THE PATHFINDER PROJECT

The Pathfinder Project, now in its fifth year, was developed to address the growing need for early resolution and the reduction in compensation awards as well as the more obvious benefits such as a return to self-esteem for the Claimant by enabling a return-to-work programme.

This unique, comprehensive programme of support ensures maximum benefit can be obtained by all the interested parties. Available throughout the UK, assessments are carried out by the very best employment professionals and are designed to identify those transferable skills that can be brought into play in alternative work.

The service delivers a structured in-depth interview, during which we discover the individual’s work experience and identify transferable skills, which may be task based, interpersonal or managerial. In addition, we consider their flexibility to learn new tasks, and assess whether full or part-time work would be appropriate after consulting the available medical reports. We examine the possibility of retraining and advise on available training courses and venues where appropriate. A period of re-training will vary considerably depending on the nature of the injury, geographical location of the Claimant and level of transferable skills. Term start dates are a vital consideration.

We look closely at the Claimant’s travel-to-work area and jobs that may be available. Once this has been assessed and reported upon, including a proposed Action Plan illustrating the obstacles to be overcome by the Claimant, the next step is to seek the commitment of the Claimant, essential to a positive outcome. The way forward, in its simplest form, may require job search guidance and coaching including tips on presentation and motivation, preparation of an up-to-date curriculum vitae and undertaking an advocacy role. We will provide the Claimant with a copy of our unique Job Seeking Guide once the Action Plan has been agreed.

A dedicated Project Director is appointed who will author the assessment and oversee the project. If the action plan is accepted, a Case Manager is assigned to support the Claimant. In some cases, where self-employment may be an option, we will offer the facility of a Business Mentor. In either event, it is essential the Case Manager meets the claimant to agree the Action Plan.

An assessment, unlike an employment expert’s report, will major on transferable skills, re-trainability, a detailed study of the Claimant’s local labour market and the development of an Action Plan. It is not until the assessment is complete that we can fix an approximate cost on the Plan as so much depends on the Claimant’s transferable skills and likelihood of suitable employment within a reasonable travel-to-work area. The cost of the Action Plan will be contained within the body of the assessment and it is important to recognise costs may vary considerably as they are entirely dependent on the length and detail of the proposed plan and the amount of time required to support the Claimant in their attempt to return to work. Each case is costed on an individual basis.