Minutes:
Rory Garforth, Dearne Electronic Village Ltd, was welcomed to the meeting.
Members were updated on the Assisted Employment Project. Between April and June, there had been 29 new learners accessing support with a total of around 45 learners accessing the service over four days a week. It was noted that currently there were no sessions on Wednesday at the moment but this would change shortly. Funding had also been obtained from the Coalfields Community Investment Programme.
The Job Centre had referred the 29 new learners, 27 of whom accessed the service face to face and 2 accessed it virtually. It was also understood that further learners were likely to be referred from the DWP.
The majority of those who accessed the service were form Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton on Dearne although other people from further away had been referred to other services as they did not live in the Dearne Area Council area.
There was a wide variety of learners from different backgrounds. Some had recently left school or were at college and were wanting help with their CV’s or were wanting assistance to set themselves up on job sites. Other learners were in their 70’s who were accessing the service in order to try and obtain employment because of the cost pressures due to the financial crisis and the cost of living rises. This had been rather surprising.
All leaners who joined received an initial assessment on IT, Maths and English and following that an individual learning plan was put in place and qualifications were now awarded via Pearson Qualifications rather than OCR as had been the case in the past.
It was reported that since April, 21 learners had passed the IT qualification, and more were expected in the near future. Further information was provided about the guided learning hours provided for each individual student. Learners were encouraged to undertake more than the minimum 2 hours per week so that they could do an element of Job Search. The restrictions associated with Universal Credit in terms of hours assistance provided were also adhered to.
Members heard how 7 learners had gone on to find employment in a variety of industries. Arising out of this, reference was made to the fact that the DWP were pushing people into jobs they did not want or were inappropriate and this was concerning.
It was reported that 2 volunteers were currently working on a 1-1 basis with some learners although it was disappointing to learn that ‘good’ volunteers were often lost as they obtained employment.
The only remaining issue related to the rent, an issue that had been ongoing for some time. The Area Council Manager reported that this matter had now been escalated and it was hoped that this matter would finally be addressed in the near future. Arising out of this discussion, reference was made to the vermin infestation of the building that had now been sorted.
Reference was also made to the current position with regard to Trustees and it was noted that 2 additional Trustees had recently been appointed
In relation to funding, it was noted that the project was now at the end of the first quarter of the second year and thanks were extended to both the Council and the Area Council for their continued support. Information was also provided about applications made to other funding pots and to other funding opportunities that might be available. Rory stated that he would investigate these opportunities further.
RESOLVED that thanks be given for the presentation and update and that Rory be thanked for all his hard work.