BBC Afghanistan Staff: Humanitarian Aid & Resettlement

The BBC’s evacuation of staff from Kabul to the UK presented a significant challenge, requiring immediate support for their resettlement and integration into the UK job market. These individuals faced numerous barriers, including unfamiliarity with the UK job market, lack of suitable CVs, and language difficulties, all of which needed to be addressed promptly and effectively.

Reed Professional Services (RPS), in collaboration with Reed Specialist Recruitment and various charity foundations, developed a comprehensive support programme. This initiative was designed to assist the BBC Afghanistan staff in their transition, focusing on employment and social integration in the UK.

RPS coordinated closely with BBC stakeholders to set up a dedicated team for the programme. A specific communication channel was created for receiving CVs and details from the staff. RPS offered free CV writing courses through Reed Online and partnered with Bridge of Hope & Resume Foundation for inclusive employment support. Additionally, the Rapid Employment and Settlement Support scheme, managed by Reed in Partnership, was implemented to provide extensive resettlement assistance.

The programme was launched successfully, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response and strong engagement from the staff. The initiative significantly improved the employment and integration prospects for the resettled staff, demonstrating RPS’s commitment to providing comprehensive and empathetic support in challenging circumstances. This case study exemplifies RPS’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to complex humanitarian challenges, showcasing their dedication to impactful solutions.