Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Locality Partnerships which introduces a formal discussion around Employment, Skills & Education in the Inner East with Elected Members, and partners.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships presented a report which introduced a discussion around Employment, Skills and Education in the Inner East with Elected Members and partners on the opportunities available to people, to reduce deprivation.

Representatives from the Community Learning Partnerships (Burmantofts and Richmond Hill area) provided on update on what is available in the community, in terms of the services they provide. Members were informed that support is available for:

·  Adult learning.

·  ESOL.

·  Digital skills.

·  Confidence building.

·  Guide people into customer service jobs in the health care sector.

·  Un-employed single parents to get educational training*.

·  An in-house counsellor is available and can provided 1-1 support.

·  Volunteers assisting children with reading abilities.

·  Gardening programmes.

·  Cooking groups.

·  Yoga groups.

*It was noted that this support is available in East Leeds just now. However, adult learning is city-wide.

Representatives from Community Learning Partnerships explained that they produce a weekly newsletter and can add details of the Community Committee meetings that take place, for resident to utilise the meeting more.

In responding to questions from Committee Members, the following was confirmed:

·  There are similar networks in the other Community Committee areas such as We Are Seacroft.

·  Leaflets with information can be provided to Elected Members and a point of contact should Members need to refer people.

·  The programme is fully funded for people over 19 and un-employed. However, if they are in work, a small contribution is required.

·  The team are keen to provide more support and opportunities for children. However, this is dependent on funding and receiving successful bids.

A representative from Leeds University (Lifelong Learning Centre) also attended the meeting and provided information on their services to assist adults who have not accessed universities before. She explained:

·  Their offer is to inform adults of their options and routes available to them.

·  If an adult does not have GCSE’s, there may be other options in terms of routes into university.

·  The importance of recognising strengths in adult learners.

·  The services role is going out into the community and relaying positive messages about higher and further education.

·  The service also signposts people to other institutions and organisations.

·  The service offers taster days on campus for groups, as well as short activities and sessions.

The representative confirmed she is happy to link up with any community groups / people that Elected Members may have in mind, to talk to them about their options and routes.

The Chair highlighted the importance of breaking down psychological barriers that are keeping people from studying.

A representative from Leeds Health and Care Academy attended the meeting and explained her role in the work talent hub and care careers. She explained:

·  The talent hub aims to hide complexities offers from across providers and connects education, training, and employment.

·  Several routes have been designed to get people into opportunities that suit their personal circumstances and ambitions.

·  The service work with partners, to flip the recruitment model to see if the job is right for the person, rather than the person being right for the job.

·  People are supported into employment but offer of support is also available for their wellbeing whilst they are in work.

·  The service is Quarter 1, worked with 320 residents. 39% of those were from priority wards.

·  The service is invited to Scrutiny Board in October 2024, and more information will be provided at that meeting.

·  The service connects initiatives that are already available and guide people through them, rather than sign posting them.

·  There are 350 jobs alone across the NHS, and there is many opportunities for people.

·  There is a young people and schools engagement programme and the teamwork with people aged 4-16. The service are also an anchor institution and there is a mandatory requirement that social value is added as per contracts and commissioning.

Community Committee Members discussed:

·  Positive benefits in terms of collaborative working.

·  There is work to be done in terms of engaging with members of the local community and providing them with the relevant information so that they can make informed decisions.

·  Recognising that the community is our workforce.

·  Good work that has taken place across priority wards to assist people getting into employment.

·  The importance of the retention element of recruitment.

·  Opportunities for Leeds Health and Care Academy to do community events / speak with organisations. It was confirmed this is possible.

·  Liaising with existing third sector organisations.

The Chair thanked all the partners for attending the meeting and providing updates. The Chair suggested that a job session is formalised on an annual / bi-annual basis.

RESOLVED – To:

a)  Note the information provided during the meeting by the partners in attendance.

b)  Note the intention that a job session will be formalised, with relevant partners.