Why New to Nature was successful
The New to Nature Summary Process report captures how the programme was delivered, reflecting strengths in its model and offering recommendations for future green job initiatives.
Key findings included:
Core delivery model and strengths
- New to Nature used 12-month paid placements, aligning with the 2021 Green Jobs Taskforce recommendations for high-quality and accessible green careers
- A centralised recruitment framework ran by Groundwork UK enabled consistency, fairness, and support for smaller host organisations who lacked capacity
- The programme prioritised clear, accessible communication and processes, avoiding jargon and making application and placement materials user-friendly
Lessons and recommendations
- Partner networks are pivotal: local and national intermediaries helped reach underrepresented applicants and broaden diversity
- Flexibility and adaptation: for example, hosts were encouraged to adjust roles and supports to suit individual trainees (e.g. technology, physical access, schedule adjustments)
- Support structures should include wraparound support, including mentorship, peer networks
- Financial help: especially for participants facing multiple barriers
- Future iterations should build in monitoring, feedback loops, and continuous improvement so that challenges and barriers are immediately addressed
