Employer Engagement Team
Our employer engagement team aim to provide you with our support and resources you need to build and maximise the benefits of an inclusive workforce.
Tony Solomon
GEM Opportunity Hunter
With over 25 years’ experience in senior financial services marketing roles, Tony now devotes his time to the not for profit sector. An Opportunity Hunter with the GEM Project, Tony is passionate about helping others to reach their potential. He is relishing the challenge of helping employers in Gloucestershire to recognise and realise the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Tony is also chair of St Michaels Cornerstone Trust and a director and trustee of Fresh Hope.
In his spare time, he can be found practising a little magic or throwing the odd pot.
Sue Guilding
GEM Opportunity Hunter
After spells in both R&D and then journalism Sue has spent the majority of her career within the education sector; as a teacher, trainer, manager and assessor in local Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Sue applies the skills and experience she has developed in these professions to her role as Opportunity Hunter, supporting employers to understand the potential business benefits of employing a diverse and inclusive workforce. She enjoys showing them the range of positive effects which can come from being an inclusive employer, and relishes the opportunities presented of linking up GEM participants with open minded, supportive employers, to achieve meaningful and mutually beneficial outcomes.
Sue also continues to work as a freelance food consultant in the voluntary and private sectors.
Jon Bowles
Employer Engagement Officer: Forwards
Jon’s goal is to build relationships in engaging with employers across the county to source employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while at the same time supporting the initiation of schemes for people to fulfil their job aspirations that will encourage job retention.
I have a professional and friendly approach, using my wealth of experiences of working in human resources and coaching roles, to build collaborative relationships with organisations and people having a ‘can do’ attitude. I have personal experience of living with a disability which enhances understanding and empathy to both employers and individuals, to create opportunities and meet business objectives.
We can help you…
Access a wide pool of talent who are eager to work and value the opportunity.
Develop your CSR and Diversity and Inclusion strategies.
Organise team training such as deaf awareness, understanding learning difficulties and mental health
Shortlist and support applicants and your team with the interview process
Achieve recognition as a Disability Confident and Inclusive Employer
Apply for funding through “Access to Work” for any reasonable adjustments that may be needed
Organise on the job coaching for your new employee
Our support and service is completely free of charge.
How inclusivity can work for you…
Join us as we work together to make Gloucestershire a beacon for inclusivity in the UK; inspiring and supporting employers in realising the real business benefits of embedding a diverse and inclusive workforce.