Mark and Ingeus UK

Mark achieves his work goal

Ask Mark what it’s like to have a job again after four years out of work and his one word answer says it all: ‘Brilliant’, beams the 54 year-old from Barrow-in-Furness.

Now competently assisting crowds of Bluebirds as a match day steward at Barrow Association Football Club, his career has been kickstarted again thanks to the Work and Health Programme: Pioneer, delivered by Ingeus in the UK.

The 15-month programme gives all-round health, employability, and practical support to people with health conditions and disabilities, and those out of work for a significant time.

Working closely with local employers, Ingeus supports people to master their roles while working, with a focus on in-work training, encouragement, and practical problem solving.

Despite undertaking voluntary work, Mark struggled to find paid employment due to an incomplete CV and mounting anxiety about his situation.

With hearing issues, past epilepsy, and insecure housing, his confidence had taken a severe knock.

Yet determinedly persevering, Mark attended a local job fair and his fortunes changed when he met ‘a lovely lady called Katherine,’ an Ingeus employment specialist.

Mark joined the Pioneer programme in July 2024 and Katherine began updating his CV and planning his pathway back to work.

He also received support from the in-house Ingeus health team, working on his anxiety and attending confidence and motivation workshops.

After assessing Mark’s career interests, practising interview techniques, and signposting Mark for housing advice, Katherine began contacting employers with security vacancies and quickly lined up a stewarding work trial at Barrow AFC.

Mark, a steward supported by Ingeus, seated among blue stadium seats at Barrow AFC wearing a high-visibility jacket, representing new employment opportunities through the Pioneer programme.

Mark, a match day steward supported by Ingeus through the Pioneer programme, standing with two colleagues inside Barrow AFC stadium, representing successful employment and teamwork.

Recognising his enthusiasm and people skills, Mark was offered a paid role just three months after joining Pioneer.

He can walk to the Holker Street stadium from his home and works every match day. Pioneer has funded his SIA (Security Industry Authority) Level 3 and he’s undertaken safeguarding and pyrotechnics training at the club.

With his past epilepsy well managed, Ingeus has also supported Mark in applying for a driving licence.

Katherine continues to support Mark with regular face-to-face appointments. She is helping him apply for additional security roles, with further event security work already lined up for the summer.

“My favourite thing about the job is meeting new people, helping other people,” says Mark.

“I help to look after the spectators, the crowds, the grounds. I’ve got skills, so I’m now an officially licensed security officer. I’ve got stewarding skills, crowd control skills, conflict management skills, all through this programme.

“I’m not so bored in the house now. I like getting paid and praised for a well-earned job.”

Mark is the third Pioneer participant to join Barrow AFC, which has worked with Ingeus for the past year.

Rickie Wallbank, Ground Safety Officer and Stadium Manager, has fostered the relationship and says: “The Pioneer programme has helped me and us as a football club massively in hiring and recruitment. When Mark came along he was a good fit, he was a good communicator and was keen to progress with his continuous working development.

“Three people have joined us in the last 12 months and each one has been a credit to themselves.

“They’re staff that we will retain for a long time. It’s really good to work alongside Pioneer participants - I’ve got no hesitation in saying other businesses should do exactly the same.”