Agenda Item No

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Scrutiny Committee : 1st June 2009

Director of Learning and Development

Genesis II

Purpose of the Report

1.    To inform the Members of the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee of the Council's success in securing additional resources to provide training and support to economically inactive residents of the Vale.

Recommendations

1.    That Scrutiny Committee Members note the report.

Reasons for the Recommendations

1.    To update Members on the actions taken to meet the increasing demand for the services of Job Shop Extra during the current economic climate.

Background

2.    At the January and February meetings, Members were informed of the increasing demands made on the services of Job Shop Extra during the current economic climate.

3.    Applications for additional resources have been submitted and the Council has now received confirmation that one application has proved successful.

4.    Funding is available until 2014 to deliver a project entitled Genesis II in the Vale.

Relevant Issues and Options

5.    The Genesis II project aims to raise levels of employment and economic activity specifically concentrating on those who are 'hardest to reach' to improve their skills levels to move them closer to the labour market.

6.    The purpose of the project is to provide a package of easy to access client centred support, including personal development, confidence building and soft skills to individuals who may otherwise be excluded from training and/or economic activity.

7.    The project will add value to the services provided by Job Shop Extra and it will be managed by the Manager of the Lifelong Learning Employment Training Section [LLETS].

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

8.    The amount of funding available is £537,000.  It will secure the appointment of a project co-ordinator and an administrator.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

9.    The project is European funded and all activity will adhere to the conditions of the grant.

Crime and Disorder Implications

10.  This project will address the issues of social exclusion by providing training and employment opportunities which deter those at risk from participation in crime and disorder activities.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

11.  The service is available to all Vale residents.

Corporate/Service Objectives

12.  The aims of the project support the Corporate Objectives of Lifelong Learning, Community Well-Being and Regeneration.

Policy Framework and Budget

13.  The report is in accordance with the Policy Framework and Budget.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

14.  Consultation has taken place with a variety of partners, particularly from the voluntary sector and Jobcentre Plus.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

15.  Lifelong Learning.

Background Papers

Funding Applications

Approval Letter

Conditions of Grant

Contact Officer

David Prosser

Head of Lifelong Learning

01446 709148

Officers Consulted

None.

Responsible Officer:

Bryan Jeffreys

Director of Learning and Development