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Home > News > SUEZ Surrey supports Harlequins Employability Programme

17th July 2025

SUEZ Surrey supports Harlequins Employability Programme

In July, Gareth Swain and Lee Ruck from the Surrey team represented SUEZ as panel members at a special presentation hosted inside HMP Feltham, as part of the Harlequins Foundation’s ten-week Employability course.

The course, built around the Skills Builder Framework, helps young adults develop and articulate essential employability skills, while also preparing them for life and work upon release. As part of the programme, participants work on practical projects designed to make a difference to their communities.

For this session, the challenge was clear: create effective and sustainable waste management solutions specifically for HMP Feltham. Two teams presented innovative proposals, from a dedicated vape disposal system to creative food waste initiatives and a community clothes bank.

Gareth and Lee, alongside the Governor, Heads of Department, and Harlequins Foundation staff, provided constructive feedback, commending the originality, practicality, and environmental benefits of the ideas. Several elements were highlighted as having real potential to be implemented in the near future, both inside the prison and in the wider community.

The employability programme also offers participants opportunities such as an RFU Level 2 Accredited Coaching Qualification and the chance to gain their CSCS Card, opening doors to future work. The Harlequins Foundation, will then help connect participants with potential employers and mentors upon release.

SUEZ’s Regional Manager for Surrey, Gareth Swain, said: “It was inspiring to see how much thought, creativity, and practical problem-solving the participants put into their ideas. These aren’t just theoretical exercises – they’re solutions that could make a real difference to waste management and sustainability in the community. We were pleased to be part of the panel and to support the Harlequins Foundation in helping these individuals build skills and confidence for their future.”

SUEZ Surrey is proud to be part of a partnership that not only supports personal growth and skill development but also inspires sustainable thinking for the benefit of communities and the environment.