Agenda item

Following the Scrutiny Board’s April 2019 Inclusive Growth Strategy Inquiry, the report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Resources and Housing details progress made to date against the recommendations relating to ‘Big Idea 4 – Working Together to Create Better Jobs, Tackling Low Pay and Boosting Productivity.’ 

The report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Resources and Housing provided an update on activity undertaken to implement the recommendations of the Scrutiny Inquiry into the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy which had been published in April 2019.

The Scrutiny Board had also requested an update on activity undertaken to support disabled people including those with learning disabilities into employment following the Executive Board report which had been considered on 16^th October 2019.

In attendance at the meeting were:

·  Councillor Pryor – Executive Member

·  Sue Wynne – Chief Officer Employment and Skills

·  Eve Roodhouse – Chief Officer, Economic Development

·  Jane Hopkins – Head of Communities and Partnerships

A copy of the report on Improving Employment Outcomes for People with Learning Disabilities which had been to the 19^th October 2019 Executive Board was circulated to Members prior to the start of this item as a background document.

Members were informed that considerable work has been undertaken since the initial inquiry with Anchor Network Employment Working Group. The work has been broken down into three parts:

·  Overall Strategy including the implementation, governance and monitoring;

·  Strategic benefits for those living in disadvantaged area, working with Anchor on a number of recommendations;

·  Update on improving employment outcomes for people with learning disabilities.

Officers provided Members with an update on progress against each of the recommendations and responded to comments and questions in relation to those recommendations:

·  Recommendation 1 – The Executive Board have approved the Council’s new Procurement Strategy. It was recognised that the way in which goods and services are commissioned could make a significant contribution to achieving the city’s inclusive growth ambitions;

·  Recommendation 2 – First Bus have made a pledge to contribute to the Inclusive Growth Strategy and will be attending the next Inclusive Growth event. Contact is due to be made with Arriva and Transdev;

·  Recommendation 3 – The productivity event held in September 2019 was well attended by stakeholders, third sector and private sector. The event was a sharing of ideas on which to build and move to the future. The next event is already being organised with invites already being accepted;

·  Recommendation 4 – It is still early days of the growth ambassadors who are working with officers to develop the ambassador’s role. Ambassadors are not being paid for the role, however they are to be reimbursed for transport costs;

·  Recommendation 5 – Corporate reports and templates have been revised in line with the recommendation;

·  Recommendation 6 - Members raised concerns in relation to the decrease in construction KPI’s and were advised that work was on going to address this through engagement with the Chamber of Commerce and the ‘Meet the buyer’ event to look at supply chains and the use of sub-contractors;

·  Recommendation 7 – The Board’s view was to continue monitoring;

·  Recommendation 8 – The Board was impressed by these initiatives to target opportunities to residents living in the Priority Neighbourhoods. It was noted that the next programme would be held on 22^nd and 29^th February 2020, with a focus on Clifton and Nowells, Lincoln Green, Recreations and the Bartons, and Stratford and the Beverleys Priority Neighbourhoods. Members were informed that transport links inform the approach and that it is anticipated further opportunities will be promoted through engagement with the wider group of Anchors.

·  Recommendation 9 – An update from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation would be provided to Members later;

·  Recommendation 10 – Anchor institutions have been responsible for consultation within their own organisations on the Healthy Workplace initiative and this has involved trade unions;

·  Recommendation 11 – A majority of the skills courses available through the Leeds Adult Learning Programme are free to the unwaged.

·  Recommendation 12 – The Chair commended the report that had been presented to the Executive Board, saying that the report demonstrated that the city was doing good practical work to get those with learning disabilities into work. It was noted that another report is due to be presented to the Executive Board on how people with disabilities can access all services within the city.

The Scrutiny Board was advised that the Civic Hall would be hosting the SEND Employment Forum which focuses on getting young people into work. The lead for this national event will be the Lighthouse Foundation and is due to take place on 22^nd February 2020.

In consideration of the recommendations, the status of recommendations were agreed as follows:

·  Recommendation 1 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

·  Recommendation 2 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

·  Recommendation 3 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

·  Recommendation 4 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

·  Recommendation 5 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

·  Recommendation 6 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

·  Recommendation 7 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

·  Recommendation 8 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

·  Recommendation 9 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

·  Recommendation 10 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

·  Recommendation 11 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

·  Recommendation 12 – Acceptable progress made. Continue monitoring – 4

RESOLVED –

a)  That the report and discussion be noted.

b)  That the above status of tracking recommendations be approved.