We’re incredibly proud to be supporting United For Ukraine, a new collaborative initiative designed to support Ukrainian refugees who have been forced to flee their country in response to the ongoing conflict.
To get a better understanding of what United For Ukraine is and how businesses across the North can support the cause, we spoke to our own Senior Communications Consultant, Harriet who has been helping to spread the word.
Can you tell us more about what United For Ukraine is?
“United For Ukraine is a web platform that has been created by leaders in the North to connect Ukrainian refugees to job opportunities.
“When evacuees are coming to the UK to find refuge, they’ll need opportunities to be able to find work here and build back their lives. The platform has been created as a direct way to connect the many job opportunities that are available in the North with those who need them most.
“All of the jobs featured on the platform follow a strict criteria – for example, the employers must be paying at least the Real Living Wage. We want to make sure we’re providing quality jobs for those coming to the UK to escape an unimaginable situation.
“As well as job listings, the platform also signposts Ukrainians to support services, such as finance, childcare and visa support – basically everything they will need for entering the world of work comfortably.”
What organisations are involved in United For Ukraine?
“The concept of United For Ukraine was created by North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT) and Northern Powerhouse Partnership, with support from the Local Enterprise Partnership across the North.
“The Growth Company led by Mark Hughes, has done an incredible job of creating the website from start to finish in an impressively short space of time.
“Many high-profile businesses took part in getting the campaign started, including – Arup, KPMG, PWC, Creative Concern, DWF Law, EY, Cirrus Connect, Bruntwood, Siemens, Northern Power Women and Net Zero North West. Metro mayors in the North have also lent their hands throughout the process.
“It has been a real team effort from the get-go, and everyone involved has shown a huge commitment which has been so inspiring to witness.”
How are Agent supporting the initiative?
“As we’re a member of NWBLT and our CEO Paul sits as the deputy chair of the Liverpool Local Enterprise Partnership, we really wanted to help support the initiative and make a positive impact where we could. All pro-bono.
“Our Creative team designed the United For Ukraine logo, and we have led the way on the communications activity of the campaign, including heading the PR launch, social media activity and getting the word out there.
“We made sure the spokespeople were briefed, and we were active in sourcing the best PR opportunities to increase the reach of the campaign and spread awareness.
“We were proud to get United For Ukraine covered in national news outlets such as ITV and Business Live, as well as broadcast coverage with BBC North West Tonight and across regional radio.
“Since the launch, we’ve continued to meet up regularly to bounce ideas off each other and discuss what more we could to support the campaign and the people it was designed for.”
Why is this an important campaign for people to support?
“It’s incredibly important! Most obviously because of the current crisis and the simple fact that there is a general need for support around the issue, but it’s also an opportunity for us all to use our platforms and privilege to help others.
“It’s all about finding the ways you can help and bringing people together with different skills, knowledge and expertise to do the right thing and help make a difference.”
What’s the goal for United For Ukraine?
“The reason the website was created was to address a very immediate problem, but the goal is that it will become a long-term support system, not just a platform that serves a singular, short-term purpose and disappears once the news coverage has fizzled out.
“We launched the site with just a few jobs listed, and now there are around 200 different opportunities with some incredible organisations – it’s continuously growing.
“For as long as the support is needed, we plan to continue working with businesses, encouraging them to share their job opportunities on the platform, and working with organisations who support refugees to help signpost them to the help they need.
How can people get involved in supporting United for Ukraine?
“Continue to share it on all your social media platforms and with everyone you know. If you’re a business, or you work for an organisation that might have relevant roles, please share them on the site.
“The more awareness we raise, the more chances we’ll have to help support those who need it right now.”
For more information or to access the opportunities available, visit the United For Ukraine website: https://unitedforukraine.org.uk.