NEET Reduction Strategy 2019-2021 - A strategy and action plan for reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training ...
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NEET Reduction Strategy 2019-2021 A strategy and action plan for reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Salford
Contents Introduction
01 Introduction In 2017, Salford published its first Employment For this reason, we have felt it necessary
and Skills Strategy outlining its vision for a to produce a comprehensive and detailed
world class labour market where all of the city’s strategy that outlines and articulates the
02 Local context residents have equal access to high quality actions and approaches we will take to reduce
skills training, sustainable employment and NEET in Salford over the next two years.
more opportunities for in-work progression.
03 Strategic aims Included within the strategy were also a number Whilst the council will be accountable for
of key priorities and objectives for supporting the delivery of the strategy, it is important
1 Improving our understanding and identification of
young people to achieve and progress in to recognise that reducing NEET and
young people who are at risk of becoming NEET education and work. Since its publication the increasing participation in education and
proportion of young people not in education, training is not just a civic or social duty, but
2 Supporting more young people to make better employment or training (NEET) in Salford has a fundamental requirement that partners
transitions into appropriate post-16 education and continued to remain well above national and and stakeholders from across the public,
training sub-regional averages, with little progress private and voluntary sectors should agree
being made to increase participation and to collaboratively deliver to achieve a more
3 Improving the support offered to young people who are attainment in post-16 education and training. inclusive and prosperous local economy.
NEET
4 Improving access to mental health support for NEET
young people
5 Enhancing and developing the post-16 education and
training offer
6 Creating more meaningful employment opportunities
and encounters for our young people, including those
with more complex needs and barriers
27 Governance and accountability
1
Local context Strategic aims
Most young people in Salford participate and The long-term implications of time spent Through this strategy we aim to address a 1. Improving our understanding and
achieve in education and training and are able to NEET are clear. Evidence from The Prince’s number of key issues we believe are influencing identification of young people who
make a successful transition into work and adult Trust and the Association of Chief Executives and affecting young people’s ability to participate
life. However, there are still significant numbers of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) shows that and achieve in education, employment and
are at risk of becoming NEET
of young people who do not fulfil their potential spending a sustained period of time out of training. We have set out six main objectives we
because they lack the aspirations, skills and education and employment during adolescence intend to work towards, each underpinned by a 2. Supporting more young people
knowledge needed to progress into the world increases the likelihood of an individual range of actions and activities that the council to make better transitions
of work or further and higher education. experiencing significant socio-economic and its partners will aim to deliver and achieve
problems in adulthood, such as lower wages, by the end of the 2020/21 academic year: into appropriate post-16
These barriers and challenges faced by poorer health and well-being, reduced self- education and training
young people are often greater than those confidence and an increased risk of criminality
experienced by the majority of the working- and anti-social behaviour. We also know this
3. Improving the support offered to
age population. In general, young people are can create cultural and structural problems
nearly three times more likely to be NEET within families and communities, where long- young people who are NEET
compared to adults aged 25 and over, whilst standing factors such as low attainment levels
the likelihood of becoming NEET substantially and economic inactivity amongst parents and 4. Improving access to mental
increases in communities where deprivation, families can lead to acute, cyclical failings
for young people and their aspirations.
health support for young
poverty and social inequality exists.
people who are NEET
In addition to this, the council commissioned
Salford is ranked as the 22nd most
a piece of research into ‘hidden’ NEET young 5. Enhancing and developing the post-
deprived local authority in England, with
people aged 18 to 24, who are unemployed
10% of the city’s young people living in 16 education and training offer
and not claiming benefits. This is an emerging
the top 2% most deprived wards.
group of young people and there is a growing
evidence base nationally to address the 6. Creating more meaningful
In Salford, there are proportionately more additional challenges they face and ensure employment opportunities
young people who are NEET than in most other the right support is in place. The research
stated there are an estimated 2000 young
and encounters for our young
areas of the country, and between November
2017 and January 2018, an average of 5.8% of people within this cohort in Salford and people, including those with more
16 and 17 year olds were categorised as NEET almost 22,000 across Greater Manchester. complex needs and barriers
each month, compared to just 2.6% nationally. To compare this just 3.1% of the 18 to 24
In addition to this, local estimates suggest that year old cohort are claiming benefits, which
more than 15% of the same age group spent is approximately 361 young people.
some time NEET over the past academic year,
nearly one young person spending time NEET
for six months or more. The current high level As many pupils in Salford finish
of NEET performance has led to a Ministerial school without five GCSEs including
letter to the city council’s Chief Executive to English and maths as do, whilst the rate
request details on our strategy and plans to of progression into higher education is
improve our performance. Salford is now in the third lowest in the North West.
fifth quintile on the national NEET Scorecard,
which has been due to a rise in ‘Unknown’,
lower levels of compliant participation and
a reduction in the number of young people
having a suitable ‘September Guarantee’ offer.
2 3
1.
Improving our understanding and identification
of young people who are at risk of becoming NEET
Over the past year, the council has worked Much of this work has been based on models
hard to strengthen its work with schools and of best practice that have existed for a
other statutory services to improve the way number of years, but we have also engaged
we identify young people who may be at risk of with the working group that is implementing
becoming NEET or of making a poor transition an improved transitions process between
into post-16 education and training. We have primary and secondary education, to ensure
revised our information sharing arrangements we are learning from their work and aligning
with all of our secondary schools to ensure our models and processes where possible.
they are capturing and recording appropriate
information about their learners at relevant Supportive transitions are a key component of
times of the year and have introduced a our NEET Reduction Strategy. We have already
Transition Referral Form (TRF) that enables established our own working group to lead
each school to share relevant information about on the development of a Post-16 Transition
their vulnerable learners with local colleges and Policy that will be supported and designed by
training providers, to ensure that an appropriate a wide range of partners and services from
offer of personalised support and guidance across the city, including schools, Salford City
can be put into place prior to enrolment. College, the Virtual School Team, SEN Team,
Early Help School Coordinators, CAMHS and the
Connexions Service. Not only will this policy help
to create a tangible framework for maintaining
and sharing information between partners,
but it will also help to increase collaboration
and the level of responsibility each partner and
service takes for achieving and maintaining
Evidence from the Department for Education As part of the TRF process we will work with
positive outcomes for young people as they
(DfE) suggests the most common characteristics schools and local stakeholders including
move into post-16 education and training.
that influence the likelihood of a young person Salford City College, training providers and the
becoming NEET include time spent in care, low third sector to develop a package of support
In addition to this, the working group will attainment levels, a SEND diagnosis, a fixed- over the summer period. Traditionally Year
also take on responsibility for the revision of term or permanent exclusion or attendance 11 school leavers have a much longer ‘school
Salford’s current Risk of NEET Indicator (RONI), on a programme of alternative provision. holiday’ period and consequently can result
to ensure that it is aligning to the Primary We also know that parental influence can be in poor engagement into post-16 destinations
Transition Policy and that new and emerging important, and as part of our development of for some of those young people identified as
risk factors are being collected and recorded the RONI. We will ensure these characteristics at risk of becoming NEET. We have some best
for the purposes of effective early intervention. are being accurately captured from as early practice models of delivery that have been
as Year 7 and are made available to relevant partnership approaches between employers,
post-16 providers and services via the TRF, third sector and support services, which have
or a more comprehensive management had a vocational element of activity and we
information system (MIS) that links to the Client will develop this offer further through the
Caseload Information System (CCIS) used to support of schools and wider stakeholders.
report post-16 destination data to the DfE.
4 5
2.
Supporting more young people to make better
transitions into appropriate post-16 education and training
The provision of quality and effective support for In relation to this, we have also started to trial their engagement with parents to ensure they
young people who are most at risk of becoming a new arrangement with Salford City College, are well informed about post-16 options and
NEET is a critical requirement for improving in partnership with the VST and the Next support available. This work will be linked to
progression to post-16 education and training. Step Leaving Care Service, to support looked the new online careers platform which GMCA
However as highlighted by the Education after children (LAC) who were previously on are developing. This will also be supported by
Select Committee and the Local Government a programme of alternative provision in Year close work with Greater Manchester colleagues
Association, the transfer of careers guidance 11 to retain their placement if this has been who are working in schools across the sub-
responsibilities from local authorities to schools, considered to be the most appropriate option region to track and monitor this activity.
alongside significant funding reductions to for them post-16. Although the approach is
statutory and non-statutory information, advice currently being piloted by one student, it is The local authority will provide senior leaders
and guidance (IAG) services has made this hoped the funding model can be extended to in schools with school leaver data as part of
provision more fragmented and inconsistent more young people from September 2019 as a their annual Activity Survey which includes
for young people to access and receive. locally-enhanced offer for LAC and care leavers. the proportion of young people who become
Alongside this, the Careers and Enterprise NEET and work with them to review the
Whilst we have continued to proactively Through the DfE’s Alternative Provision Company (CEC) has made further funding NEET population to develop learning around
encourage schools to prioritise the delivery of Innovation Fund (APIF) we have also been given available to schools and colleges to help them characteristics of NEET. This will inform their
quality impartial careers guidance for pupils the opportunity to test different approaches to to deliver on the objectives outlined in the identification and support for other young people
in Years 7 to 11, some of our most vulnerable transition as part of the ‘Build Salford Alternative Government’s Careers Strategy, which was as they come though the education system.
young people have not received sufficient levels Provision Project’, which the council and its published in December 2017. This includes
of support to enable them to make an effective partners, including Salford City College and the delivery of a personal guidance offer by The local authority will continue to Chair the GM
transition into post-16 education and training. City West Housing Trust, have been funded to Career Connect – the current provider of the Higher/NCOP Steering Group, which oversees
This has been particularly noticeable for young deliver over the next two academic years. As Connexions Service in Salford – who will use the investment going into schools to support
people who are already beginning to disengage well as appointing a full time Project Coordinator this programme to supplement the guidance more young people, who have the ability to
from mainstream education, such as those on to lead and develop the programme, which offer being provided to “cold-spot” schools in move into the higher education setting. We will
a programme of alternative provision, or who has touch-points for young people both pre Salford (i.e. where arrangements are considered use this as an opportunity to shape and ensure
are Electively Home Educated. Consequently, and post-16, the programme will also provide to be more fragmented). In addition to this, funding is being well utilised by schools and
the responsibility for supporting these learners funding for a full-time Transition Mentor who ten of our secondary schools and Salford City has a strategic element to the delivery which
cannot be placed directly with schools, so will be based with Salford City College, but College have also been given access to a ‘Virtual engages our most disadvantaged young people.
our Connexions Service is now beginning to will work exclusively with learners who are Wallet’ through the CEC, which they can use
caseload and support these young people during (or have been) on programmes of alternative to purchase careers and enterprise activities The development of our Post-16 Transition Policy
Year 11, in addition to providing an adviser to provision to improve their progression to post- for more disadvantaged young people. We will will help to shape and influence the delivery
the Virtual School Team (VST) to help support 16 education and training. If successful, the work with these schools – through our existing of more transition activities and interventions
learners who may have had more fluid and council and the college will look to roll this Careers Network – to ensure the programmes for young people at risk of becoming NEET. In
fractured experiences of the education system model out to other areas of Salford, whilst they are looking to secure are supporting particular, we are keen to encourage more of
so far. We will look to develop this further to encouraging the DfE to promote and invest in effective engagement and transition. We will our post-16 education and training providers
reach more groups of young people such as this model as an example of best practice. ensure schools feed into each other regularly by to engage with these vulnerable learners
those on full time alternative provision and providing best practice examples and support from a much earlier stage and we will use
those Children Missing from Education (CME). to each other about ‘what works’ with those our working group, as well as our links to the
at risk of NEET. We will look at the particular Greater Manchester Careers Hub, to encourage
impact of meaningful employer encounters as and influence greater levels of investment in
this is shown to have a positive impact on young targeted and transitional support for young
people’s aspiration and knowledge of the world people who are most at risk of NEET.
of work and also support schools to develop
6 7
National Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) Finally, we will continue to develop our
and Enterprise Advisor Network working arrangements with our Early Help
Team, Integrated Youth Support Services
and Humankind to develop and strengthen
their understanding of transition and the
requirements for young people to remain in
GM Careers Hub and Enterprise Adviser Network appropriate and compliant education and
training until at least their 18th birthday. In
particular, we want to ensure that practitioners
are aware of, and connected to, the specialist
support services that are best placed to work
and engage with young people who are at risk
of becoming NEET. Joint caseload allocation
meetings with Connexions and Early Help have
already been proposed and we will involve the
Salford Careers Hub Enterprise Adviser Network practitioners and the new Early Help School
Coordinators in our working group meetings,
where appropriate. As part of this closer working
Ellesmere Park High School 13 mainstream schools we will also ensure that these partnerships
Harrop Fold High School 2 special schools support the statutory tracking of young people.
New Park Academy Salford City College
CEC Virtual Wallet CEC Personal Guidance
11 mainstream schools 6 mainstream schools
1 special school
Salford City College
8 9
3.
Improving the support offered to young people who are NEET
So far, our strategy has outlined the range of In particular, this has had an impact on the level We also know that other services working The report also recommended training and
targeted and preventative measures we aim of intensive and highly personalised support with complex and troubled families can play support programmes that are currently ring-
to deliver to help to reduce the numbers of offered to some of our more complex young a vital role in supporting NEET young people. fenced to welfare claimants be opened up to
young people becoming NEET, but despite people, whilst the Connexions Service’s ability One study estimates that nearly 40% of 16-24 non-claimants, this is a barrier for many hidden
these ambitions, it is important to recognise to engage with the ‘hidden’ group has been year olds who are NEET live in households NEET young people accessing appropriate and
and act upon the fact a significant proportion significantly compromised by the demand for where no one is working (compared to 8% of meaningful support. We will be working with
of young people will continue to fall out of preventative support for vulnerable young people all 16-24 year olds) and through our Helping local Talent Match providers, Princes Trust,
provision or choose to disengage because of in provision being met to stop the constant Families programme, we have commissioned Work and Health and social housing providers
a range of personal, social and/or systematic “churn” of young people re-entering NEET. Humankind to develop a more intensive, who offer work clubs to develop sector specific
issues and barriers they are experiencing. personalised offer of support for young people programmes of support that meet the needs
who are in families and households that are of the local economy and residents. This will
Research by the Institute for Education suggests 59% of young people who were NEET being supported by the wider programme. include developing the traineeship offer in
that nearly one in three young people will have between January and March 2018 had line with the new GM Adult Education offer
spent some time NEET by the time they are previously spent time NEET. 15% had In relation to ‘hidden’ young people, the council and working with local providers to support
19 years old, whilst at a local level up to12% of experienced four or more separate instances recently commissioned the University of young people who are approaching course
young people will spend a period of time out of NEET since leaving school. Salford to carry out an independent research completion to look at progression pathways
of provision in the first 12 months after they report into the issues being experienced by into further study or employment. We will
have completed compulsory education (i.e. Year this group as part of the knowledge exchange also support the Department for Work and
11). Clearly, this shows that the NEET group is that has been established through the city’s Pensions (DWP) to positively promote their
To mitigate these concerns, we have started
not homogenous and that the type and level of Anti- Poverty Taskforce. The report, which offer for claimants to ensure these young
to explore the development of a multi-agency,
support required to engage with each individual was published in October 2018, made a people understand the full breadth of offer,
place-based approach to case-loading
is likely to differ from person to person. number of recommendations to the council, including the broader offer outside of DWP.
and intervention, and will consider the re-
the Greater Manchester Combined Authority
introduction of place-based ‘NEET Design
Currently, our core offer of support for NEET (GMCA) and other national commissioners In addition to this, the report also made a
Groups’ to lead on this work where the need is
young people is supplied by our commissioned and policymakers about the programmes, number of recommendations relating to the
greatest. This approach has historically been
Connexions Service, who over the past year policies and interventions that would be most Youth Obligation – a DWP initiative for 18-21 year
successful in bringing different partners and
have been contracted to work with more than effective in supporting this group. This included old claimants in full Universal Credit areas –
services together to discuss the support and
1,500 young people who are either NEET or at a recommendation for local authorities to alongside a proposal for Jobcentre Plus (JCP) to
provision needs of individual young people. In
significant risk of disengagement. In addition continue to track the destinations of young set up a working group with local providers and
particular, we are keen to explore the role that
to this, this service was also required to offer people beyond the age of 18 and to support the community-based organisations to help improve
social housing associations can play through
a specific and specialist offer of support to role of smaller, community-based organisations communications about the offer of support
this approach, as an analysis of our 16-17
unemployed 18 to 24 year olds who are not in in delivering support and interventions to through JCP and to tackle the stigma about
year old cohort carried out earlier this year
receipt of out-of-work benefits – this group is NEET young people, especially where the claiming benefits. As part of this we will look at
found that nearly half of Salford’s NEET young
being referred to in emerging policy as ‘hidden’ organisation(s) have trusted relationships and/ how DWP staff can engage in further outreach
people may be living in properties managed
young people, due to their disengagement from or strong track records of working with NEET to develop the links with the ‘hidden’ group.
by a housing association or social landlords.
mainstream welfare provision and their lack young people and their families at a community We will support the development of this group,
Working with these organisations isn’t new –
of inclusion in local unemployment statistics. level. The ‘Talent Match’ model was identified linking it to our existing governance structures
historically we have had good links with the
as offering the right model of support for this under the Skills and Work Board and Youth
city’s main providers for processes such as
Due to these large volumes, we have recognised population and we will work with those delivery Employment Partnership, and we will also work
tracking and identification – but we believe
the need to review the service provision being partners to develop a ‘directory’ of support that closely with the GMCA and other neighbouring
there is potential to improve these relationships,
offered to young people who are NEET, or both young people and parents can utilise. local authorities to explore how tracking and
particular with regards to engagement, support
at risk of becoming NEET, as the demand engagement activities for 18-24 year olds
and the development of employment and
for support has greatly outweighed the can be improved at a sub-regional level.
training opportunities, where appropriate.
resources we currently have at our disposal.
10 11
4.
Improving access to mental health support for young people who are NEET
We know there are some groups of young This is a major concern, given that one in every As a form of mitigation, our Connexions Service We recognise much more needs to be done to
people that face multiple barriers and issues two young people excluded or attending a has recently identified a Mental Health Lead, make appropriate and effective service provision
when it comes to participating in education, form of alternative provision is believed to be who is connecting with Salford’s Emotional more accessible to young people who are NEET
employment and training, and that in relation suffering from a social, emotional or mental Health and Wellbeing Board. We have also and we are committed to working with Salford’s
to NEET, these issues can become both causal health (SEMH) problem, whilst young people begun to work with the Educational Psychology Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as part
and consequential in terms of their severity who are NEET are almost three times more Service to support their extension of the of the integration to a Single Commissioning
and impact. Mental health and wellbeing likely to suffer from issues with their mental ‘Emotionally Friendly Settings’ initiative to post- Function and the Greater Manchester Health
is prime example of this, and whilst the health compared to their peers who are in 16 settings, with a particular focus on creating and Social Care Partnership to examine and
government’s green paper – ‘Transforming education. Locally, this has been qualified by a framework that is accessible and meaningful develop opportunities for the joint planning
young people’s mental health provision’ – our Connexions Service, where an analysis of to providers that are delivering provision and and commissioning of mental health and
outlines ambitious targets for improving an adviser’s caseload in October 2017 found support to young people who are most at risk of wellbeing services for NEET young people.
young people’s access to mental health that nearly half of the NEET young people being becoming NEET or who are more predisposed
services in England, there continues to be a supported were experiencing mental health to experiences of poor mental health.
significant and worrying gap in the proposals issues, including and/or because of substance
set out for young people not engaged with, misuse, attachment disorder, CSE, anxiety,
or accessing mainstream education settings, depression/bipolar, panic attacks, issues around
including those who are NEET or who are sexual orientation, bereavement, and other
accessing learning and training offered by contributory factors such as homelessness
smaller training providers and employers. and poor physical health. In most cases, these
individuals were accessing support from an
appropriate mental health service, but referral
times were often long, whilst their ability to
engage with mainstream education and training
provision was often restricted or prohibited,
especially when attendance and motivation was
poor or sporadic. Connexions are now regularly
capturing mental health characteristics so
we can track and monitor the issue across After doing well at school Connor started Upon successful completion of his traineeship
the NEET population, which will provide the at Salford College, but shortly after his he was alerted to an apprenticeship
broader picture and support our case for circumstances changed and he was made opportunity with Connexions. After a great
additional support for these young people. homeless. He moved into supported interview he was successful in being offered
accommodation and over the next three the opportunity and now has a tenancy
years accessed a range of local training for a flat with a local housing provider.
but often left provision before completing.
It was difficult for him to remain engaged He is now making great progress in
in education employment or training, his new role, continually taking on new
he spent a number of periods NEET and responsibilities and rising to the challenges
was struggling to complete and progress of working at Connexions. He is confident,
to the next level when in provision. thoughtful and keen to learn and is making
a very positive impact in the workplace with
Connor started the Salford Futures clients, staff and partners. He hopes to
programme in February 2018. He was inspired progress into the role of Engagement Coach
by the support he had been given since upon completion of his apprenticeship.
becoming homeless he wanted to work in
a public service and could help others. He
secured a work placement with the Health
Improvement Service which he really enjoyed.
12 135.
Enhancing and developing the post-16 education and training offer
Ensuring we have a high quality and highly Our work with providers has also been
responsive post-16 education and training supported by the introduction of Partnership
offer is a vital component of our NEET Agreements, which outline the expectations
Reduction Strategy and over the past year we we have for them in relation to data sharing,
have introduced a local provider network that collaboration and responsiveness; and what
has been specifically designed to encourage each provider can expect from us and our
and support local providers to address gaps commissioned services in terms of ongoing
in provision and to develop more accessible support and assistance. We publish and On 30 October 2018 the Skills and Work Exhibitors reported making offers of training
and engaging programmes for NEET young promote their offer on relevant directories team hosted the first #FindMyFuture event or employment to 32 of the 44 young people.
people. One of its key functions has been to (e.g. Post-16 Provision Calendar, Local Offer at Salford City College, FutureSkills Centre.
develop a better understanding of the specific website), dedicated recruitment support, This event was organised in response to One provider said the event was
challenges faced by young people in the city, management and coordination of events for the successful ‘Creating Opportunities
Well attended and represented the
particularly at a locality level, where there NEET young people (e.g. Meet The Employer, Event’ held at the Civic Centre for all
range of offer for young people.
are clear alignments between rates of NEET Find My Future) and the opportunity to bid for residents. We wanted to host a replica
and levels of deprivation and inequality. Not local funding opportunities. These agreements event, aimed at 16-25 year olds, as part Another said
only has this encouraged some of our existing have been beneficial, but need to be managed of the Skills and Work Team’s priorities
Time to network with other organisations
providers to develop ‘satellite’ provision away and reviewed on a termly-basis to ensure under the NEET Reduction Strategy.
was valuable for signposting in the future.
from their traditional locations, but it has also the dialogue between each party continues
encouraged providers to explore the delivery to be productive and of mutual benefit. Sixteen local training providers, five local
Feedback from young people was also
of programmes in wards and localities that employers and two services specifically
very positive with 100% finding the event
may be more isolated when it comes to the offering careers information, advice and
enjoyable and 98% saying they would
availability of current support and provision. guidance, exhibited at the event offering
recommend future events to a friend.
a range of opportunities including
employment, traineeships, apprenticeships, One young person said
study programmes and re-engagement
The structure of the event is
courses. Employers attended included
great, it feels relaxed and the people
Morson, The Lowry, The Military of
at the stalls are very useful.
Defence, AuPair Care and the BBC.
With support from SEARCH at the
A total of 44 young people attended.
event, one young person has already
Of these, 24 were NEET and 42 were
started a Junior Admin role at a
aged 16-24 demonstrating it reached
beauty salon in Salford (Nov 2018).
the priority audience. Other attendees
were current college students seeking
Over 50% of unemployed young people who
opportunities for progression or
attended had secured an employment or
additional part-time employment.
training opportunity within four weeks of
the event; 66% of all attendees are currently
On the day there was a fantastic atmosphere
in employment or training (Dec 2018).
where young people were able to meet
employers and training providers face-
to-face, discuss their career ideas and
the opportunities on offer and even be
invited to interviews and open days!
14 15Build Salford is an excellent example of how As well as playing a vital role in the design
collaboration between employers, training and delivery of the Build Salford programme,
providers and the third sector can help to create Salford City College has also been proactive
high quality programmes that engage and with its development of a more suitable offer
support challenging young people to acquire the for NEET young people, which has included
skills, knowledge and work-related experiences the introduction of more specialist re-
needed to progress to employment. Not only engagement provision (e.g. Princes Trust ‘TEAM’
has the programme helped to create more programme) that can be accessed at various
opportunities for disengaged young people, but points within the academic year. The college
through its close integration with the Connexions has also reconfigured some of its campus-
Service has also created a model of delivery based curriculum to ensure the availability
that is helping to create more pre-employability of these programmes is more widespread.
provision and re-engagement opportunities In particular, the re-opening of its Worsley
for young people who aren’t ready to start an Campus for 16 to 18 year olds should result in
apprenticeship or traineeship, which we are keen more young people from the west of the city
to expand upon and develop. The appointment having access to a college-based offer, which
of a Build Salford Project Coordinator (which is should help to reduce NEET in these parts.
being funded by the APIF) will help us to explore
and resource this ambition, but we will also However, the college continues to be Salford’s
extend the use of the Traineeship Development largest contributor to NEET (by the virtue of
Fund so that more pre-employment it being the city’s largest post-16 provider), so
The development of pre-employability Typically, providers have been unable to fund programmes can be developed, especially where whilst the progress it has made in developing a
programmes is also a key priority for a city these allowances themselves and must agree there is clear demand from young people and/ more responsive offer for NEET young people
that was originally outlined in our Employment to deliver a more comprehensive Traineeship or from groups of employers. We will develop is positive, it is important to recognise there
and Skills Strategy. To take this forward, we programme with clear and tangible outcomes the offer in partnership with local employers to is further work to be done, in partnership
have introduced a Traineeship Development for its participants in order to be eligible for help maximize their social value commitments with the local authority and its Connexions
Fund, which was launched last year to help the funding. So far, the Fund has supported to fit with these re-engagement models. Service. Over the past year we have aligned a
providers create and develop better quality, four programmes, including the highly This will involve working closer with local Connexions Adviser to the college to support
more consistent Traineeship provision for NEET successful ‘Build Salford’ Traineeship, which procurement processes and commissioners. those young people at risk of dropping out
young people. The Fund, which offers grants was first delivered in April 2017 and has gone early, those completing programmes or
to providers of up to £10k per programme, on to support nearly fifty young people over those excluded, which is having a positive
has primarily been used to pay for training the course of its two programmes so far. impact on retention and also supporting
allowances that encourage and reward young people to signpost and move to other
young people’s participation and progress. provision or re-engagement opportunities
that are being offered by other local providers
and services, including the college’s
Apprenticeship Team and SEARCH service.
16 17In addition to this, the university’s research Finally, we will look to work with the GMCA
into ‘hidden’ young people also made a clear to explore how the pre-employability offer for
recommendation for the JCP ‘Support to young adults who are not being supported by
Schools’ programme to begin engaging with the mainstream welfare system can be made
college leavers, particularly if the young person more accessible, with a specific focus on
is seeking to progress into employment or is how funding streams such as the European
planning to claim out-of-work benefits. We will Social Fund (ESF) and the new devolved Adult
work with JCP to explore these opportunities Education Budget, can be used at a local and
and build on the other recommendations sub-regional level to plug gaps in provision.
from the report about tackling the ‘stigma’ We will work with funders to shape the offer
of JCP and ensuring its offer of support is and specifically support local ‘grassroots’
seen to be more accessible and welcoming. organizations to access these funding streams
where best practice has been identified.
Build Salford Traineeship This programme is simply the best
We will also work with other key providers
that are widening their reach to support the at example I have ever come across of a group
• Six programmes delivered since 2015 of employers coming together to provide a
risk of NEET and NEET cohorts by supporting
them to collaborate with existing providers programme for unemployed young people
and provision to ensure timely and appropriate • 72 young people started facing so many challenges that results
pathways are developed. We will also support in so many going into apprenticeships
the offer where employer-led interventions • 60 young people have moved into with the employers involved. I am proud
are bringing businesses closer to young positive education, employment to be a part of Build Salford.
people – including those within the education or training destinations Allan Milne, Head of Apprenticeships and
system (i.e. not just pre-employment, pre- Business Development, Salford City College
apprenticeship interventions), but supporting The traineeship programme consists of
Gatsby by increasing employer interactions; a ‘getting site ready’ phase of 3-4 weeks The fifteen construction employers and
enhancing employability skills and tailored including; site visits, health and safety housing providers now additionally provide:
interventions for those within the NEET cohort. qualifications and Construction Skills
Certification Scheme (CSCS) test and the • Introduction to construction
planning of a customised 8 week work courses for unemployed people
placement during which there is significant (Led by Keepmoat Homes)
support for job applications to apprenticeships
often with their work placement companies
• Careers Café events to encourage
women into construction
• Try your hand at construction
events for young people in
alternative education settings
The consortium of employer’s and supporting
organisations is continually growing and two
programmes are now planned per year.
18 196.
Creating more meaningful employment opportunities and encounters for
young people, including those with more complex needs and barriers
Across the UK, two thirds of employers In Salford, we are already making excellent Across Salford, there are some excellent Alongside this, we also know there are
have suggested that the skills gaps in their progress to increase the number of employer examples of employers (and employer more than 60 businesses contributing to the
businesses are likely to get worse or remain encounters young people are experiencing whilst consortiums) working effectively with the Apprenticeship Levy in Salford each month,
the same over the next 3-5 years, with the in education. The Enterprise Adviser Network, NEET group, and we should champion these with some of our largest employers, such as
recruitment of skilled workers and the which was launched by the CEC in 2016 with the opportunities as examples of best practice if the council, Salford Royal Foundation Trust
uncertainty over Brexit cited as their principal aim of pairing business leaders with schools and we are committed to creating a truly successful (SRFT) and the BBC also subject to the public
concerns. Alongside this, many businesses colleges to help them grow and develop their and inclusive economy that our young people sector apprenticeship target – a directive that
have also raised concerns about the preparation employer engagement strategies is now in place can thrive within. Our Skills and Work Board requires them to have 2.3% of their workforce
and motivation of young people, with nine in all but two of our secondary schools and also can play a key part in this process, by setting starting apprenticeships each year. However,
out of ten employers surveyed by the British in two of our special schools. The introduction out the standards we expect from employers, at this current time we do not routinely collect
Chamber of Commerce suggesting young people of the Government’s Careers Strategy and including their engagement with young people information from these organisations about their
did not have core skills and competencies in particular, the increased emphasis being and the education and employability initiatives apprenticeship activity or monitor the extent to
needed to be productive in the workplace. placed on the achievement of the eight Gatsby which are currently being championed at a local which their programmes are used to support
Benchmarks, has already started to create an and national level. The refreshed Salford City and up-skill young people from the local area
Tackling these concerns has become a core improved careers guidance offer that has a clear Mayor’s Charter for Employment Standards can and/or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
component of recent policy at both a national and tangible focus on employer engagement and also help to underpin this activity, by providing
and sub-regional level, with initiatives and preparing young people for the world of work. a framework and quality mark that supports
developments such as the new post-16 and challenges local businesses to meet these
technical pathways (known as “T-level”), the However, whilst this collective ask of employers objectives through better employment practices.
Apprenticeship Levy and the requirement is positive, it is important to recognise the
for schools and colleges to deliver more potential for some of our more disadvantaged
meaningful employer encounters to pupils young people to become marginalised by
The opportunities faced by virtually all
all having direct implications for young these developments, especially in the event
young jobseekers with low or no educational
people and their future employers. of employer saturation or the focus of activity
or vocational qualifications were confined
shifting towards higher level, technical skills
to low-paid, zero-hours work offered
development. This is not to downplay the
through temporary work agencies.
importance of these latter policy developments,
but to ensure that our local employers are
supported and encouraged to understand the
social and economic context for which their
opportunities can and should be set in.
20 21On this theme, the proportion of young people Leaders from across Greater Manchester The Skills and Work Team recognises the However, it is important to recognise that many
and adults with learning disabilities (LD) who go have also agreed to develop a collective demand for developing a Specialist Employment of our employers – particularly those that are
on to secure paid employment is strikingly and and consistent offer for care leavers, which Pathway for improving outcomes for post-16’s small to medium sized – do not always have
stubbornly low in Salford and it is vital that we includes better access to suitable education with autistic spectrum condition, by increasing the capacity to navigate the complexities of the
develop more employment and employability and employment opportunities. According the proportion of individuals in meaningful education and skills system, nor the capabilities
opportunities for young people with SEND, which to a recent report by the DfE, being in care employment. The purpose is to develop an to prioritise the objectives we have set out
not only help to prepare them for the world of continues to be one of the most significant approach and a practical pathway that matches for increasing the number of inclusive work-
work, but also help to increase their personal risk factors for unemployment in adulthood, the demands of employers and the potential related opportunities being offered to our young
independence and preparation for adulthood. To with over 40% of care leavers categorised supply of skills and talents of individuals people. Therefore, we need to work closely with
do this, we have already introduced a Supported as NEET between the ages of 18-21 years with ASD. The pathway will demonstrate a our business groups – in partnership with the
Internship Network, which has helped to old. A Greater Manchester Public Sector market solution to employers that are having Business Team and the Greater Manchester
introduce a new programme – hosted by the Apprenticeship Working Group has already difficulties attracting individuals with the skills Combined Authority (GMCA) – to ensure we have
University of Salford and Salford City Council started to look at its response to some of these and expertise needed for new and emerging a clear and comprehensive package of support
– to work alongside SRFT’s long-standing issues and is working with local authorities job roles in the digital industry. It is thought that is realistic to their business needs, but can
programme, helping to double the number of and health trusts from across the city-region that this cohort may include the hidden also help to drive forward our ambitions and
available Supported Internship placements on to explore models of delivery that prioritise NEET population. Rather than a traditional aspirations for an improved economy for all of
offer to Salford young people with Education, and increase employment opportunities Supported Employment model, it will explore our young people. We will support the use of the
Health and Care (EHC) plans. The Network is for care leavers in the public sector. opportunities for job carving and innovative ‘Apprenticeship Levy’ transfer of funds, alongside
now working on the development of a detailed working approaches between individuals the GM SME grants to develop a package of
Supported Internship Development Plan, In addition to this, the launch of the new Care and organisations. The intention is for long- support for local businesses to access which will
which will look at ways of making the provision Leaver Covenant presents an opportunity for the term sustainability and helping to challenge develop the offer for vulnerable groups to move
more accessible to young people with SEND, private sector to become more engaged with and change employers’ preconceptions of into well-paid apprenticeship opportunities.
including those without an EHC plan. The the delivery of opportunities for care leavers neurodiversity in the workplace. The pathway will
aim will be to increase the number of young and this is something we will look to support improve partnership working across education,
people starting a Supported Internship from and engage with as part of a broader offer to employment and health and social care, in
16 in 2017/18 to over 40 by September 2019. employers. However, it is vitally important, regards to young people’s transition with SEND
through its corporate parenting role that into employment. The council has recently been
the local authority sets a strong example for successful in receiving funding from Salford CVS,
supporting care leavers into work. Through working in partnership with Unlimited Potential,
our new recruitment procedures, we are now for the delivery of a 12-month research project
piloting a process that gives care leavers which will underpin the concept for the pathway.
priority for any new apprenticeship or entry
level vacancy created by the organisation.
22 23Governance structure
Governance and accountability Skills and Work Board
Salford’s Senior partnership responsibility for the policy, Greater
Thematic strategy and achievement in relation to improving Manchester
Ensuring we have the appropriate governance As a subgroup of the Skills and Work Board, Partnership the economic well-being of young people, Work and
and accountability structures in place to the Youth Employment Partnership has also Boards adults and families, by addressing low skills, Skills
enable us to deliver our ambitions for tackling played a vital role in shaping and developing worklessness and poverty. Programme
NEET and increasing participation is a key this NEET Reduction Strategy and we will Strategic board for the local implementation of Boards
component of this strategy. We have already continue to use this group to implement, deliver Greater Manchester work and skills programmes
highlighted the importance of having a strong further ownership and governance of the
and effective governance structure through strategy, particularly at an operational level.
our Skills and Work Board and we will look
to revise and add to the Board’s membership We will continue to work closely with GMCA
to ensure there is stronger representation to track and monitor specific groups of
from employers that can help to shape and young people, in particular the ‘hidden’ Youth Employment Work and Skills Creating Financial
develop the offer for young people and become NEET population so we can respond partnership Integration Group Opportunities Inclusion
exemplars for best practice. This should include appropriately and shape the offer of support. Delivery and Delivery and Delivery and Delivery and
some of our largest employers, such as the performance performance performance performance
council and SRFT, as well as those that are Schools and post-16 providers are also management of management of management of management of
already engaging in apprenticeship delivery, key to the delivery of much of our strategy Strategic Priority 1 Strategic Priority 2 Strategic Priority 3 relevant areas of
work experience and the Enterprise Adviser and we will use a combination of local (Employment and (Employment and (Employment and the Anti-Poverty
Network (EAN). The board should support and national progress measures to drive Skills Strategy): Skills Strategy): Skills Strategy): Strategy ‘No one left
the implementation of the strategy and the their performance and increase levels of Young people Adults are Employers behind: tackling
recommendations of the Hidden NEET research. responsibility and accountability for improved achieving and connected to and creating quality poverty in Salford’
progression and attainment. This will include progressing in progressing in and sustainable
the monitoring of each school’s progress education and work employment and opportunities
towards the achievement of all eight Gatsby training
Benchmarks, their engagement with
appropriate careers and employability activities
and the impact these arrangements have
had on post-16 destinations and outcomes.
Develop action Identify opportunities Identify policy Provide regular
plan for delivery for joint working, and operational performance reports
of key priorities including operational opportunities and to the Board
integration of GM issues
programmes
IAG, skills and well-being practitioner forum
Forum for sharing information, identification of operational opportunities
and issues, resolution of practice issues e.g. case management
24 25You can also read
