Purpose

Decision to accept Connect to Work Grant from the Department for Work and Pensions
Decision to delegate approvals for delivery partners to Director

Decision

Resolved:

That Cabinet approves:

1. 1.    The Grant awarding of £2.2m to The Shaw Trust Limited (The) Company number 01744121 to deliver the specialist IPS provision for Connect to Work.
2. 2.    The delegation of any subsequent specialist delivery within Connect to Work in consultation with the Lead Member, to the Director of Education and Skills, Corporate Director of Children and Education, and Corporate Director of Resources in order to ensure full cohort coverage and compliance with the requirements of the grant funding agreement with the DWP.

Reasons for Decision:

All local areas have been provided this opportunity to develop and deliver a large scale supported employment programme in line with local need. Accepting this grant allows for a significant increase in employment focused support for individuals.

The proposal also builds capacity within the local system, making best use of an experienced partner that is already delivering high quality employment support at scale across the region. The programme is fully funded through external grant funding, meaning it can be delivered at no cost to the Council’s core budget.

Approving the delegation to appoint delivery partners enables the Council to meet funding requirements, deliver outcomes at pace, and support strategic priorities around economic inclusion, reducing inequalities, and improving residents’ wellbeing.