Decision

1. 1

The Head of Employment and Skills and Economic Policy Officer were in attendance to present a report on Pathways to Work. The report highlighted activity delivered in Year 1 of Pathways to Work (2025-26), identified key achievements and discussed actions being undertaken to further develop Sheffield City Council’s employment and skills programme in 2026-27. It also highlighted the impact of Pathways to Work in supporting the re-engagement and progression of groups underrepresented in the labour market.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee:

a)    Notes the achievements to date in delivery of Pathways to Work in Sheffield

b)    Endorse the approach taken by the Employment, Skills and Economy Service for Year 2 to continue to streamline and simplify Sheffield’s employment, skills and health system.

c)    Note the value of Pathways to Work interventions in supporting groups that are underrepresented in the labour market

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

Approval of the recommendations will ensure Sheffield City Council’s Employment, Skills and Economy Service, and its Opportunity Sheffield delivery arm, can continue its ongoing work through Pathways to Work with the confidence of Members, and provide a mandate for strategic planning for 2027-8 and beyond.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

EDSCPC does not endorse the approach taken by the Employment, Skills and Economy Service in the role of System Service Manager for Sheffield within South Yorkshire’s Pathways to Work system

In this scenario, review of the programme will be undertaken by the appropriate officers, following further discussion with, and instruction from, EDSCPC. This will align with the wider external evaluation of SCC’s Economic Programme currently ongoing and inform future proposals brought forward to EDSCPC.