Issue - meetings

This report provides a summary of the findings from the recent Adult Learning Inspection of the Workstep Programme and seeks support to actively promote the programme and related services within the authority.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for Adult Social Services be advised to note the content of the report on the inspection of the Workstep Employment Programme by the Adult Learning Inspectorate and support Officers to implement the recommendations required.

Decision of the Executive Member for Adult Social Services

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel as set out above be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:             To make further improvements to the service for current and future customers.

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Members considered a report, which summarised the findings from the recent Adult Learning Inspection of the Workstep Programme and sought Members support in the promotion of the programme and related services within the Authority.

It was reported that the Workstep contract was with Job Centre Plus, which provided up to 52 places for eligible participants, with a disability, to be supported into employment. The programme was based at the Yorkcraft site, which included a sheltered workshop, on Tadcaster Road, York.

Officers confirmed that although the results of the findings, were in the main encouraging and the overall management of the programme were assessed as “good” the following weaknesses had been identified:

• Need for the authority to develop a corporate marketing strategy for the Workstep Programme
• Raising the general awareness of the Workstep Programme throughout the authority.

It was confirmed that an action plan was being developed to respond to these issues, which included:

• The completion of the quality assurance programme.
• The promotion of wider opportunities within Council departments.
• The development of a realistic marketing strategy.
• Utilising the Workstep programme as an integral part of the modernisation of day services.

In answers to Members questions Officers confirmed that the separation between Yorkcraft and the Workstep Programme was, in future, to be made much clearer. They also confirmed that details of the Programme would be made more accessible on the Council’s website.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for Adult Social Services be advised to note the content of the report on the inspection of the Workstep Employment Programme by the Adult Learning Inspectorate and support Officers to implement the recommendations required.

Decision of the Executive Member for Adult Social Services

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel as set out above be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:             To make further improvements to the service for current and future customers.

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