Issue - meetings

The Board received an update on the recently awarded Combined Authority European Social Fund (ESF) Ways to Work contract.

It was reported that following submission of an outline application to the Access to Employment axis of the European Operational Programme, the Combined Authority was invited to submit a full application in October 2015.   Notification of a successful application was received from the Department for Work and Pensions in January 2016.  It was noted that the project value was £42m over 3 years, with Halton’s allocation worth £3.3m.

Members were advised that the Ways to Work project incorporated a 3 way match funding model: ESF, Youth Employment Initiative and Youth Contract Underspend (Youth Employment Gateway).  It was noted that the Ways to Work project would focus on young people and those furthest away from the labour market.   The report provided details of the numbers of expected participants and potential job outcomes for Halton.  Further it provided information on the key elements of the project and how it would be delivered.  Members were referred to Appendix 1 of the report which provided the Logic Model for the Ways to Work project.

In discussion, Members made the following observations:-

·       The opportunities for young people in the labour market;

·       The type of coaching/mentoring offered to young people with multiple issues; and

·       Details on the sources of match funding.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted and the Policy and Performance Board welcomed the progress made to date and supports the implementation of the Ways to Work project.