The Care Experience Employment Promise builds on the “The Promise”, which is a commitment from civil society and public services in Scotland to improve the lives of care experienced children.

It means that all care experienced young people will have a named keyworker from six months prior to their school leaving date to age 24 (and beyond if required).

They will be available to provide support as required, including to develop and complete an individual action plan to support their progression to a sustainable post-school destination.

Positive support and encouragement will be offered to care experienced young people to help them continue on the path of education, training or employment.

Young people interested in pursuing a career with the council can be provided with work placements to help gain experience of council workplaces and roles.

Placement evidence can be used in place of an interview to demonstrate competence should the young person wish to apply for a council vacancy.

South Lanarkshire Council’s Chief Executive, Paul Manning, said: “This shows the council’s commitment to our care experienced young people, by giving them the help and support they need as they look to build a career.

“The specialist support we will provide will help them make informed choices with regards their career path, finding something that suits their talents and allows them to develop as a person.

“If a young person moves into employment with the council through this route, we will ensure appropriate supports are in place that takes account of the individual circumstances of care experienced young people.”