Customer Services
Information, advice & guidance
Old Ford offer a free, matrix accredited Information Advice and Guidance service to Tower Hamlets residents delivered by qualified staff at two of our facility centres in Bow.
How we can help
We provide free information,advice and guidance on accessing education,training and employment. Our service is open to all those that live, work and study in the borough of Tower Hamlets regardless of your benefit status or your educational or work background. If you would like support on achieving an educational or employment related goal then we can help you do this no matter what it is you want to do.
What we can offer you
The breakdown of our service is as follows:
- Supporting you to write a professional and targeted CV
- Helping you to write application forms that will increase your chances of being shortlisted
- Support with personal statements for university applications
- Looking at ways in which you can access funding for work or educational activities, for example for course fees and equipment, employment related tools or interview clothes.
- Practicing interview techniques - how to get over nerves and deal with difficult questions
- Supported job search with the use of our IT facilities and free internet access
- Free printing of job related materials such as job adverts or CV’s
- Use of our telephones to contact employers or colleges
- Up to date information on the labour market and sector specific information
- Access to IT, CSCS (Construction Skill and Certification Scheme), Literacy and Numeracy courses
- Access to short courses such as First Aid, Customer Services, or Food Hygiene
- Information about courses offered by universities and colleges
- 'Better off Calculations' - use of our benefits calculator
- Financial advice on how to manage your money as well as financial services information
- Referrals to other organisations for housing or legal advice
What you can expect from us
- A client centred approach
- Impartial service
- To be treated equally and fairly irrespective of gender, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability
- All personal information provided to us by you to be treated in a strictly confidential manner and not passed on to anyone else without your permission
- If we are unable to assist you with any issues you might have then we will always refer you to an organisation that can
We welcome your feedback
We deliver our service with you in mind. Without your feedback we might be unable to offer the kind of help that you really need, so it’s important for you to let us know if there are ways in which we can improve or ways in which you think we can help.
We have a Focus Group of clients and stakeholders who meet at least three times a year to discuss our services, if you would like to take part in this or for general feedback please contact Rosie Hewson, Employment and Training Manager, on 020 7204 1554 or email Rosie.Hewson@circle.org.uk
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Contact us
To find out more about our Information, Advice and Guidance Centre, please contact:
Leena Parmar, Information, Advice and Guidance Manager:020 8981 3298 | Leena.Parmar@circle.org.uk
Justin Brett, Information, Advice and Guidance Officer:020 8981 3298 | Justin.Brett@circle.org.uk
Where to find us:
Main IAG Centre: Eastside Youth and Community Centre, 6 Parnell Road, Bow, E3 2RB | tel:020 8981 3298 or 020 8981 1036 | adviceandguidance@circle.org.uk
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Case Study: Old Ford’s Information, Advice & Guidance Service Guides Justina into employment
Justina had been unemployed for five months since being made redundant. In the past she held roles predominately in the health care sector, helping other people to become more independent. Since becoming unemployed Justina became frustrated and despondent and despite having a strong career history her job applications were unsuccessful.
She also felt that being in her late forties her age made it more difficult for her to get work. Feeling in need of advice and guidance to take up a voluntary work vacancy, Justina was referred to Old Ford's Information Advice and Guidance service.
Old Ford's IAG advisors worked with Justina on a number of objectives she had set including updating and improving the presentation of her CV, prioritising meaningful work choices, assisting with an application for a voluntary role, advising on interviews and working on her motivation.
Since using the service Justina has become more aware of how to accentuate and make the most of her skills, talents, and accomplishments. Her CV was improved and streamlined and after receiving advice on other methods to attain work Justina was more hopeful about successfully re-entering the workforce. Justina was able to access a voluntary role with Old Ford Housing Association repairs team through the IAG service contacts and with the ongoing support from the IAG advisors, Justina was able to sustain employment as Care Coordinator.
This support has helped her with personal issues in her life and has helped her maintain financial stability. Justine said "I was not aware of the many things I could do to improve my job chances before speaking with [her IAG advisor]"
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Information, Advice and Guidance is part of Old Ford’s Training, Employment and Enterprise team which deliver a comprehensive programme of opportunities to engage the local community in training, education, employment and enterprise.
For more information please contact Rosie Hewson, Training and Employment Manager on 0207 204 1554 or email Rosie.Hewson@circleanglia.org
