Derbyshire charity wins national ‘Charity Oscar’ for pioneering employment scheme

Derbyshire charity Zink has won a national Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Award – known as the “Charity Oscars” – for its pioneering microjobs scheme, which helps long-term unemployed people gain skills, confidence and paid experience. Selected from 600 charities nationwide, Zink received the award at a ceremony in London presented by Akshata Murty.

The charity’s microjobs programme has a 75% success rate in helping participants secure sustainable employment, far exceeding national programmes. Research from the University of Sheffield shows the scheme works by boosting self-belief, building work experience, and helping people recognise their value in the workplace.

Zink’s win comes at a challenging time for the charity sector, with many organisations expecting to cut jobs, and amid rising unemployment nationally. Despite this, Zink continues to grow and expand its services, which include a foodbank, eco-café, health activities and wider support to help people out of poverty.

The CSJ Awards highlight exceptional grassroots organisations addressing the root causes of poverty. Zink’s success reflects its impact across the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales, and its innovative work has even been recognised in Parliament.

Zink now has more than 130 volunteers and hopes the award will inspire similar initiatives and attract further support for its life-changing work. More information is available at zink.org.uk.