Category

• Fully Validated Effective Local Practice

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Poverty impact

• Mitigation
• Reduction

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Keywords

• Human Rights
• Sustainability
• Accredited Education
• Circular Economy
• Living-Wage Employer

Aim

To utilise a circular business model to reduce poverty and restore the environment.

Summary

ACS Training and Development Programme offers a holistic poverty mitigation strategy to diverse populations who may struggle to find employment in normative work environments. The eco-friendly, circular fashion-modelled business utilises accredited training and development to help lift employees out of poverty by providing a living wage and living hours. ACS partner with multiple external agencies including the local government, Skills Development Scotland, local schools, and the Scotland’s Qualifications Authority (SQA). They maintain sustainable, green employment through on-site training and development opportunities. This is not only beneficial to the fashion industry, economic growth, and job creation, but also employees and communities.

What difference does it make?

ACS has grown as a business due to their Training and Development Programme. The project has also had a positive social and economic impact by providing sustainable, green jobs with opportunities for training and development. ACS further support their employees by providing a living wage and living hours. The project has also had a positive environmental impact on the fashion industry. During the pandemic, ACS were supported by Home Energy Scotland and the Energy Savings Trust to run educational programmes for staff and their family members. These programmes made a positive impact on those involved, as they learned about saving food, energy, and general living costs.

Key take-aways

• It is important to take the initiative with new ideas without delay, but also to take small steps to achieve your goals.
• Taking unique approaches to supporting individuals and communities in need pays off. Doing so is mutually beneficial for both service providers and service users.

 

Organisations

Advanced Clothing Solutions (ACS)

Location

North Lanarkshire

Contact