Charity which helps people find work boosted by appointment

A SOLICITOR at a leading legal firm has joined the board of a charity which helps young people and adults find employment.

Sam Lyon Head of Corporate and Commercial at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, has become a trustee of Inspira, which supports people in Cumbria and Lancashire prepare for a career, return to work or look for a first job.

Sam has spent most of his legal career advising both large and small businesses, as well as holding a number of executive roles and directorships in business. He will use his experience to support the Penrith-based charity, which employs 120 staff across North West England.

He said: “Inspira is a fantastic organisation which offers invaluable help and support to young people and adults through its projects and initiatives.

“I’m looking forward to helping it continue to develop and grow, and build on the momentum which has been established over recent years.”

Sam was previously a member of the Inspira board for three years from 2014, but stepped back due to family and work commitments. He rejoined the charity’s board in December, with the support of his employers Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, which has offices across Cumbria and Northumberland.

“I’m now in a position to give more time to the charity,” he said. “Cartmell Shepherd are very supportive of staff giving back to the community and I’m pleased to be part of Inspira again.”

George Beveridge, chairman of Inspira, said he was delighted to welcome Sam back on to the board of trustees.

“It is incredibly important to have a board which represents a range of sectors and experience to ensure the best possible support and scrutiny for the charity,” he said.

“Sam’s legal background and understanding of the corporate and commercial world will be crucial as we move forward with our plans for the future.”

Inspira has staff based in Carlisle, Barrow, Workington, Whitehaven, Lancaster, Blackpool, Preston, Fleetwood, the Fylde Coast and Blackburn. It operates contracts such as the National Careers Service and Skills Support for the Unemployed, which provides careers advice and support for adults looking for employment, and works with businesses to guide and train people into employment opportunities.

Mark Bowman, chief executive of Inspira, said the pandemic had increased demand for the charity’s services, with careers information, advice and guidance currently being delivered digitally through group workshops and one-to-one appointments.

“Like every business, we are working hard to ensure that we deliver the very best results in a difficult environment,” he said. “It’s more important than ever for us to be there for anyone who needs to find a different path.

“Our focus is to be part of the solution and to continue to deliver our remit of helping people find employment and move on to the next stage of their lives.”

Inspira is a career management and personal development organisation which works to address youth unemployment and get adults ready for work and link them to employers. It works with organisations across the North West to deliver programmes which enable people to get back to work, shore up skills shortages, prepare young people for life after school and connect schools and colleges with business.

For more information about Inspira visit www.inspira.org.uk