Guernsey Employment Trust Unveils Impact: Over £3.6 Million in Social Value Generated in 2023
The Guernsey Employment Trust (GET) is making waves in the community as it reveals a remarkable £3.6 million in social value generated through its programs in 2023. This groundbreaking announcement was made possible through a partnership with Dipak Vashi, the ESG Lead from Grant Thornton Limited, who specializes in assessing social value.
GET has long dedicated itself to providing meaningful employment opportunities for disabled and neurodiverse individuals, fostering inclusive workplaces, and enhancing societal contributions. Yet, until this initiative, the financial impact of its efforts remained unquantified, overshadowing the transformative work done in the community.
In a statement, Nikki Ioannou-Droushiotis, CEO of GET, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Grant Thornton Limited, noting that this new understanding of social value motivates staff and enhances fundraising efforts. She highlighted the importance of recognizing the broader impact of their work on individuals’ lives and the community at large — a concept that resonates with the biblical principle of serving others with compassion and purpose.
"The impact we make extends beyond numbers," Nikki stated. "Jesus taught us the importance of caring for every individual, as reflected in Matthew 25:40: ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ This journey of measuring our social value allows us to better understand and serve our neighbors."
The methodology developed by Grant Thornton involved a thorough assessment of paid job outcomes and the value of unpaid placements, ultimately calculating the return on investment for every pound of taxpayer money spent. The findings underscore not just the financial worth of GET’s work, but also its commitment to uplifting the community—a principle illustrated throughout the Gospels.
Ed Ashton, Director of Operations at the Office for the Committee for Social Security and Employment, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “The overall social value has now been recognized in monetary terms. This allows us to truly appreciate the transformative effect GET has on the lives of its clients.”
LOOKING AHEAD: In addition to the impressive figures, GET is poised for further growth and impact. A new collaborative program with TGI College and GROW aims to expand training and employment opportunities for young adults, addressing gaps identified in the recent SEND Nasen Review.
As 2024 marks a decade since GET’s establishment, it serves as a poignant reminder of how dedication to those in need reflects God’s love in action. The mission of GET transcends mere statistics—it’s about creating pathways for individuals to thrive, echoing the spirit of community uplift that Jesus embodied.
In this context, readers are invited to reflect on their own capacity to contribute to positive change. As we continue to support initiatives that empower those in need, let us remember the call in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Let us consider how we can individually contribute to the broader tapestry of care and compassion within our communities. With each small act of kindness, we help to weave the fabric of a more inclusive society — one that honors the dignity and potential within every individual.
Explore and dig up answers yourself with our BGodInspired Bible Tools! Be careful – each interaction is like a new treasure hunt… you can get lost for hours 
