Agenda item

The Director Tourism Culture and Economy submits a report providing an overview of the start of the Connect to Work programme for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.

The Director of Tourism Culture and Economy submitted a report providing an overview of the start of the Connect to Work programme for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.

The Regeneration Projects & Programmes Manager gave a slide presentation which is attached to the agenda. The following key points were noted:

• The programme would be active across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland between 1^st April 2026 to 31^st March 2030.
• There was an overall allocation of £17m to support the employment model which was voluntary based with funding from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
• The programme would support people both in and out of work for those that are eligible.
• Intensive support for individuals would be provided and work with employers was planned.
• The service was currently open to those with learning disabilities and Autism, but would expand to provide support to a range of people with different needs and experiences.
• The DWP had designed 2 models:
  • The Individual Placement Support Model (IPS) - normally for those with health conditions and complex needs.
  • The Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) – e.g. for those with learning disabilities and Autism.
• Eligibility checks were completed by the DWP.
• The Connect to Work website was available through the Leicester Employment Hub.
• Enquiry forms were available for partners on via the website.
• The team were looking to go live with the remaining cohort towards the end of April 2026.
• The targets for this year had been for 78 individual starts. However, due to a later commencement than expected, there were now 34 starts. A significant number of  enquiries, and referrals were coming through. Marketing would increase once fully live.
• The County Council team had not been in place until February. ‘Starts’ did not count until the finalised approval from the DWP came through.
• The full outlined targets were provided in the report.
• Preparation was in place for a Fidelity Assurance review.

In response to member discussion and questions, the following was noted:

• DWP funds could not be used for wage subsidy support.
• Staff within council’s staff would be providing the employment SEQF provision.
• Challenges could arise due to the current economic climate and issues with low vacancy rates. It would be a case of showing the benefits of employing people with disabilities. Employer engagement would be a key factor.
• Participants were likely to be unknown the Job Centre and not in receipt of their services. The scheme could provide more intensive individual support than the Job Centre offer.
• Avenues into the service included referrals from local community and voluntary organisations, social care teams, DWP, Work Well GP programme.
• Regarding AI, it was noted that many entry level jobs could be impacted and it was difficult to predict outcomes, more conversations would follow.
• A number of elements were considered in the calculations. Participant numbers were capped at 1,600 in the peak year, with delivery ramping up and down across the programme. The peak numbers, together with the unit cost set by the DWP, were used to determine the total value. The DWP had set high targets.
• The Council had decided on the best delivery approach. The IPS service had been commissioned out. The SEQF service could be supported by existing in-house services with an expansion to current the offer.

AGREED:

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    That comments made by members of this commission to be taken into account.