Over 100 supporters gathered at Les Cotils to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Guernsey Employment Trust, marking a decade of promoting inclusive employment for disabled, neurodiverse, and disadvantaged islanders.
The event brought together a powerful cross-section of Guernsey Employment Trust’s (GET) journey, from founding directors and referring agencies to employers, funders, and States of Guernsey representatives. The celebration was opened by Chairman John Curran and featured a keynote presentation from Chief Executive Nikki Ioannou-Droushiotis, who reflected on GET’s evolution, impact, and strategic direction for the future.
Special thanks were paid to GET’s founding Chief Executive, Mike Evans, whose vision and leadership during the charity’s formative years laid the pillars for its ongoing success. His commitment to inclusive employment and strategic foresight helped shape the foundation on which GET continues to thrive.
Since its inception, GET has received over 1,010 referrals, supported 740 unpaid placements, and facilitated 763 employment contracts, with an average job retention rate of 72%. In 2023 alone, the organisation generated an estimated potential social value of £3.6 million, underscoring its vital role in the island’s social and economic fabric.
A highlight of the event was a moving talk by GET client Anna Bowditch, who shared her personal journey navigating bipolar disorder and returning to employment with GET’s support. Her story, captured in her published memoir Me and My Shadow, offered a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of inclusive, person-centred support.
Attendees also viewed four short films featuring GET clients who spoke candidly about the transformative power of work. Each video showcased a different employment setting: Les Beaucamp High School, Coop, Guernsey Recycling Group, and Rihoys, highlighting the diversity of roles and the deep sense of purpose and belonging that employment can bring.
Throughout the celebration, the event also showcased the positive impact of commissioning, demonstrating how strong partnerships between the States of Guernsey and the third sector can deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for the community. GET’s success stands as a model of collaborative investment in social value and inclusive opportunity.
The event also marked the official launch of the second edition of the Employers’ Disability Charter – a refreshed and expanded resource designed to guide employers in creating fair, legally compliant, and psychologically safe workplaces. The updated Charter reflects recent changes in Guernsey’s discrimination legislation and evolving best practices in inclusive language and employment.
“This milestone is not just a celebration of numbers,” said Nikki Ioannou-Droushiotis. “It’s a celebration of people; of courage, collaboration, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in meaningful work. As we look ahead, we remain committed to driving systemic change and future-proofing our services to meet the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.”
