Jonathan Miles, who works for OCS Facilities at Bristol’s Cabot Circus shopping centre, has been recognised in the annual Responsible Business Awards staged by HRH The Prince of Wales’ national charity Business in the Community’s (BITC).
He won the South West Employee Volunteer of the Year title for his exceptional work helping unemployed people into work by organising events and providing buddying support, which has strengthened relationships between his employer and other key organisations.
OCS Facilities supports BITC by giving candidates work placements in security, cleaning, customer services, car park and reception at Cabot Circus. Jon wanted to get involved and asked to help support the candidates, who were long-term unemployed or homeless.
Using his own initiative, Jon showed a real interest in the project and started to manage communication between BITC and site managers. He has since been involved in site visits for potential candidates, work groups, presentations, placing candidates in work at Cabot Circus and supporting them through the process. He does this in his own time, as it is not part of his core job function.
Jon has hosted six BITC events at Cabot Circus (for the Behind the Scenes and Ready for Work initiatives), providing information on employment opportunities at the shopping centre. These events reached around 40 people.
He has been a ‘buddy’ to 15 people on work placements, supporting them during their two-week placement. Five of these people were offered and accepted work at Cabot Circus and Jon provided them with valuable support and encouragement, ensuring they had the confidence to accept the roles.
BITC head of community impact, Tracy Reed, said: “Jon’s commitment to helping vulnerable people through his work is an inspiration to us all.
“With the support of his employer he has worked tirelessly on several different initiatives that have had a huge impact on the lives of people who would otherwise be struggling to get in to work. He is a deserving winner of this award and sets a great example of what can be achieved through employee volunteering.”
The full list of South West Responsible Award winners are:
Big Ticks
- Education – Nationwide Building Society
- Building Stronger Communities – Danone Nutricia
- Building Stronger Communities – RWE Npower
- Inspiring Young Talent – Mulberry
- BUPA Workwell & Engagement – Dairy Crest (shortlisted for national award)
- Sustainable Products & Services – CFH Docmail (shortlisted for national award)
- Responsible Business of the Year – Nationwide
Reaccreditations:
- Responsible Small Business of the Year – Henry Orchard & Sons
- Education – Nationwide
Other awards:
- Employee Volunteering Business of the Year – Nationwide
- South West Collaborative Action Award – EDF Energy & the Cheltenham Science Festival
- Community Champion – Stuart Langworthy from Millbrook Academy in Gloucester
- Employee Volunteer of the Year -Jon Miles – Cabot Circus
- M&S Sieff Award – Ben Smith, Horticulture Buyer – B&Q
- HRH Ambassador Award – Phil Cotton, KPMG
For further information about the impact and background to the 2014 successful Award stories, visit
Pictured: Jon Miles receiving his award at the dinner
