Flagship project with royal backing, UK

In March 2025, we were announced as the latest Homewards Activator by forming a partnership dedicated to creating employment pathways for those experiencing, or at risk, of homelessness in the six Homewards locations. 

Homewards is a five-year programme created by Prince William and The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales that aims to demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness. 

The new partnership builds on Project Flourish, work that Hays UK&I began in 2022 in collaboration with the charity ‘EveryYouth’. Project Flourish is an employability programme that equips disadvantaged young people with skills for meaningful jobs and supports employers in creating inclusive environments. 

Through the partnership, we are supporting Homewards in securing commitments within the UK for job and training opportunities, aligning with their Local Action Plans. We are also sharing bespoke data-driven insights that are crucial to understanding and addressing employment barriers faced by those experiencing homelessness. The partnership is planned to roll out across Homewards locations, supporting young people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. 

Jamie Houlders, Lead for Project Flourish, was in Aberdeen in March to deliver employer workshops and to discuss Project Flourish with Prince William and podcast host and influencer, Steven Bartlett. 

Karen Young, Director and Social Purpose Lead for UK&I, said: “This partnership is aligned to our Social Purpose commitment – and is a true collaboration bringing Hays, charity partnerships and employers together to achieve positive impact.”