Gateshead Council Making it Local Delivering Employability Services Heather Lee Economic Development Manager Environment, Economic Development & Regeneration

Gateshead

Gateshead Economy Business base is mainly SME’s employing fewer than 20 people Key sectors are in manufacturing and retail High proportion of people with low or no skills Limited number of people with high level skills High levels of out of work benefit claimants

Employment Support - Background Gateshead has delivered employability support for unemployed residents since 1997 Largely externally funded until 2012, now mainline Council funded Provides IAG for around 3,500 residents annually Has assisted over 13,000 unemployed residents into employment since its start.

Why provide employment support services Political will was there to support rising unemployment figures Strategic role of Council played a major role in establishing excellent working partnerships with key stakeholders Set up in Gateshead to mirror work of Action teams in disadvantaged areas through Single Regeneration Budget Excellent links into communities for engaging with unemployed residents Links to employers through planning, procurement, inward investment and business support

Local Authority role in Welfare to Work Welfare to Work Changes Fit for Future Private Sector Trading Financial Viability Benefits to Residents Lessons Learnt

Striking a balance Deliverer of services Strategic influencer Partnership Player An example, under the microscope –Trinity Square development

Being more joined up Employer Engagement & recruitment Sub contracting Co-location Collaboration to maximise resources and impact