Preston psychologist selected as spokesperson for national career confidence campaign

Lee Chambers of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, based in Preston has been selected as the expert spokesperson for the collaboration between the international job search company,

Indeed, and the Shaw Trust, the UK’s largest Not-for-Profit social enterprise in the employment sector. The partnership will see Indeed and Shaw Trust use their experience to help jobseekers build their confidence and self-esteem, better preparing people to get into work.

New research by Indeed has highlighted key trends in job search confidence, including:

Most jobseekers (51%) said they did not believe there was a job out there for them while more than half (52%) said that they don’t believe they’ll be successful. Overall, more than a quarter (26%) of jobseekers rate their self-belief levels as low and more than four in 10 (44%) don’t feel confident when it comes to searching and applying for jobs.

In response to the research, a campaign has been launched which includes the appointing of a Confidence Ambassador, Renata Graver, a series of free workshops for job seekers, focusing on confidence, self-belief, mindset and resilience, and a media campaign with Lee Chambers, Chris Luck and Renata Graver speaking about the importance of confidence across national television and radio.

Speaking in relation to being selected as a spokesperson, Lee Chambers said: "I am proud to be part of a campaign that highlights just how important confidence and courage are in the process of searching, applying for and securing meaningful work. It is a privilege to be working alongside Indeed and the Shaw Trust, who have been doing amazing work in the sector for many years."

Chris Hyams, CEO of the global job site Indeed, said: “Covid-19 turned the jobs market upside down and looking for work right now can feel challenging. With fewer opportunities because of the pandemic, many people have suffered a jolt to their confidence and feel they do not know where to turn to next in their search for work.

“For those who are struggling, Indeed is here to help and that is why we’re excited to announce our partnership with Shaw Trust and a programme of free activities hosted by the new Confidence Ambassador. These sessions are designed to help navigate people of all backgrounds through these challenging times and in turn restore their confidence and help get them back on their feet and into work.”

Chris Luck, CEO of the Shaw Trust, said: “Shaw Trust’s mission focus is on improving people’s lives through rewarding and purposeful employment.  We know when a person feels good about themselves that they are better able to sustain employment that meets their needs.  Feeling good is about believing in your worth, valuing what you can offer and having a sense of purpose.  Being enabled and confident to contribute to society builds a better future for us all.”

“We are pleased to be partnering with Indeed and helping to share our insights and expertise to support the thousands of people who are discouraged or nervous about getting into the workplace. By building the individual’s confidence we aim to build a better Britain and create a society where good employment is accessible to all, irrespective of life circumstances.”