Ingeus

[Chester6]

Asda is the only one that do those stupid team-building exercises as far as I know

The thing with the pimps is after a while they want you working so they don't care when you would prefer as they'll find you anything they thing you could do - your ideas are irrelevant unfortunately

[Bakatcha]

thats the stuff we've been doing for the past week - the rest of the time is usually spent filling in workbooks or the course tutor talking about stuff - 3 more weeks of this

Wow that sounds like 4 weeks of making paper dice, (or giraffes if you're unlucky enough to be with A4e), talking about "positive celebs" and filling in something called a workbook.

Someone should patent this stuff and sell it as means of psychological warfare. The Yanks could give up waterboarding dissidents and playing endless loud rock music to Central American dictators, there's be no need for Guantanamo Bay - just mandate your internees to us - we have ways of turning your brain to mush.

[HiddenNinja]

I've currently ran into a problem with these, according to Ingeus, they said they wasnt allowed to have contact with anyone out, now they have been phoning family member's and social security about me, is this allowed?

[Bakatcha]

I've currently ran into a problem with these, according to Ingeus, they said they wasnt allowed to have contact with anyone out, now they have been phoning family member's and social security about me, is this allowed?

 

Social Security - yes (they are in the same data chain).

Family Members - a definite no no! Unless you have for some reason given them permission.

[john27]

Wow that sounds like 4 weeks of making paper dice, (or giraffes if you're unlucky enough to be with A4e), talking about "positive celebs" and filling in something called a workbook.

Someone should patent this stuff and sell it as means of psychological warfare. The Yanks could give up waterboarding dissidents and playing endless loud rock music to Central American dictators, there's be no need for Guantanamo Bay - just mandate your internees to us - we have ways of turning your brain to mush.

 

yep - so if Ingeus ever say they're putting you on a 4-week Skills for Employment course done by Hull College get ready to be bored out of your mind

 

also, the stuff in the ingeus promotional literature about their trained team of job experts finding hidden vacancies for their clients is a load of guff from where i'm sitting - i have a good cv, looking for retail work, and they only found me one or two interviews and ive been with them for about 6 months - the rest of the jobs the adviser suggested for me were either temporary jobs or jobs located quite a distance away which are impractical because i dont have a car

 

back to the gulag tomorrow - yay

[G4C389]

yep - so if Ingeus ever say they're putting you on a 4-week Skills for Employment course done by Hull College get ready to be bored out of your mind

 

also, the stuff in the ingeus promotional literature about their trained team of job experts finding hidden vacancies for their clients is a load of guff from where i'm sitting - i have a good cv, looking for retail work, and they only found me one or two interviews and ive been with them for about 6 months - the rest of the jobs the adviser suggested for me were either temporary jobs or jobs located quite a distance away which are impractical because i dont have a car

 

back to the gulag tomorrow - yay

 

How did they find you interviews?

[HiddenNinja]

Social Security - yes (they are in the same data chain).

Family Members - a definite no no! Unless you have for some reason given them permission.

 

So what if I didn't give them permission? As they said on the first interview, they cannot contact anyone outside their work place, other than clients.

[antone]

So what if I didn't give them permission? As they said on the first interview, they cannot contact anyone outside their work place, other than clients.

 

Then they may be breaking the law. Have you any idea why they are contacting your family?

[HiddenNinja]

Yes, long story short. Because I've been carer for my misses grandad, for a while, but wanting to get a job and couldn't due to carer, he went to stay at his sons for a few weeks as he was really bad, then they sent him to a home, but i've still been getting carers allowance, now they are saying they are getting me done for benefit fraud, which I didn't think i was doing anything wrong because we thought he was coming back and I know someone else who was ok when they did the same. But the benefit system is really hard to understand, I came out of work to look after him, which I was better of in work. I really think, by the sound of this, I've really done something bad, but alot of people are saying it's going to be ok and that I didn't do anything wrong. I just don't know what to do, me and my family have had a big break down! Is there any help anyone can give me, maybe been in the same situation?

[katiejackson]

Hey guys, I've been following this thread for a short while as I've just been referred to these pimps through JCP.

 

I had my second "appointment" today. All I did was get sent to a computer and stare at a computer screen blankly for an hour looking for jobs.

I said to the receptionist "I could just do this at home. Is this mandatory?" She pursed her lips and nodded at me and went "Mmhmm, sorry."

 

My first appointment was hilarious though. A couple of nights before I was due to go in and see my advisor, I googled "Ingeus work programme" and looked through this thread so I knew what to expect (I knew it wasn't good, put it that way) and I'm so glad I did. I went in there that day with the knowledge that signing the forms of consent was completely voluntary and no amount of bullying could get me to sign them.

 

We talked for a while, she spouted some rubbish at me, asked me a few questions and what not.

When it came to form signing time, I said:

"I won't be signing the forms."

"Okay, that's fine... But why not?"

Her face changed VERY quickly and she suddenly had this slight snarl on her face, giving me subtle yet obvious evil eyes...

"Because I have the right to protect my personal data under the Data Protection Act, and I don't want you hassling any of my future employers."

"We don't hassle your employers. We're here to help and support you, and if you don't give me consent then I am unable to help you."

"Well I'm sorry, but I'm not signing the forms."

"So you're saying that I'm now unable to do my job now?"

"No, I know you can still do your job. You can still do it whether I sign the forms or not. I know that it's part of your job to keep me on the database for a period of two years and periodically contact my employer, and I don't want them to get the wrong impression of me."

"But you've got to understand that I'm here to help you in any way possible and give you all the support you need to find a job..."

"I'm not signing them... That's that."

At this point she looked at me blankly for a couple of seconds, went "...Right. Okay." and that was that.

 

When she wrapped the interview up, she told me to take the forms home and think about it. Empty forms still reside in the plastic pocket she gave me a week ago, and I intend to keep them free of ink forever.

 

She also gave me an e-mail address to forward her my CV. I'm still not sure if I should do this. Any ideas?

 

Anyway, there's my story so far. I'll be sure to post here when appropriate to update everyone and hope I get some helpful responses- likewise give other people advice- with how to deal with these leeches in future

[RebeccaPidgeon]

Hey guys, I've been following this thread for a short while as I've just been referred to these pimps through JCP.

 

I had my second "appointment" today. All I did was get sent to a computer and stare at a computer screen blankly for an hour looking for jobs.

I said to the receptionist "I could just do this at home. Is this mandatory?" She pursed her lips and nodded at me and went "Mmhmm, sorry."

 

My first appointment was hilarious though. A couple of nights before I was due to go in and see my advisor, I googled "Ingeus work programme" and looked through this thread so I knew what to expect (I knew it wasn't good, put it that way) and I'm so glad I did. I went in there that day with the knowledge that signing the forms of consent was completely voluntary and no amount of bullying could get me to sign them.

 

We talked for a while, she spouted some rubbish at me, asked me a few questions and what not.

When it came to form signing time, I said:

"I won't be signing the forms."

"Okay, that's fine... But why not?"

Her face changed VERY quickly and she suddenly had this slight snarl on her face, giving me subtle yet obvious evil eyes...

"Because I have the right to protect my personal data under the Data Protection Act, and I don't want you hassling any of my future employers."

"We don't hassle your employers. We're here to help and support you, and if you don't give me consent then I am unable to help you."

"Well I'm sorry, but I'm not signing the forms."

"So you're saying that I'm now unable to do my job now?"

"No, I know you can still do your job. You can still do it whether I sign the forms or not. I know that it's part of your job to keep me on the database for a period of two years and periodically contact my employer, and I don't want them to get the wrong impression of me."

"But you've got to understand that I'm here to help you in any way possible and give you all the support you need to find a job..."

"I'm not signing them... That's that."

At this point she looked at me blankly for a couple of seconds, went "...Right. Okay." and that was that.

 

When she wrapped the interview up, she told me to take the forms home and think about it. Empty forms still reside in the plastic pocket she gave me a week ago, and I intend to keep them free of ink forever.

 

She also gave me an e-mail address to forward her my CV. I'm still not sure if I should do this. Any ideas?

 

Anyway, there's my story so far. I'll be sure to post here when appropriate to update everyone and hope I get some helpful responses- likewise give other people advice- with how to deal with these leeches in future

Although you may provide, for reference purposes, a hard copy of your CV, to examine in your presence, it is entirely your discretion as to whether you send a copy by email.

[G4C389]

Hey guys, I've been following this thread for a short while as I've just been referred to these pimps through JCP.

 

I had my second "appointment" today. All I did was get sent to a computer and stare at a computer screen blankly for an hour looking for jobs.

I said to the receptionist "I could just do this at home. Is this mandatory?" She pursed her lips and nodded at me and went "Mmhmm, sorry."

 

My first appointment was hilarious though. A couple of nights before I was due to go in and see my advisor, I googled "Ingeus work programme" and looked through this thread so I knew what to expect (I knew it wasn't good, put it that way) and I'm so glad I did. I went in there that day with the knowledge that signing the forms of consent was completely voluntary and no amount of bullying could get me to sign them.

 

We talked for a while, she spouted some rubbish at me, asked me a few questions and what not.

When it came to form signing time, I said:

"I won't be signing the forms."

"Okay, that's fine... But why not?"

Her face changed VERY quickly and she suddenly had this slight snarl on her face, giving me subtle yet obvious evil eyes...

"Because I have the right to protect my personal data under the Data Protection Act, and I don't want you hassling any of my future employers."

"We don't hassle your employers. We're here to help and support you, and if you don't give me consent then I am unable to help you."

"Well I'm sorry, but I'm not signing the forms."

"So you're saying that I'm now unable to do my job now?"

"No, I know you can still do your job. You can still do it whether I sign the forms or not. I know that it's part of your job to keep me on the database for a period of two years and periodically contact my employer, and I don't want them to get the wrong impression of me."

"But you've got to understand that I'm here to help you in any way possible and give you all the support you need to find a job..."

"I'm not signing them... That's that."

At this point she looked at me blankly for a couple of seconds, went "...Right. Okay." and that was that.

 

When she wrapped the interview up, she told me to take the forms home and think about it. Empty forms still reside in the plastic pocket she gave me a week ago, and I intend to keep them free of ink forever.

 

She also gave me an e-mail address to forward her my CV. I'm still not sure if I should do this. Any ideas?

 

Anyway, there's my story so far. I'll be sure to post here when appropriate to update everyone and hope I get some helpful responses- likewise give other people advice- with how to deal with these leeches in future

 

Which office do you attend?

[Bakatcha]

Rebecca P is right. Giving a CV gives other info such as phone nos which you may not want them to have. Of course you can redact the CV but if you e-mail it then they have your e-mail address. I just show a paper copy which I slow them to read but not copy or keep. That way they know you have one and it may just avoid a stupid CV writing course (no guarantees as pimps seem to have quotas to fill on these courses and tend to use them as a punishment for those that upset them).

Have a look here:

http://www.donotsign.com/

[Putneynic]

Is Ingeus finally dying?

 

Back on Page 109, 13 December 2012, I was puzzled by the entire Wandsworth Ingeus office off on training for two days. No need to bother you all with my trails and tribulations since, but I have been assigned a new adviser, and many of the old faces have strangely disappeared. The milk of human kindness has turned to yoghurt as far as Ingeus is concerned, but I couldn't help noticing that this new adviser was actually over-worked, with two missed timeslots with subsequent reschedules and travel expense refunds, as we spoke (five minutes late).

 

My current adviser has put me on 'the inactive list' and I await in due course to find out what new glories that entails. Anyone any ideas what this means?

 

Thanks

[RebeccaPidgeon]

Is Ingeus finally dying?

 

Back on Page 109, 13 December 2012, I was puzzled by the entire Wandsworth Ingeus office off on training for two days. No need to bother you all with my trails and tribulations since, but I have been assigned a new adviser, and many of the old faces have strangely disappeared. The milk of human kindness has turned to yoghurt as far as Ingeus is concerned, but I couldn't help noticing that this new adviser was actually over-worked, with two missed timeslots with subsequent reschedules and travel expense refunds, as we spoke (five minutes late).

 

My current adviser has put me on 'the inactive list' and I await in due course to find out what new glories that entails. Anyone any ideas what this means?

 

Thanks

What stage on the Work Programme are you at... Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3(either Personal Routeway or Vocational Routeway), or Phase 4?

[Skinnered]

PANIC!!!!!!

 

What's all this about "Phases"?

 

I've been on the work programme for a year and a half. I've been shunted from room to room, but I have never been told about being on phases or any entitlement to be on one. I would quite like to be on a phase if only to ease the monotony, I could look on it as a promotion and it would look good on my CV alongside my skills at making paper elephants.

[Minibits]

Well there is the Monotony Phase, which you appear to be on now.

Next will be the Boring Phase.

Then it will be the Lost The Will To Live Phase.

Finally there is the Suicidal Phase.

[Putneynic]

What stage on the Work Programme are you at... Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3(either Personal Routeway or Vocational Routeway), or Phase 4?

 

I regret I have no idea.

 

To date, in the beginning last April, I had two appointments a week apart, with one adviser, then six once-a-monthly appointments over eight months (the adviser cancelled two appointments), a new adviser four weeks ago. I was apparently slated to go to a sub-agency circa mid-March. I mentioned I was only on pension credits and as of Sept 2012, a volunteer only. Now I am 'on the inactive list'. Please pick through that lot at your leisure.

[RebeccaPidgeon]

PANIC!!!!!!

 

What's all this about "Phases"?

 

I've been on the work programme for a year and a half. I've been shunted from room to room, but I have never been told about being on phases or any entitlement to be on one. I would quite like to be on a phase if only to ease the monotony, I could look on it as a promotion and it would look good on my CV alongside my skills at making paper elephants.

There is a nice diagram of Ingeus Every Day Counts Model accessible via

http://ingeusstaff.co.uk/diagram

based on a four phase/stage model.

 

Stage 1 (Normally weeks 1-4, 4 weeks) Insight

Stage 2 (Normally week 5-16, 12 weeks) Boost

Stage 3 (Normally week 17-52) Skills Plus (comprising Personal Routeways and Vocational Routeways)

Stage 4 (week 53-104) Breakthrough

 

But, from the description on the site (position a cursor over Breakthrough, you should be experiencing

Every six weeks, clients have a peer cohort review, where they evaluate their progress, set new goals, and provide challenge and support to one-another. Group-based working allows a collaborative approach to job searching and allow clients to identify and follow role models.

Clients can also access specialist support from the ACE Network and community referral partners, and attend community work placements to build work experience that supports their job goals.

 

But, in general terms, after the first week or so, the W2W Clerks with Ingeus are simply playing for time.

Edited February 20, 2013 by RebeccaPidgeon
Additional Information Submitted

[Chester6]

How does group based working provide role models if none of the examples about are worthy of being someone you'd model yourself on? Sounds like the normal meaningless nonsense they are always spewing

I have about 4 months of the sentence and then I am free

Thankfully

Hopefully with job

[RebeccaPidgeon]

How does group based working provide role models if none of the examples about are worthy of being someone you'd model yourself on? Sounds like the normal meaningless nonsense they are always spewing

I have about 4 months of the sentence and then I am free

Thankfully

Hopefully with job

An accurate assessment.

 

In terms of what happens after the Work Programme, the jury is still out - but, after being returned to the Job Centre, you may be either i) returned to the Work Programme, or ii) subject to a Job Seekers Direction if the JCP Clerk believes that other options are available, such as suggesting that you do Voluntary Work.

 

I suspect that, at that time, candidates will be asked to sign something called a "Universal Credit Claimant Commitment", within which you may be asked to sign a document agreeing to Voluntary Work (for example) - however, this document (as I understand it) can be taken away with you before signing, and if you disagree with anything contained, you can negotiate yourself away. However, the Job Seekers Agreement need not be renegotiated if you dont agree that it should.

[Chester6]

An accurate assessment.

 

In terms of what happens after the Work Programme, the jury is still out - but, after being returned to the Job Centre, you may be either i) returned to the Work Programme, or ii) subject to a Job Seekers Direction if the JCP Clerk believes that other options are available, such as suggesting that you do Voluntary Work.

 

I suspect that, at that time, candidates will be asked to sign something called a "Universal Credit Claimant Commitment", within which you may be asked to sign a document agreeing to Voluntary Work (for example) - however, this document (as I understand it) can be taken away with you before signing, and if you disagree with anything contained, you can negotiate yourself away. However, the Job Seekers Agreement need not be renegotiated if you dont agree that it should.

 

I tried for a voluntary one recently - it was as complex as getting a job!! Plus I've been through 4 different slave labour's now so I really don't want another, I see people from other failed pimps who I recognise (unemployed and pimps)

[Skinnered]

Thanks for that Minibits, all that to look forward to

 

By the sound of it I'll be lucky if I get out of this world alive.

[Putneynic]

There is a nice diagram of Ingeus Every Day Counts Model accessible via

http://ingeusstaff.co.uk/diagram

based on a four phase/stage model....

 

Thanks for this.

My initial reaction was one of absolute incredulity.

My second (angry) response was to drop one letter out of Ingeus Every Day Counts to produce something incredibly rude and incredibly appropriate to Ingeus.

My third reaction is ... I'm utterly bemused as to which phase I'm in. Technically, I'm on week 47 or 48, so Skills Plus? The only Skills interaction so far has been my correcting three of their documents for spelling and grammatical mistakes!

[jasta11]

The only Skills interaction so far has been my correcting three of their documents for spelling and grammatical mistakes!

 

Welcome to the club! At least it's nice to see that Ingeus have some standards across the board - even if it is illiteracy My branch is riddled with it; everything from brochures, signs and documents, to the laptop presentations they inflict. A sure sign of how everything seems to be thrown together in 5 minutes without checking. I take MEGA pleasure in pointing out any errors and asking if they'd consider employing me to work from home for them as a proof reader (temp naturally) - I'd even let them claim a job outcome payment too..

 

Hard to take seriously any statements like 'We are here to help you' when faced with such rubbish. I've done CVs for a number of my fellow inmates and though I'm no William Shakespeare, I think they now stand a better chance of an employer reading them than they do after 'Ingeus CV Skool' have been let loose on them.

 

The DWP make - or should make - regular checking visits to WP, so why don't they spot these errors??