Session 4. Case Studies of Effective Approaches (2)

1. Session 4. Case Studies of Effective Approaches (2) Working with business - Robert Porter, Derwent and Solway Housing Association

2. Introduction The West Cumbria economy – ‘the challenges’ The secret of Routes 2 Work success DVD - overview of the Routes 2 Work Project Summary of achievements Helps and hinders in working with business

3. The West Cumbria economy – ‘the challenges’ 21 wards across West Cumbria are classified as being in the top 20% of Indices of Multiple Deprivation for England and Wales The decline of the traditional industries in West Cumbria resulted in large-scale redundancies in the area Many households in priority wards are now experiencing second and third generation unemployment, which in turn, has created a ‘benefit dependency culture’ through the lack of sustainable jobs, low aspiration and poor educational attainment

4. The secret of Routes 2 Work’s success? Excellent partnership working with a bespoke package of support based at all times on addressing an individual’s barriers to employment Since starting out in January 2005 Routes 2 Work have supported over 2,500 people into employment. Support includes: - Pre-employment support, CV’s, Interview skills - Into work grants, i.e. paying for clothing/equipment to start work - Wage subsidies and transition grants

5. Business support:- Local labour in construction

6. Local labour in construction Targets: • 50 people assisted into employment • 40 people attend vocational training Achievements: • 112 people assisted into employment • 45 attended vocational training • 80% still in employment • 100 employers assisted

7. Retail UpskillingManaging changeRedundancy Support Project

8. Achievements: In excess of 100 people made redundant assisted into employment Many individuals achieved their personal ambition of changing careers as a result of being made redundant and the support they received from Routes 2 Work. Redundancy Support Project

9. Business support:-Retail - New Town Centre begins to emerge

10. Forging new partnership to meet retailers’ needs

11. Achievements: Acting as the major recruitment agent Assisted over 1,000 people into employment 350 received bespoke support 85% still in employment 30 retailers assisted Beneficiaries working in retail

12. What the future holds? • Cascade our learning throughout the Harvest Housing group • Focusing on the ‘harder’ to reach client groups • Opportunities linked to new local employment with new Tesco's Extra store and HM Revenue and Customs call centre • Supporting the development of Social Businesses and entrepreneurs i.e. Little Acorns, Green Apprentices and Cumbria Recycling Ltd.

13. Developing partnerships with businesses Develop understanding of local employers’ needs/challenges Relationship management – build confidence Approaches to Adopt: - never let the employer down - make sure you are only recommending suitable people to appropriate positions

14. Tips/suggestions Matching clients with employers Trust (in both Employer and Employee) Maintain Employers confidence in Routes 2 Work, i.e.:- the client, the funding, flexibility, professionalism Honesty at all times

15. Placing the wrong person in the wrong job - damages the credibility of the project, damages relationships with Employers Ultimately this could damage the brand, credibility and limit opportunities to develop and expand Things to avoid