Department for Work and Pensions 1 Name: Lindsey Harman Date: 1 st May 2013 Flexible Support Fund ‘Making a Difference’

Department for Work and Pensions 2 What is the Flexible Support Fund? Introduced in an amalgamation of former targeted budgets. Strictly pre-Work Programme funding. All claimants not in the Work Programme or Work Choice, are eligible for support from the fund. Provides for flexible delivery and used to support the needs of individuals, the locality and the prevailing local labour market. Tackles worklessness and barriers to unemployment holistically. Discretionary use – but must support core DWP core objectives. District Managers may use Flexible Support Fund money to provide support for local partnership working.

Department for Work and Pensions 3 How is it used? Some examples of the use of Flexible Support Fund include; Meeting one off claimant needs – e.g. travel to interview costs. Paying for training or certification not available through contracted or partner provision. Paying for adaptations to help a disabled claimant access work placements. Adult or child care to enable a claimant to undertake training, attend interviews or start work. Support for Partnership activity as determined locally.

Department for Work and Pensions 4 Determing eligibility for an award All awards must be reasonable and represent good value for money. All other possible sources of funding must have been explored first. Our District Provision Tool shows what is already available. All awards must have the expected positive outcome of moving the customer into work sooner than would otherwise be possible. One off training can be brought - but only when it is determined that no other contracted or non-contracted training is available. If training is to be paid for and undertaken, it must be completed before the individual would join the Work Programme.

Department for Work and Pensions 5 Mark from Birmingham, a homeless, ex-serviceman, got Health and Safety training paid by FSF which led to full time security employment. In Cumbria FSF funded bus warrants are given to those aged for job interview attendance in their first month of unemployment. In Crewe and Northwich FSF supports a course for individuals with multiple problems relating to drug use. Siobhan from rural Northamptonshire received an FSF funded bicycle that enabled her to secure and hold down employment. FSF monies are used as co-funding with the Salvation Army in Wessex to provide an employment routeway for the homeless. Flexible Support Fund (FSF) in Action

Department for Work and Pensions 6 In South East Wales FSF monies are used as co-funding with Oxfam to enable a project to get lone parent ethnic minorities in to work. FSF bought Michelle from East Ayrshire some interview clothes. She was successful at that job interview and started full time work. In Tameside FSF money is used as co-funding to provide a project for ex-offenders supporting them into employment and training. Michael from Telford received FSF funding for interview clothes and some appropriate attire when he started full time work. In Lowestoft FSF co-funds a course for ESA / IB claimants with mental health and substance abuse issues which helps them to find work. Flexible Support Fund (FSF) in Action

Department for Work and Pensions 7 In London a partnership grant supported 120 pre-Work Programme young NEET [16-24] claimants at risk of becoming gang members, those with drug and sexual health issues and also single parents. Provided just under 4K London customers affected by the Benefit cap with specifically designed modules to help re engage with the labour market Louis who had a history of violence was supported by his adviser and a FSF funded programme. He is currently studying for his Maths and English GCSEs. Contributed to partnerships through Community Budgets. Flexible Support Fund (FSF) in Action