Recruitment challenges aren’t new. But for many SMEs in Aberdeen and across the North-east, they’re getting harder to ignore.
Roles are going unfilled. Costs are climbing. And yet, there’s a pool of skilled, motivated talent sitting just out of reach.
Why? Because too often, businesses overlook individuals who don’t follow the “typical” hiring path: refugees, young people with limited networks, and individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds who face systemic barriers, not due to lack of talent, but lack of opportunity.
At Diversity Bridge SCIO, we help businesses bridge that gap.
Empower200
Our flagship programme, Empower200, connects employers with individuals ready to contribute—people who’ve completed confidence-building, CV prep, and professional development workshops, and who are eager to gain real-world experience.
It’s not charity. It’s smart recruitment.
Take JCE Group, for example. In 2024, they partnered with us to offer a short work placement. The result? A meaningful experience for a young person who’d never had one, and real insight and fresh energy for the business that welcomed them.
And it didn’t require a big HR department, complex onboarding, or a long commitment. Just a willingness to open the door.
Why Aberdeen’s business community is key
Large organisations may have inclusion targets and structured pipelines. But it’s local businesses—the SMEs, the independents, the family-run firms—that can offer the most impactful opportunities.
You don’t need to rewrite your recruitment strategy. A few hours of mentoring, a short job-shadowing opportunity, or a temporary placement can make a difference for your business and someone else’s future.
We provide:
- All programme structure and participant support
- Clear expectations and easy onboarding
- Guidance to help you make inclusion work practically and professionally
What’s in it for your business?
Inclusive hiring isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s also a strategic edge in a competitive market.
- Access a motivated and often overlooked talent pool
- Strengthen your reputation as an inclusive, future-ready employer
- Build stronger ties with your local community
- Bring fresh perspectives and experiences into your team
With many industries facing skills gaps and talent shortages, inclusive partnerships are no longer a “nice to have.” They’re a way forward.
Let’s turn potential into progress
If you’ve ever thought, “We’d like to do more, but don’t know where to start,” this is it.
Email us at bridgebuilders@diversitybridge.org.uk
Learn more at www.diversitybridge.org.uk
One opportunity. One placement. One open door.
That’s all it takes to start building something better for your team and your community.