Partnership Impact: Cygnet & Generation

Summary

Cygnet partnered with Generation UK to build a pipeline of highly skilled, work-ready support workers. Since the partnership began, Cygnet has hired 32 learners, many of whom started with zero healthcare experience and have gone on to progress internally, demonstrating the programme’s impact on talent development and workforce diversity.

Partner background

Cygnet is a leading provider of mental health and social care services across the UK. Operating in a sector with high workforce demand and complex regulatory requirements, Cygnet sought to attract, develop, and retain talented individuals capable of delivering high-quality care.

““I think the fact that these candidates started with zero experience and then managed to understand the scope of the support worker role, do it really well, and progress over candidates who may have had much more experience demonstrates their potential.””

The challenge

Cygnet faced the challenge of sourcing candidates who could thrive in a fast-paced, highly regulated healthcare environment. Traditional recruitment methods were insufficient to prepare candidates for the realities of care work, especially for those without prior experience.

Without a reliable talent pipeline, Cygnet risked staffing gaps that could impact team stability and patient care quality. The organisation required a partnership approach that could not only attract candidates but also build their skills, confidence, and readiness for immediate contribution, while ensuring alignment with Cygnet’s high standards of care.

The partnership approach

Cygnet and Generation UK collaborated to implement a Healthcare Bootcamp programme designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed as support workers. The programme provides pre-employment training focused on both technical and interpersonal skills.
This partnership goes beyond a standard vendor relationship. Generation learners are career-focused individuals who engage in the bootcamp voluntarily, without a guaranteed job at the end. This demonstrates their motivation, trainability, and alignment with Cygnet’s values.

The collaboration is also highly supportive post-placement. Cygnet mentors and internal teams help learners integrate, progress, and develop within the organisation. Over time, this approach has allowed learners to transition from zero experience to senior support roles, team leads, and positions such as Freedom to Speak Up Guardians.

Measurable impact and results

• 32 hires sourced from Generation UK since the partnership began. Many started with zero healthcare experience, and are now progressing internally and contributing to workforce diversity
• Internal progression: Several learners have advanced to senior support worker and team lead roles within Cygnet
• Workforce development: Candidates develop CPD, participate in staff networks, and receive internal recognition for performance
• Diversity and inclusion: Partnership supports hiring from underrepresented groups, including male support workers in a female-dominated sector, asylum seekers, and refugees
• Career transformation: Learners gain confidence, skill, and long-term career pathways in healthcare.
  

Looking forward

Cygnet and Generation UK are continuing to scale their partnership, expanding access to healthcare career opportunities and strengthening workforce diversity. The collaboration demonstrates a replicable model for organisations seeking to source, develop, and retain work-ready talent while supporting their social impact objectives.

Since 2021, Generation UK has worked with Cygnet to support 32 hires. As Generation expanded into the West Midlands in 2025, the partnership grew alongside it with new healthcare hires into Cygnet’s two flagship Birmingham sites.

For more insight into this partnership, including a one year impact overview, visit Cygnet’s Careers Blog.

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