Ingeus

[joeski]

If you have an email address for your adviser, try doing it that way. If not, just use the number for your local centre and say you are not well enough to attend. You don't need to go into detail. They should (hopefully anyway) just book you on the workshop on a different day.

 

i haven't got an email address only a number they text the reminder for the workshop on, i don't know how the text thing works but i assuming they press the button and it sends the text to everyone who is booked on that workshop. i also don't know if the number is unique to that advisor who is one number for them all :/

[Paulo83]

I made the stupid mistake of allowing myself to be subbed for a job on Friday. It was one I didn't really want but I felt under pressure from two advisers to put my name forward. Anyway, later on Friday I got invited for a "pre-screen" today (Monday), but after consideration and talking to family and friends, I contacted my adviser this morning asking to withdraw my application. They said okay, but informed that details of my withdrawal would have to be passed onto the job centre. Sounds like I should be expecting a sanction sometime soon. The joy! My adviser has been trying to throw me at any kind of job vaguely resembling what I'm looking for and then pressurising me. I'm getting fed up with it, so if I am sanctioned, I will simply close my JSA claim and sever all ties with Ingeus. I could last without the money for a couple of months while I found some decent work, free from JCP/Ingeus interference.

[Mr.P]

If a sanction is imposed while you are claiming JSA and then sign off to avoid the consequences, you may find the sanction takes effect if/when you sign on again after a few months - Not sure how long they keep sanctions on file with the current regime.

 

A "pre-screen" interview is no guarantee of a job offer and it is usually best to at least attend the appointment (dressed as if you intend to get the job). You can always claim travel expenses back from Ingeus if they made the arrangements and have a day out at their expense.

[joeski]

The +44 would be fine, normally, but the problem is that you can't assume their automated system that sends out appt reminders and so on is able to receive texts. It's often just a send-only computer program.

 

well on the text i got from them the advisor put at the end "if you reply by text please do not forget to state your name".

[Chester6]

I made the stupid mistake of allowing myself to be subbed for a job on Friday. It was one I didn't really want but I felt under pressure from two advisers to put my name forward. Anyway, later on Friday I got invited for a "pre-screen" today (Monday), but after consideration and talking to family and friends, I contacted my adviser this morning asking to withdraw my application. They said okay, but informed that details of my withdrawal would have to be passed onto the job centre. Sounds like I should be expecting a sanction sometime soon. The joy! My adviser has been trying to throw me at any kind of job vaguely resembling what I'm looking for and then pressurising me. I'm getting fed up with it, so if I am sanctioned, I will simply close my JSA claim and sever all ties with Ingeus. I could last without the money for a couple of months while I found some decent work, free from JCP/Ingeus interference.

 

There's the chance that you will do bad at interview and they can't sanction you for not getting the job

[RebeccaPidgeon]

I made the stupid mistake of allowing myself to be subbed for a job on Friday. It was one I didn't really want but I felt under pressure from two advisers to put my name forward. Anyway, later on Friday I got invited for a "pre-screen" today (Monday), but after consideration and talking to family and friends, I contacted my adviser this morning asking to withdraw my application. They said okay, but informed that details of my withdrawal would have to be passed onto the job centre. Sounds like I should be expecting a sanction sometime soon. The joy! My adviser has been trying to throw me at any kind of job vaguely resembling what I'm looking for and then pressurising me. I'm getting fed up with it, so if I am sanctioned, I will simply close my JSA claim and sever all ties with Ingeus. I could last without the money for a couple of months while I found some decent work, free from JCP/Ingeus interference.

Did the vacancy exist - all that happened is that, after expressing an interest in an opportunity, and under duress, you were simply told to attend a "Pre Screen Interview".

 

Would the Pre-Screen Interview be conducted by a member of the company concerned, or simply by a Clerk within the Work Programme Organisation? Do you even know who the employer is ?

 

It is possible that the vacancy did not exist, that the Work Programme simply wanted you to attend a Mock Interview (under whatever contrived scenario), and once you had attended, for a Welfare To Work Clerk to then criticise your interview performance.

 

If you decide to attend, then you could dress down, mention that you need new Interview Clothing, and given that the Welfare To Work Company has funds per candidate, simply negotiate that they pay for new Interview Clothing.

Edited July 9, 2013 by RebeccaPidgeon
Additional Information Submitted

[Paulo83]

Did the vacancy exist - all that happened is that, after expressing an interest in an opportunity, and under duress, you were simply told to attend a "Pre Screen Interview".

 

Would the Pre-Screen Interview be conducted by a member of the company concerned, or simply by a Clerk within the Work Programme Organisation? Do you even know who the employer is ?

 

It is possible that the vacancy did not exist, that the Work Programme simply wanted you to attend a Mock Interview (under whatever contrived scenario), and once you had attended, for a Welfare To Work Clerk to then criticise your interview performance.

 

If you decide to attend, then you could dress down, mention that you need new Interview Clothing, and given that the Welfare To Work Company has funds per candidate, simply negotiate that they pay for new Interview Clothing.

 

I was a bit stressed/annoyed/worried when I posted that. Calmed down now. From what I understand, the vacancy was real but I was only scheduled to attend a pre-screen interview, which I withdrew from. Adviser said they would pass on my reason for non-attendance to JCP but I haven't heard anything yet. I'm just going to play dumb over it saying I didn't realise I had to attend etc and that I felt unduly pressured into applying in the first place. I'll just see what happens.

 

I think I have a job interview next week anyway for something I want, so if that goes well then hopefully I can say goodbye to Ingeus & JCP!

[Mr.P]

I think I have a job interview next week anyway for something I want, so if that goes well then hopefully I can say goodbye to Ingeus & JCP!

 

Good luck with the interview, and if you do get the job, remember that you do not have to tell the JCP or Ingeus why you sign off - Last time I just left the form blank and jobsworth insisted on a reason, so I penned "'personal reasons, and 'cos I can".

[RebeccaPidgeon]

I was a bit stressed/annoyed/worried when I posted that. Calmed down now. From what I understand, the vacancy was real but I was only scheduled to attend a pre-screen interview, which I withdrew from. Adviser said they would pass on my reason for non-attendance to JCP but I haven't heard anything yet. I'm just going to play dumb over it saying I didn't realise I had to attend etc and that I felt unduly pressured into applying in the first place. I'll just see what happens.

 

I think I have a job interview next week anyway for something I want, so if that goes well then hopefully I can say goodbye to Ingeus & JCP!

Good luck with the job.

 

In respect to the "Pre Screen Interview", you could attempt to cover your back by writing to Ingeus, thanking them for highlighting the opportunity, confirm that you are still interested in the opportunity, and that you are happy for Ingeus to pass your CV onto the employer for further consideration. It is clear from your CV that you are more than qualified for the job, and would be happy to attend an interview if offered after the Recruitment Manager has reviewed your details.

[Paulo83]

Good luck with the job.

 

In respect to the "Pre Screen Interview", you could attempt to cover your back by writing to Ingeus, thanking them for highlighting the opportunity, confirm that you are still interested in the opportunity, and that you are happy for Ingeus to pass your CV onto the employer for further consideration. It is clear from your CV that you are more than qualified for the job, and would be happy to attend an interview if offered after the Recruitment Manager has reviewed your details.

 

My signing on day with JCP is tomorrow, so I'll see if they say anything. I saw my Ingeus adviser today and they never even mentioned my withdrawal.

 

To you and Mr. P, thank you! I think that one interview will soon become two. Another vacancy I applied for have invited me for a "pre-screen" process next week. Should hopefully then secure an interview.

[RebeccaPidgeon]

My signing on day with JCP is tomorrow, so I'll see if they say anything. I saw my Ingeus adviser today and they never even mentioned my withdrawal.

 

To you and Mr. P, thank you! I think that one interview will soon become two. Another vacancy I applied for have invited me for a "pre-screen" process next week. Should hopefully then secure an interview.

Good luck with the pre-screen interview.... however, is this conducted by a Personnel Officer within the business, or simply by a Welfare To Work Clerk.

 

I abhore wasting time, myself, and although I always attend Job Interviews within SME's, I would fail to see justification for attending any "Pre Screen" assessment. A CV conveys more than sufficient information on a candidates profile.

Edited July 12, 2013 by RebeccaPidgeon
Additional Information Submitted

[Paulo83]

Good luck with the pre-screen interview.... however, is this conducted by a Personnel Officer within the business, and simply by a Welfare To Work Clerk.

 

I abhore wasting time, myself, and although I always attend Job Interviews within SME's, I would fail to see justification for attending any "Pre Screen" assessment. A CV conveys more than sufficient information on a candidates profile.

 

It's with a member of the "Employer Services Team", who work for Ingeus on behalf of outside employers.

 

I see your point. There's plenty enough information on CVs and application forms to determine the suitability of a candidate. Seems like a kind of vetting process to only send the absolute best candidates, so Ingeus stand more chance of claiming their taxpayer-funded award. It's only 15 minutes, so I don't really care as long as I get an interview at the end of it.

[RebeccaPidgeon]

It's with a member of the "Employer Services Team", who work for Ingeus on behalf of outside employers.

 

I see your point. There's plenty enough information on CVs and application forms to determine the suitability of a candidate. Seems like a kind of vetting process to only send the absolute best candidates, so Ingeus stand more chance of claiming their taxpayer-funded award. It's only 15 minutes, so I don't really care as long as I get an interview at the end of it.

Good luck with the pre-screen interview.... and, I am sure that once you indulge the W2W Clerk (who happens to be a member of the Employer Services Team) for 15 minutes, they will then send your CV to the relevant Personnel Clerk within the organisation where it will be considered with the rest.

[I survived 2 years!]

It feels so good to finally finish the Work Programme. My Advisor at my Job Centre did nothing but moan and complain about Ingeus, he left me in stitches! hahaha...

 

He told me to rip my CV up which Ingeus helped create once he read it....he said he could spot a Work Programme CV a mile off, and that Employers can too as they are all similar. I finished with Ingeus about 4 weeks ago now, and its been absolutely great! So long as you apply for your jobs, and partake in everything they ask you to do then you'll be ok.

 

The only thing i miss about Ingeus is the coffee machine, the Job Centre don't supply drinks and biscuits! lol

[I survived 2 years!]

It's with a member of the "Employer Services Team", who work for Ingeus on behalf of outside employers.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but...

 

I've been told by someone that "Employer Services Team" staff do actually work for Ingeus? A lady i met from the "Employer Services Team" when i

attended my local Ingeus office was an Advisor also, she just acted like she was better/higher than other mere Admin Clerks!

 

Also, the "Employer Services Team" lady i met cold called potential employers she had found on lets say Yell etc....I noticed as she had

print outs...loads...and the Yell website kept getting blocked!!! lol...

 

She kept firing vacancies at me which I'd already applied for on Universal Jobmatch, and made it out that she'd sourced the vacancies. One time

i got an Interview off my own back, and she claimed she got it for me!!! hmmmm.....

Edited July 12, 2013 by I survived 2 years!

[Paulo83]

Correct me if I'm wrong but...

 

I've been told by someone that "Employer Services Team" staff do actually work for Ingeus? A lady i met from the "Employer Services Team" when i

attended my local Ingeus office was an Advisor also, she just acted like she was better/higher than other mere Admin Clerks!

 

Also, the "Employer Services Team" lady i met cold called potential employers she had found on lets say Yell etc....I noticed as she had

print outs...loads...and the Yell website kept getting blocked!!! lol...

 

She kept firing vacancies at me which I'd already applied for on Universal Jobmatch, and made it out that she'd sourced the vacancies. One time

i got an Interview off my own back, and she claimed she got it for me!!! hmmmm.....

 

That's what I said. They work FOR Ingeus on behalf of outside employers. They are probably just glorified advisers who have been raised into a position of minor power.

[RebeccaPidgeon]

That's what I said. They work FOR Ingeus on behalf of outside employers. They are probably just glorified advisers who have been raised into a position of minor power.

I don't think that ANY Welfare To Work Clerk can delude themselves with any belief that they should be considered to be "Glorified Advisers".... such delusions are commonplace within Recruitment Agencies, some Recruitment Clerks within the plethora of High Street Recruitment Agencies presuming themselves to be "Recruitment Consultants" simply on the basis of this baloneous term being printed within a low calibre Business Card.

 

Within Job Centre Plus, Post Work Programme Support is delivered by Hit Squads who are located within each JCP Office....with members of each Hit Squad simply being common Front Line Advisors who have participated within a few hours of internal training on Post Work Programme Support.

[Chester6]

At least one I know of claims she does it to help so why shouldn't there be others just as deluded? Many probably do think that they are "advisers" and "helpful" etc

It's too common now for many companies to over-complicate stuff and for people to buy into the lie

It's like how many seek you to have loads of display and merchandising experience when that is just being able to make displays look good etc

[osdset]

Consultant is a word so bandied about now that it's lost any credibility. My LA calling dustmen 'refuse collection consultants' pretty much did it for me.

[RebeccaPidgeon]

Consultant is a word so bandied about now that it's lost any credibility. My LA calling dustmen 'refuse collection consultants' pretty much did it for me.

The Term Consultant still has meaning .... both to the individual, who has earned the right to be called a Consultant (on the basis of their Skills, Qualifications, Competence, Experience), and to the employer, but not to mere common Minions within the Welfare To Work Sector.

[curtseavers]

Hi,

Update on my experience so far.

Had three or four meeting with an advisor. All pointless.

I never signed anything.

Meet2 we discussed CVs.

Meet 3 I showed them my CV. They spent half hour doing incredibly little to change it. All they did was change my address to the opposite side of the page. SERIOUSLY.

Meet4 I showed them a cove/specr letter that I could send out to various outlets. They were impressed and the meet ended quick.

Four weeks with no contact...

Now I have to see a new advisor.

Seriously thinking of telling these guys to shove it and just do time .Paid rent, paid accomodation, no stress. I jest.

Im asking for some advise what to expect - I know these guys are gonna wanna crank it up a little and now Im on stage two according to their lttle graphs so just curious as to what I might be in for?

I really am looking for work but there is nothing. Seriously nothing going.

[osdset]

Meet 3 I showed them my CV. They spent half hour doing incredibly little to change it. All they did was change my address to the opposite side of the page. SERIOUSLY.

 

And probably take credit for re-working the CV, honestly it's cringe worthy meddling. These rear end wipes have nothing whatever to offer and they know it, pathetic.

[RebeccaPidgeon]

Hi,

Update on my experience so far.

Had three or four meeting with an advisor. All pointless.

I never signed anything.

Meet2 we discussed CVs.

Meet 3 I showed them my CV. They spent half hour doing incredibly little to change it. All they did was change my address to the opposite side of the page. SERIOUSLY.

Meet4 I showed them a cove/specr letter that I could send out to various outlets. They were impressed and the meet ended quick.

Four weeks with no contact...

Now I have to see a new advisor.

Seriously thinking of telling these guys to shove it and just do time .Paid rent, paid accomodation, no stress. I jest.

Im asking for some advise what to expect - I know these guys are gonna wanna crank it up a little and now Im on stage two according to their lttle graphs so just curious as to what I might be in for?

I really am looking for work but there is nothing. Seriously nothing going.

If you have just started at Ingeus, then it is commonplace for a new Welfare To Work Clerk to be assigned to your case periodically, either because you have finished one part of the process (for example Insight Weeks 1-4) or because the W2W Clerk has demonstrated an issue where you have issued a complaint.

 

For your information the Ingeus Work Programme follows their Every Day Counts Process (http://ingeusstaff.co.uk/diagram), and if you visit the page, place your cursor over key areas, and click select, you will find some descriptive text.

 

If a candidate can be bullied, the W2W Clerk will exploit this weakness.... and if the W2W Clerk suggests anything, for example a Mock Interview, say that you consider the issue and get back if you wish to proceed.

 

 

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Edited July 14, 2013 by RebeccaPidgeon
Additional Information Submitted

[jasta11]

Hi,

Update on my experience so far.

Had three or four meeting with an advisor. All pointless.

I never signed anything.

Meet2 we discussed CVs.

Meet 3 I showed them my CV. They spent half hour doing incredibly little to change it. All they did was change my address to the opposite side of the page. SERIOUSLY.

Meet4 I showed them a cove/specr letter that I could send out to various outlets. They were impressed and the meet ended quick.

Four weeks with no contact...

Now I have to see a new advisor.

Seriously thinking of telling these guys to shove it and just do time .Paid rent, paid accomodation, no stress. I jest.

Im asking for some advise what to expect - I know these guys are gonna wanna crank it up a little and now Im on stage two according to their lttle graphs so just curious as to what I might be in for?

I really am looking for work but there is nothing. Seriously nothing going.

 

Sounds about the same as I had at the start. They act keen and promise great things but then it quickly fizzles out. As has been said, they'll change your cv simply because they get paid for doing it and can then technically claim to have 'helped' you; I've never used any cv they've done for me as it was total rubbish.

 

I also tended to be seen only once a month - which suited me perfectly. No doubt your branch of Ingeus will also have taken on far too many clients so hopefully you won't be invited in too much.

 

This is the time when you need to show them that, though you'll cooperate with reasonable and legitimate requests, you won't be bullied or take any crap. If you haven't done it already, quote a few of the WP guidelines to them to show them you're clued up. Placing your mobile phone on the desk in front of you when you see them always seems to make them be on their best behaviour too..can't think why

[biggeorge]

I can't stress enough that if you want no crap from Ingeus you must must use the consent letter.

It clearly states that you won't be giving Ingeus (or any other WP if your with another) any outcome payment.

CV if must be shown, redact everything and no hard copy or electronic copy, Its your personal data.

 

Missed my last appointment and was rather worried until I finally found the letter and it wasn't a mandated

appointment and this was confirmed by my adviser through a disposable email I use.

Next appointment was most definitely a mandated appointment although not till next month which has given

me over 75 days of Ingeus free time.

I finish Ingeus on the 28-08 so possibly just 2 more appointments for me and I will have served my 2 year sentence .

 

I wish to thank the consent me site for the letters as without them I am most certain my time at Ingeus would

have been very much like everyone else, bullied and treated like a slave.

 

When I first started they could have paid for an SIA Licence and I would have been back in work and they would have received

an outcome but instead they mess you around waiting 2 years for an SIA course that never really was.

 

Possible bad news is that while signing on last week my adviser at JCP said that after WP I will be going to a new team at JCP

who will be seeing me quite a lot more, We will see as JCP are struggling with the numbers already.

 

George