Agenda item

This report gives the Panel an oversight of how people’s needs in respect of skills, work and worklessness are to be met.

The Divisional Director for Skills and Employability introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that this new area of Council work is transformational in its philosophy, action and organisation and hopefully would be in terms of delivering outcomes. He added that this work also underpins the Council’s Economic Strategy.

He informed them that B&NES had a lower than average unemployment figure of 9% and that the issue of worklessness needed to be tackled alongside the up-skilling of the existing workforce.

Growing the economy without addressing the skills and employability of residents will likely mean that more people will migrate in to work. This will exacerbate the challenge we all face with increased commuting and demand for housing.

He highlighted to the Panel some current areas of focus.

Worklessness:

Placement Plus Programme – personally tailored long term placements of practical work experience alongside which job coaching and specific support around the other social difficulties in someone’s life is provided. The person is supported by an Engagement Worker who works to develop a plan with the individual focussed on a result of getting work.

Skills:

Development obligations – using Section 106, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), development agreements and licences to meet the needs of the economy and the labour market. For example ensuring developers employ apprentices etc.

The Council as an employer – in recognising the Council is a major employer working to develop policies, targets and procedures that ensure teams can engage placements, interns, work experience and volunteers in a positive way that supports local people in gaining new skills and experience.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if a service such as Connexions was still available for looked after children.

The People and Communities Strategic Director replied that the Connexions service was still available within Secondary Schools through Learning Partnership West.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked how many of the 91% employed within B&NES were working part-time.

The Divisional Director for Skills and Employability replied that he did not have that information to hand and would therefore issue a response to the Panel at a later date

Chris Batten asked if the work experience programme within schools was in decline.

The People and Communities Strategic Director replied that it has declined. He called for the links to be re-established between the Secondary Schools and local employers as he believed the majority of them broadly supported the scheme.

David Williams commented as to whether certain pupils should have their education more targeted so that it can have a positive impact on their future career.

The Panel RESOLVED to:

i)  Accept the brief as written, understand the intended outcomes and be aware of the context for Skills and Employment within the District,

ii)  Articulate opportunities and linkages to support the work of Skills and Employment,

iii)  Champion and commit to delivering the ambitions for people through Skills and Employment and

iv)  Commit to continue to review the Skills and Employment Division in terms of its budget, value for money and effectiveness.