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

Retail UpskillingManaging change

Redundancy Support Project

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

Business support:-Retail - New Town Centre begins to emerge

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

• Placing the wrong person in the wrong job - damages the credibility of the project, damages relationships with Employers

• Ultimately this could damage the brand, credibility and limit opportunities to develop and expand

Things to avoid