| ACEVO with Shaw Trust and CDG launch inquiry on future Work Programme challenges
UPDATE: Consultation process now launched- see here for details of how to contribute
ACEVO (the third sector leaders’ body) with Shaw Trust and Careers Development Group (the third sector Work Programme prime provider) is launching an inquiry to examine and address the challenges that third sector Work Programme providers of all sizes and specialisms are likely to face over the next few years
Potential challenges the project could look at include:
- The introduction of Universal Credit,
- Requirements for improved performance,
- Market shift for prime providers,
- Providers’ financial health and/or delivery models under a payment by results system
- Labour markets trends and direction
- Steps needed to prepare for future Work Programme commissioning rounds
Following the release of the first Work Programme statistics, it will be critical to ensure that third sector providers are fully prepared for the challenges to ensure the success of the Programme moving forwards. The report will make practical recommendations addressing each challenge to ensure the Work Programme can help as many long term unemployed people into sustainable work. It will also tease out what we can learn from the experience of the Work Programme to date, with a view to informing future commissioning rounds.
The project will be overseen by a steering group of senior third sector executives, including representatives from prime contractors, subcontractors, and specialist organisations. The inquiry will engage constructively with the Department for Work and Pensions.
Sir Stephen Bubb, CEO of ACEVO, said: “The task that we face as a country is to get the long-term unemployed into work, and prevent them from being left behind. The Work Programme needs to be a success, and we need to find solutions where there are obstacles to that happening and that support the third sector’s involvement and expertise. That is what this project will aim to do.”
Roy O’Shaughnessy (Chief Executive of Shaw Trust and CDG) commented “The recent release of the Work Programme performance figures have laid down a challenge for all providers. Third sector organisations need to be aware of the upcoming challenges if they are to be best placed to help those people they were set up to serve. This piece of work will provide practical assistance in raising awareness of and meeting the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The steering group will consist of:
- Jonathan Cheshire (Chief Executive, Wheatsheaf Trust)
- Keith Faulkner (former chairman, Working Links)
- Roy O’Shaughnessy (Chief Executive, Shaw Trust and Careers Development Group)
- Jeremy Swain (Chief Executive, Thames Reach)
- Steve Swan (Director of Welfare to Work, Tomorrow’s People)
- Simon Parkinson (Director of Employment and Education Services, Mencap)
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