Connecting with young women ? The CONNEXIONS service – assessing women’s needs and evaluating outcomes.

THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM Birmingham is the second largest city in the U.K. (after London), with a population of over a million people

THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM –BLACK AND MINORITY ETHNIC (BME) POPULATION Over 35% of the population in Birmingham is of Black and Minority Ethnic origin. According to the 2001 census, non-white ethnic groups comprised the majority in nine of Birmingham’s 40 wards. The largest ethnic minority groups in Birmingham are: Pakistani (11% of population), Indian (6%), Black Caribbean (5%)

OVERALL INDEX OF DEPRIVATION: SEGREGATION BETWEEN BME AND NON-BME GROUPS

THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM – GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS Diversity and social inequality – 137 of Birmingham’s Super Output Areas are in the 5% most deprived areas in the country, and 4 of them are in the 10% most deprived areas in the country. Compared to England, Birmingham has a growing younger population: More children, more young people aged 16-24 and fewer people aged 35 and over. There are 390,796 households in Birmingham, of which 33% are single person households House prices have risen substantially. From 2000-2003 there has been a 70% increase, compared to 48% for the England average. Birmingham has the second highest unemployment rate among the major cities in England, after Liverpool (2001 census)

What is A national government initiative delivered locally by 47 Connexions partnerships. It provides advice and guidance service for all 13-19 year olds to purposely engage them in learning, to enable young people to achieve their full potential and make a smooth transition to adult life by offering advice, guidance and access to personal development opportunities. Connexions is a ‘one stop shop’ bringing together a number of support services that help young people stay on track in learning and offer paths to employment. 

Purpose of this presentation To provide colleagues with an overview of the connexions service To explain how the service assesses the needs of its service users – women in particular To provide commentary ( based on LAG) discussions on the effectiveness of the service in terms of how it evaluates its outcomes

What is Personal Advisors are at the heart of the Connexions offer. They are individual guidance and support workers employed by the service. Services are offered to all young people aged 13-19 Connexions have recognised that some groups do not take up the service and these groups are targeted via special initiatives.

Specifically, Connexions service aims to: Offer practical help with choosing the right courses and careers. Enable access to broader personal development through activities like sport, performing arts and volunteering activities. Provide help and advice on a range of issues that may prevent young people from staying on in education or finding employment.

APIR process ( Assessment, Planning, Implementation & Review) This is the process used by personal advisors in their work with young people Referral Assessment Planning Implementation Review Exit/closure

The 18 factors The APIR framework covers a range of factors, which can affect a young person’s ability to make successful transitions or overcome barriers. The personal advisor needs to assess each of the factors as not all will be relevant.

The 18 factors

Three types of intervention Minimum: signpost to support required Supportive: Young people are linked into additional support, which will enable them to access and take advantage of educational opportunities Intensive: Young people are actively supported through a range of services, utilising all elements of the APIR framework. They are regularly monitored to ensure that they stay on track

Measuring Success A three way evaluation involving the young person, personal advisor and the individual who referred the young person to the service Through an accreditation system of young person’s progress Assessment Planning and Implementation and Review (APIR) tools Using tools such as the “Richter Scale” to measure distance travelled Through accreditation systems such as Youth Achievement Awards and Personal Development Plans

Monitoring individual progress Regular reviewing and recording of progress with individuals, in line with the individual learning plan Timely opportunities for accreditation Rewards for achievement other than qualifications Follow up of participants who opt out A final review in order to determine next steps Tracking of destination following completion

Self-esteem and confidence Personal and social skills Learning skills Young people are encouraged to consider how the programmes have contributed to their development in the following areas – Self Assessment Self-esteem and confidence Personal and social skills Learning skills Practical and employment related skills Literacy and numeracy skills Creativity Knowledge and understanding of important life issues Planning, organisation and team-work skills

LIMITATIONS OF CONNEXIONS SERVICES

Measurement Connexions are measured against a national NEET target ( Not in Education, Employment & Training) They are charged with reducing this target and their performance is measured against the ongoing reduction of this group

Types of Careers Advice/ Training Opportunities on Offer are often limited Vocational courses/qualification which may lead to employment, but may be short-term, non-sustainable or poorly paid jobs which exacerbate the cycle of poverty

Stereotyping does occur Incidences where personal advisors are informed by questions that are based on their own assumptions of cultural backgrounds and needs of some young women Advice, therefore can be unsound and not objective

Case Study – Questions from PA to Pakistani Young Women “Have you discussed this with your parents?” “Is this what you want to do or is it what your parents want you to do?” “Are you allowed to go to a mixed college or a course with a male tutor” These questions are not asked of other young women from white ethnic groups

In conclusion Evaluation driven by national targets Although a comprehensive assessment process is in place, it can often by circumvented by poor equality knowledge Overall – expectations of young women from BME groups, may be lowered as a consequence