Digital and technology

ICONI continues to support the employability sector

IEP-NI-Launch-pic Belfast-based software development company ICONI is working with the Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) to support practititoners as they tackle unemployment here. Managing Director and IEP Afiiliate Liam Jordan answers our questions on the IEP, its relationship with ICONI and its future plans.

What is the IEP?

The IEP is the professional body for those working across the employment related services sector. There are an estimated 20,000 people working in this sector throughout the UK. It launched in Northern Ireland at the end of last year. During the launch visit, Declan Swan, the IEP Director, delivered information sessions to a range of employability practitioners in Belfast and Coleraine, including Steps to Work delivery partners and those who deliver European Social Fund (ESF) employability programmes.

What support does the IEP offer?

The IEP offers employability practitioners the same range of professional ability and status, career progression and qualifications that other key occupations enjoy. The IEP sets professional standards for employability practitioners in the UK, which in turn informs the development of relevant qualifications as part of a wider Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

How did ICONI become involved with the IEP?

ICONI has been actively working within this sector, providing specialist employability management software to organisations across the UK, for over seven years now. We were delighted to get involved with the promotion of the IEP here as we have worked closely with and supported thousands of employability practitioners outside of Northern Ireland. It is gratifying to be able to share our experience with the local organisations that support people back into employment.

What does the IEP have planned over the next couple of months?

IEP’s first ever local networking event entitled, ‘IEP debates the future of the employability sector in Northern Ireland. Come and have your say!’ takes place on Thursday, 23 May at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Belfast. It is one of a series of IEP networking events being organised throughout the UK. Those attending will hear from the IEP’s Director, Declan Swan, on what is happening within the wider institute and from local IEP members actively working within the employment related services sector in Northern Ireland.

A discussion will then be facilitated on the key issues facing sector practitioners in Northern Ireland and how best to respond to them. They will also be able to find out more about IEP and what it offers. Most importantly, it will provide an opportunity to network, share information, exchange views and opinions, and forge relationships with fellow professionals who share a commitment and passion for the industry. The event is being supported by ICONI and is open to all IEP members and those working within the employment related services sector in Northern Ireland. For more information on this event, contact the IEP on 0207 960 6809 or email: events@iemployability.org

iconi_logos ICONI Software Ltd
Unit 21 Ormeau Business Park
8 Cromac Avenue Belfast, BT7 2JA

Tel: +44 (0)28 9031 9300
Email: solutions@iconi.co.uk
Web: www.iconi.co.uk

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