Agenda item

(i)            Joint Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships and the Interim Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services.

(ii)          Presentation by the Strategic Manager, Progression and Learning, Children and Young People’s Services.

The Chairman introduced the External Programme Manager, Helen Radcliffe who was in attendance to give an update as regards the DurhamWorks Programme – Youth Employment Initiative (for copy see file of minutes).

The External Programme Manager reminded the Committee of the previous updates given by the Strategic Manager - Progression and Learning, Linda Bailey in relation to the DurhamWorks Programme and noted that there had been good progress made, though still with some challenges to overcome.

Members noted positive aspects included: employer engagement; the Learning, Working, Earning Grant; support for vulnerable groups; marketing and communications; and programme evaluation.  It was explained that challenges included: eligibility evidence; the Management Information System; and programme delays.

The Committee noted marketing and communications, utilising traditional methods such as advertising on the side of buses and radio as well as more modern social media channels adding that the marketing was targeted to areas specifically.  Councillors noted a graph highlighting the impact of marketing campaigns and that the next steps included targeted campaigns focussing on young people and employers, plus the use of social media including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Members noted that there would be a comprehensive programme evaluation built into the programme, and that this would include feedback from the young people themselves as well as cost-benefit analysis.

The External Programme Manager referred Members to a slide setting out the current performance of the DurhamWorks Programme, split between all clients, and “verified” clients.  It was explained that “verified” referred to the specific eligibility criteria as set out in the EU funding, with DCC waiting for evidence for around 400 clients from JobCentre Plus. 

It was added that of those clients there was an approximate 50/50 spilt between16-18 year olds and 19-25 year olds, though it was thought the number of those 18 and older would increase.

Members were referred to a slide highlighting outputs, with most measures heading comfortably in the right direction, though the issue of lone parents being highlighted as one that would have a specific programme and it was expected that another aspect to be looked at would be “inactive” young people.  It was added that if there was a specific need identified, which couldn’t be delivered by the existing Delivery Partners, then provision would be procured through the Sub-contractor Framework.  Members noted information as regards the geographical distribution of DurhamWorks participants and an updated position in terms of the financial performance of the Programme.

Councillors were referred to examples of “DurhamWorks, Young People and Employers”, with case studies of young people working with: a staircase manufacturer in Newton Aycliffe; the Citizens’ Advice Service; Weardale Adventure Centre; and a bearing and transmission manufacturer based at Consett.

The External Programme Manager commented that if Councillors knew of any young people that could benefit from the DurhamWorks programme to get in touch and let the young person know how to get in touch also.  Members were asked to encourage employers to engage with DurhamWorks to discuss what financial incentives maybe available as well as sharing information about DurhamWorks though their local networks as widely as possible.

The Chairman thanked the Officer and asked Members for their questions.

Councillor J Armstrong noted an output figure of 1,205 up to July, giving approximately 250 per month, and asked was it a stretch target and how confident were Officers in terms of achieving the output targets.  The External Programme Manager noted Officers were very confident and that the opportunities were huge in between May and November 2017 to be able to help those young people that have not been as successful at school, or to assist those completing A-Levels or a degree should they be struggling.  It was noted that there was a small downward trend, however, it was felt that from May onwards that this would be remedied, having learned lessons from the previous year, with processes now in place to work with schools, colleges and JobCentre Plus.

Councillor J Clare noted that he had been speaking to a DurhamWorks Mentor who had a wealth of experience and had noted that the wraparound care being provided was the best they had ever seen.  Councillor J Clare asked as regards the figures for Newton Aycliffe, specifically as regards those that were NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) and what percentage of those had signed up to DurhamWorks.

The External Programme Manager noted 108 NEETs in Newton Aycliffe and a response as regards the sign up would be provided to the member.  Councillor J Clare asked as regards the eligibility criteria, noting he had believed it was for 18-24 years olds only.  The External Programme Manager explained that it was for those aged 16-24 (on the day that they registered on DurhamWorks or the day after they had left compulsory education) and that proof of age, residency, and unemployed or NEET status was required, as well as meeting the EU Programme eligibility.

Councillor E Adam noted the scheme was in the early stages, however added that he felt it was going in the right direction.  He asked questions in terms of marketing and recruitment of young people to the programme, noting many organisations would be targeting young people at this time.  The External Programme Manager noted that, in an ideal world, it would be preferable to prevent those at risk of becoming NEET actually becoming NEET.  However conditions of the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) funding meant young people could not be targeted while at school and they had to be NEET/unemployed before joining DurhamWorks.  It was noted that other ESF funding is enabling this NEET preventative work to be undertaken and the Newcastle College Group were leading on this.

Councillor E Adam also asked questions in terms of structures in place to help identify those young people needing help to become work ready, and how employers would get knowledge of the programme and the support available.  The External Programme Manager noted there were 6 Business Advisors and they would look to find opportunities and help “handhold” employers as some microbusinesses may not have had employed people before and would need assistance in terms of preparing a job specification, help with sourcing candidates and preparation of interview questions.  It was added that there would be follow up with the young person post-start, with the young people having their own support workers too, helping at all stages to make placements sustainable.  The External Programme Manager explained that in terms of identifying the needs of young people, the first stage would be to talk to the young person and ask what they wanted, where they were in terms of skills and knowledge, with issues of communication and confidence being assessed.  It was added that not all young people understand the issues in terms of presentation and communication and therefore this is explained and each young person has an Action Plan specific to their needs.  In some cases participants needs support to overcome basic barriers such as arranging travel or setting up a bank account.  Members noted that young people would then move to either specialist DurhamWorks Delivery Partners or mainstream employment, training or education provision, depending upon the needs identified.

Councillor M Davinson noted the programme seemed excellent, noting the participation of lone parents and added that he felt this should be prioritised.  Councillor A Patterson added that there were groups to look at, such as lone parents and care leavers where they could be financially disadvantaged if they were to take up a training opportunity, leaving those young people in a Catch-22 situation.  The External Programme Manager noted that in terms of lone parents there was work with One-Point and Public Health with the Teenage Parenting Pathway and that with those aged 19-24 work was being undertaken with young people living in rural areas and care leavers.  It was added that in terms of care leavers, the work of DurhamWorks was only one element, and the financial aspect was noted as an issue.

Councillor H Nicholson asked as regards figures for NEETs for his Electoral Division, with the External Programme Manager noting those could be supplied.

Resolved:   

(i)              That the report and presentation be noted.

(ii)             That the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee continue to receive further progress reports on the delivery of the DurhamWorks Programme at future meetings of the Committee.

(iii)           That Members of the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Overview and Committee be invited to future meetings of the Committee when an update on the DurhamWorks Programme is included on the agenda.