1. Emma Tate
Investigating the implication of SERC applying to the call-out for applications to NI ESF Programme
12th December 2014

2. Aim
To identify the best funding route for SERC to facilitate a programme to address the needs of year olds NEETs in North Down and Ards.
Scope
Evidence suggests year old NEETs in North Down and Ards Area have barriers needing addressed.
College’s strategy in the CDP and the NI Economic Strategy .
Conditions include ‘buy-in’ from community organisations, SERC having cash assets of 10%, support from the North Down and Ards District Council to match fund the project (35%).  
Restrictions which may limit what can be achieved are: Time, Money, and Resources. 

3. Objectives
To identify numbers of year old NEETs in North Down and Ards.
To identify how many of these year olds’ highest achieved qualification is none or level 1.
To identify what barriers are preventing them from progressing to Education, Employment, or Training.
To decide most appropriate means of SERC’s involvement in design and delivery of a suitable programme.

4. Justification DELs Pathways to Success’ strategy
Actions being taken across the Executive’s Delivering Social Change Framework
‘Pathways to Success’
The Labour Force Survey (LFS)

5. Research, Information, and Data
Source of Data/Information
Qualitative/Quantitative
Primary/
Secondary
Rationale 
Census 2011 Neighbourhood Statistics (NISRA)
Quantitative
Identifying if there are year olds (NEETs) in North Down and Ards to justify delivery of the programme, and how many have achieved no or level 1 qualification as their highest level qualification
Labour Force Survey (LFS) (UK)
Identifying if the proportion of NEETs in NI is as high as other areas within the UK
PACE Fact Finders and Individual Action Plans (IAPs)
Quantitative and Qualitative
Primary
Identifying the barriers faced by the NEET population on the PACE programme
PACE Client Voice Survey
Qualitative
Identifying if existing programme has improved employment opportunities, given valuable experience, and if participants would recommend it to others

8. Labour Force Survey showing percentage of 16-24 year olds not in education, employment or training%
16-24
Northern Ireland
England
Wales
Scotland UK
Oct-Dec 2011
20.5
18.6
28.0
19.2
Total ‘NEET’
46,000
1,139,000
102,000
116,000
1,402,000
Participant Fact Finders and Individual Action Plans showing Percentage of PACE participants who identified the following barriers to education, employment or training %
Barrier
Confidence
Depression/
Anxiety
Addictions/
Convictions/
Behaviours
Caring
Responsibilities
Wrong Choice of
Course/College
Lack of
Job Opportunities
Commitment/
Motivational Levels
Lack of Qualifications/
Experience 17
23.1 3
12.3

9. Client Surveys showing percentages of PACE participants who feel they have improved employment opportunities, gained valuable experience, and would recommend PACE to others %
Improved Employment Opportunities
Gained Valuable Experience
Would recommend PACE to others
88.57
91.43

10. Options
Option 1
SERC submit application form as the Lead Organisation, partnering with North Down Community Network (NDCN)
Option 2
SERC partner with NDCN, with NDCN taking the lead
Option 3
SERC do nothing
Option 4
SERC and NDCN apply collectively for alternative funding

11. Preferred Option 4 – SERC and NDCN apply collectively for alternative funding
Allows SERC and NDCN to be involved in the facilitation and delivery
Lesser financial commitment or allocation of resources

12. Cost Benefits
Staff salaries
Potential for 100% funding

13. Implications and Impact on SERC
Sustained job roles
Fulfilling SERC’s corporate social responsibility, in relation to equality and diversity .
Strengthened links with NDCN and it’s associates.
Possibility of 100% funding through SIF
SERC is contributing to the key strategic document, Pathways to Success’ strategy  

14. Risks of not proceeding
Weakened links with community associations
Ignoring those year olds most in need
Job losses
Contributing to the skills shortages of next generation

15. Any Questions?

16. Thank you