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

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

3. 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%)

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

5. 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 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 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)

6. What is
A national government initiative delivered locally by 47 Connexions partnerships.
It provides advice and guidance service for all 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. 

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. The 18 factors

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. LIMITATIONS OF CONNEXIONS SERVICES

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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