In March 2023, after a long period of development (and inspired by the epic work of our 2018 Graduate Focus Group), we launched Scarf's Graduate Voice program. Co-facilitated by 2016 Scarf graduate Mel Watson and Scarf Program and Wellbeing Manager Neil Baxendale, the Graduate Voice group includes five Scarf Graduates - Mona, Angel, Mahabub, Wafaa and Ysabella - who meet regularly to share feedback and ideas which help shape Scarf programs. The Graduate Voice group get together every 6 weeks, sometimes in person and sometimes online. Their discussions are essential to the Scarf team and board understanding the wants and needs of the young people who sign up for Scarf programs. As with all shifts worked by Scarf trainees and graduates, the Graduate Voice members are remunerated for their time. 

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Although still in its early days, the Graduate Voice group has really hit the ground running, providing the Scarf Team with some incredibly valuable feedback on our Uniform Policy and on the way we share images and stories of trainees on social media. Initial discussions have also included how to ensure trainees are being adequately challenged by the Scarf team and mentors as they progress through the program, how to handle difficult conversations with diners, and how the Scarf team can most effectively support graduates in the post-program period. 

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The beauty of the Graduate Voice program is that it belongs to the graduates themselves. They have started to build something very special, and are becoming increasingly confident in using their problem-solving, negotiation and critical thinking skills to help us drive the Scarf Program forward. Everyone at Scarf is incredibly excited to have these thoughtful and generous young people on board, and we are privileged to work alongside them as we continue to enable future Scarf trainees to overcome their barriers to employment.

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Graduate Voice members Angel, Mahabub, Ysabella and Mona setting the ground rules for Graduate Voice during one of the group's first meetings at Worksmith. 

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Cover image: Hands-on training during Autumn Scarf '19 at The Rochey. Photo: Linsey Rendell