Through regular visits, we talk with learners about the different roles within care, what a career in the sector can look like, and most importantly, how people can grow and progress over time. We don’t just offer information, we offer honest conversations, encouragement and the belief that they can do this.
In Sue’s Own Words
Here’s what Sue Scott, Learner Services & Partnerships Manager at Bury Adult Learning Centre, had to say about the impact of this work:
“The partnership between Next Stage and Bury Adult Learning Service is fantastic. The time staff from Next Stage dedicate to our learners is amazing and the impact of that on their outcomes is outstanding.”
“We arrange visits to our Introduction to a Career in Care Level 1 course so our learners can hear first-hand what career options are available within the sector, and in particular with Next Stage. Another important aspect is for our learners to understand how they can progress in their career once they are working within the sector, and Next Stage cover this during their presentation.
Mock Interviews That Build Confidence
As part of this support, Rebecca (Registered Manager) and Jodie (Community Link Coordinator), from our team also deliver mock interviews for learners. These sessions are tailored to offer a realistic but supportive experience of what an interview might be like, helping learners build confidence and see their own potential.
Sue continues:
“Next Stage also dedicate a day to provide mock interviews for our learners, which is invaluable for them, because many have never had an interview before. This also allows Next Stage colleagues to assess our learners’ readiness for starting work within the sector, and many have gone on to full interviews and employment with Next Stage.”
“To be able to promote this opportunity within our programme is key in enrolling local residents looking for work within the Health & Social Care sector, or those wanting a change in career. I can’t thank the staff at Next Stage enough for their time and dedication to providing these opportunities to our learners.”
“Moving into work if you haven’t had a job for some time is very daunting for some. Therefore, providing opportunities like this enables us to support our learners into work whilst making that transition as smooth as possible for them.”
This Is What Social Value Looks Like
When we talk about social value at Next Stage, this is exactly what we mean, creating genuine opportunities, building people’s confidence, and supporting long-term, positive change.
This partnership doesn’t just benefit learners, it strengthens our local workforce, creates community connections, and helps make care careers accessible to more people.
Looking Ahead
We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built with Bury Adult Learning Centre, and we know this is just the beginning.
We’re always open to forming new partnerships with organisations who share our belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.
Because when we work together, we build stronger communities. Want to find out more or work with us?
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