Third sector joins with public sector to create opportunities for lone parents
A partnership between two organisations supporting lone parents into employment and tackling child poverty is up for a prestigious gong.
One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS) and Public Health Scotland (PHS) have been named as finalists in the ‘Employer Partnership’ category for the ERSA 2024 Employability Awards.
The awards, taking place on 4 December in London, celebrate outstanding achievements and innovation across the employability sector, spotlighting support given to employers, communities, disadvantaged learners, and jobseekers across the UK.
PHS and OPFS have been recognised for their innovative employment pathway programme designed to empower lone parents with the skills, tools, and experience necessary for long-term success in the workforce.
A key element to the success of this partnership is the fact that the pathway was designed from the outset by lone parents, for lone parents, ensuring that their unique needs as sole caregivers and providers for their children were prioritised. Through this co-design approach, the programme tackles key barriers to workforce entry or re-entry, such as limited access to flexible, affordable childcare, gaps in work experience, and transportation challenges.
After completing a 6-week training academy at OPFS, parents participating secured an 18-month work contract within the Business Service area of Public Health Scotland.
Single mum Ada from Glasgow who took part in the programme said: “My journey began with a confidence-building course [at OPFS] where I, along with other single parents, learned how to feel better, think better, and step outside our comfort zones.
It was through this course that I first heard about the opportunity to apply for a role with Public Health Scotland, and the guidance from OPFS was instrumental every step of the way. They helped me overcome doubts, perfect my job application, and prepare for interviews, all while offering flexibility and understanding of my role as a single parent.
“Even after being offered the job at PHS, the support continued—helping with childcare, financial advice, and the transition into work. My new role’s flexible and the hybrid arrangement has made balancing work and family life manageable, and the entire journey has been transformative.
“Today, I feel more confident, purposeful, and fulfilled. The work OPFS and PHS are doing is life-changing, and I encourage any single parent to reach out to them because their support truly makes a difference."
Satwat Rehman, OPFS chief executive, said: “Four in 10 children living in poverty in Scotland are in single-parent households. The Scottish Government has rightly identified lone parents as a priority group for tackling child poverty.
“Achieving child poverty reduction targets requires placing employability at the forefront, with tailored support to help lone parents secure sustainable, well-paid jobs and break the cycle of poverty.
“Lone parents—most of whom are mothers —face unique challenges as sole caregivers and breadwinners for their families. At OPFS, we are committed to addressing these systemic challenges. Through this partnership, we are proud to have developed a new ‘single parent proofed’ framework for Public Health Scotland, ensuring they are equipped to adapt to the unique needs of lone parents.
Paul Johnston, Public Health Scotland chief executive, added: ‘’Poverty is the main driver of unequal health outcomes in Scotland. Providing fair and healthy work is a way of lifting families out of poverty and helping close the gap in health inequalities.
“The NHS is a part of every community in Scotland. Providing sustainable employment within communities is a very important part of what we do. This includes strengthening the contribution we make as an employer to help overcome the barriers groups such as lone parents experience when coming to the job market.”
