Purpose
This website aims to:
- Build on the proven LSWC model
- Challenge perceptions of ‘unskilled’ work
- Showcase the full local authority offer (pension, annual leave, training, career progression) to compete on more than headline salary
- Create a community for LAs who have been doing recruitment in isolation regionally and cross-regionally.
- Target a significant variety of potential applicant personas, acknowledge the breadth and variety of career journeys and transferrable skills that can be welcomed into work within a children’s home.
Milestones
So far we have:
- Conducted research with residential colleagues in London and SE regions to understand recruitment challenges and obstacles to the market
- Launched the pilot JICH website in May 2026
- Launch campaign to introduce JICH to candidates and the sector including dedicated induction sessions throughout June 2026
- First stories and case studies published on JICH throughout Summer 2026, with more planned for the Autumn
What is ahead for 2026-27:
- Paid advertising on Google and LinkedIn to drive candidate traffic
- Content programme: staff stories, day-inthe-life, career pathways, transferable skills
- Build the evidence base: traffic, applications, candidate quality, employer feedback
- Reporting capabilities for participating local authorities
- Deepen LA engagement across London and the Southeast
- Business Case to be proposed in November 2026 with the aim of securing approval from London and South-East LAs with the project and subscription model running to 2030.
“A great chance to support children’s residential care by providing a platform for centralised recruitment within the industry, an opportunity to develop practical resources and a chance to celebrate the great work delivered for our children”. – Craig Edmunds, Residential Manager, LB of Sutton