Eye Health Care Charity of the Month

Staff manning TPT’s stand during a Sight Loss Village exhibition event

Thomas Pocklington Trust is seeking employers to sign up to its internship programme throughout May. Read on to hear more about the charity, and how to support its valuable work…

Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) is a charitable organisation with a dedicated staff – more than half of whom are blind or partially sighted – and over 200 volunteers who have lived experience of sight loss.

The charity strives for equality of blind and partially sighted people in every aspect of society. Its work improves opportunities for blind and partially sighted people so that they have the same key life chances.

TPT’s Key Life Chances, Just Like You video on YouTube, which explains more.

Championing needs and aspirations

TPT’s work is focused on championing the needs and aspirations of blind and partially sighted people, fully recognising the depth and complexity of the challenges faced. It addresses these challenges not only within its local communities across the country through direct action by members of its Sight Loss Councils, but also at the heart of its national government and policy structures.

TPT focuses on significant life milestones of blind and partially sighted people, including ensuring that they are able to thrive in education, by fostering positive employment opportunities and promoting overall health and wellbeing, with timely health interventions when needed.

Key aims and activities

TPT provides information, resources and advice guidance to students in or entering education, and the professionals/parents/carers who support them.

It works to reduce unemployment rates among blind and partially sighted people of working age, encouraging more employers to create accessible workplaces, and generate employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.

TPT aims to ensure unrestricted access to all healthcare services to blind and partially sighted people, thereby removing barriers that limit their overall health, fitness and wellbeing.

TPT campaigns against injustices faced by blind and partially sighted people while actively promoting the creation of more inclusive, accessible and equitable communities and society at large. Find out more about its campaigns.

To achieve these objectives, TPT works in partnership with blind and partially sighted people, experts and its dedicated supporters to implement campaigns, activities and services that increase independence and improve lives.

Get Set Progress internship programme

The internships team with a cohort of interns following completion of their Get Set Progress programme

Since 2015, TPT’s our Get Set Progress (GSP) internship programme has been providing high quality opportunities to blind and partially sighted people, helping employers diversify and work towards being more disability confident.

“I grew up in an environment where a lot of people with visual disabilities do not get employment whatsoever. So this opportunity has given the chance to go further than I would have ever dreamed of,” Audrey (2024), admin assistant intern, General Optical Council

Delivered in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People, Get Set Progress has been phenomenally successful in increasing employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted individuals.

“As an employer, the programme has been transformative for us. Now we have so much more confidence in our ability to offer employment and internship opportunities to blind or partially sighted colleagues,” Leonie Milliner, CEO, General Optical Council

“It’s been brilliant working with the team at TPT, they have been patient and constructive throughout. It’s a fantastic scheme and we were blown away by the quality and experience of the candidates,” Chris Holton, product director, Zappar

Hear what other previous employers have said…

Five steps to employing an intern

TPT makes it easy for employers to hire an intern in five steps:

1. Online application guidance. Start an online application to host an intern; TPT’s team is on hand to guide applicants through the simple process and offer support in developing a suitable job description.

2. Support for recruitment. TPT helps applicants to create an inclusive recruitment process, including job postings and selection criteria tailored to attract talented blind and partially sighted candidates.

3. Help getting your organisation ready. TPT’s team delivers manager guidance sessions, including an office walkaround to identify and suggest necessary adaptations to make the workplace accessible and provide vision awareness training.

4. Onboarding assistance. TPT’s support applicants with interviews and selection while deciding on a preferred candidate, who will be onboarded like any other employee.

5. Access to Work process advice. Access to Work can provide adaptations needed to the workplace and ensure the intern has everything they need to succeed.

Ready to embrace exciting new talent?

TPT is seeking employers to sign up throughout May.

Scan the QR code below for more information:

Or visit TPT’s website at www.pocklington.org.uk/employment/internships

Email: internships@pocklington.org.uk

Call: 020 8995 0880