session 4. case studies of effective approaches (2) working with business - robert porter, derwent...
TRANSCRIPT
Session 4. Case Studies of Effective Approaches (2)
Working with business - Robert Porter, Derwent and Solway Housing Association
Introduction
• The West Cumbria economy – ‘the challenges’• The secret of Routes 2 Work success• DVD - overview of the Routes 2 Work Project• Summary of achievements • Helps and hinders in working with business
The West Cumbria economy – ‘the challenges’
• 21 wards across West Cumbria are classified as being in the top 20% of Indices of Multiple Deprivation for England and Wales
• The decline of the traditional industries in West Cumbria resulted in large-scale redundancies in the area
• Many households in priority wards are now experiencing second and third generation unemployment, which in turn, has created a ‘benefit dependency culture’ through the lack of sustainable jobs, low aspiration and poor educational attainment
The secret of Routes 2 Work’s success?
• Excellent partnership working with a bespoke package of support based at all times on addressing an individual’s barriers to employment
• Since starting out in January 2005 Routes 2 Work have supported over 2,500 people into employment.
• Support includes: - Pre-employment support, CV’s, Interview skills- Into work grants, i.e. paying for clothing/equipment to
start work- Wage subsidies and transition grants
Business support:- Local labour in construction
Targets:• 50 people assisted into employment • 40 people attend vocational training Achievements:• 112 people assisted into employment• 45 attended vocational training • 80% still in employment • 100 employers assisted
Local labour in construction
Achievements:• In excess of 100 people made redundant assisted into
employment• Many individuals achieved their personal ambition of
changing careers as a result of being made redundant and the support they received from Routes 2 Work.
Redundancy Support Project
Forging new partnership to meet retailers’ needs
Achievements:• Acting as the major recruitment agent • Assisted over 1,000 people into employment• 350 received bespoke support • 85% still in employment • 30 retailers assisted
Beneficiaries working in retail
What the future holds?
• Cascade our learning throughout the Harvest Housing group
• Focusing on the ‘harder’ to reach client groups• Opportunities linked to new local employment with new
Tesco's Extra store and HM Revenue and Customs call centre
• Supporting the development of Social Businesses and entrepreneurs i.e. Little Acorns, Green Apprentices and Cumbria Recycling Ltd.
Developing partnerships with businesses
• Develop understanding of local employers’ needs/challenges
• Relationship management – build confidence• Approaches to Adopt:
- never let the employer down- make sure you are only recommending suitable people
to appropriate positions
Tips/suggestions
• Matching clients with employers• Trust (in both Employer and Employee)• Maintain Employers confidence in Routes 2 Work, i.e.:-
the client, the funding, flexibility, professionalism • Honesty at all times