1. Emma Tate Investigating the implication of SERC applying to the call-out for applications to NI ESF Programme 2014-2020 12 th December 2014

2. Aim To identify the best funding route for SERC to facilitate a programme to address the needs of 16-24 year olds NEETs in North Down and Ards. Scope Evidence suggests 16-24 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 16-24 year old NEETs in North Down and Ards. To identify how many of these 16-24 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/Qu antitative Primary/ Secondary Rationale Census 2011 Neighbourhood Statistics (NISRA) QuantitativeSecondary Identifying if there are 16-24 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) QuantitativeSecondary 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 SurveyQualitativePrimaryIdentifying if existing programme has improved employment opportunities, given valuable experience, and if participants would recommend it to others

8. % 16-24Northern IrelandEnglandWalesScotlandUK Oct-Dec 201120.518.628.019.2 Total ‘NEET’46,0001,139,000102,000116,0001,402,000 Labour Force Survey showing percentage of 16-24 year olds not in education, employment or training % BarrierConfidence Depression/ Anxiety Addictions/ Convictions/ Behaviours Caring Responsibilities Wrong Choice of Course/ College Lack of Job Opportunities Commitment/ Motivational Levels Lack of Qualifications/ Experience 1723.1173312.3 Participant Fact Finders and Individual Action Plans showing Percentage of PACE participants who identified the following barriers to education, employment or training

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 ExperienceWould recommend PACE to others 88.5791.43

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 16-24 year olds most in need Job losses Contributing to the skills shortages of next generation

15. Any Questions?

16. Thank you