A Staffordshire County Council manager has won a national award for her work helping young care leavers into employment. Chloe Kelly, who runs the Care Leavers into Employment programme, received the Rising Star award at the Municipal Journal Achievement Awards 2026. The scheme is based in Stafford and has already transformed the lives of more than 90 young people across the county.
Care leavers in Stafford and across Staffordshire face significant barriers to employment. Around 1,000 young people aged 16 to 25 fall into this category, and they are far less likely to secure jobs than their peers, despite having considerable potential. Kelly's team works to change this by connecting care leavers with local businesses of all sizes, creating real employment opportunities while boosting company diversity.
The success of the Stafford-based programme has already caught the attention of government ministers. Kelly's team will soon present their work at the Houses of Parliament, showcasing how the initiative is making a difference at a national level. Kelly said the award belongs to her entire team and that she is committed to continuing to build opportunities for care leavers in the region.
Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, praised the recognition. "The award is thoroughly deserved and reflects the difference she is making," he said.