Session 3. Case Studies of Effective Approaches (1) Engaging and involving residents - Jo Oxlade, East Thames Group

REGISTERED OFFICE: 3 TRAMWAY AVENUE STRATFORD LONDON E15 4PN TELEPHONE: MINICOM: FAX: EAST POTENTIAL CHAIR: JOHN NORMAN MANAGING DIRECTOR: DAVID CHESTERTON REGISTERED IN ENGLAND & WALES ( ). REGISTERED CHARITY ( The Role of Social Landlords in Tackling Worklessness Effective Approaches – Engaging & Involving Residents Jo Oxlade

Presentation Overview of East Thames Group Overview of the areas in which we work Employment & Training Projects Additional Support Provided Tips & Suggestions

East Thames Group – Who We Are The largest housing association operating exclusively across east London and Essex Provide housing, social and physical regeneration and support for vulnerable people Set up in 1979 with 2,000 homes we now have 14,000 and expect to have 20,000 by 2012 Employ 1100 staff across the Group and within our four main operating subsidiaries

Snapshot of East London ETG works only in East London & Essex, in some of the most deprived areas in the UK Tower Hamlets is the most deprived area in the country, whilst Newham is fifth 64% of population in Newham is from a BAME background 16% of households are lone parent 40% of population in Newham & Tower Hamlets are under 25 30% of population have no formal qualifications, compared with 15% nationally 35% of population are economically inactive High levels of people with language and basic skills needs

Employment & Training Projects – Construct Your Career Supporting local people into the construction industry Funding through NRF/LDA/ESF Awareness sessions 2 week Lets Build course 16 week Voids project CSCS training Dry Lining taster course C&G Multi Skills qualification Employability skills/Basic skills Links with contractors on ETG Framework Agreement

Achievements since August 2006: –500 attended Awareness session –400 Completed 2 week Lets Build course –160 completed 16 week Voids project –65 attended Dry Lining taster course –96 into sustainable employment –100+ currently being supported into work Construct Your Career

Employment & Training Projects – Routes to Work Offering local residents a taster of work Funding through LSC/Group Funding 2-week Work Experience placement Pre-placement training 3–6 month Business Mentoring Programme Employability skills In-work support

Achievements in last financial year: –130 Work Experience Placements offered –24 Business Mentoring relationships established –Partnerships with 20 corporate organisations –40% of beneficiaries gain sustainable employment –30% go on to further education or training Routes to Work

Employment & Training Projects - Open Doors Pre-employment training for local residents 6-week course, 3 days a week Careers advice & guidance CV building Team building Interview techniques IT skills Presentation skills 1-1 goal setting

Achievements to date (since Oct 2006) –210 people engaged onto programme –55 into employment –68 going into further education or training –Partnerships with Bromley By Bow Centre & Poplar Harca Open Doors

Why Do We Get Involved? ‘ to make a positive and lasting contribution to the neighbourhoods in which we work’’ More than a housing association Part of meeting our mission statement To support our residents become financially independent Actively supporting the regeneration of the local area Local presence and long term commitment to the area Working with a range of organisations and agencies in the area Involvement in Stratford City/Olympics/Athletes Village Developments

Additional Support Provided Travel, childcare & lunch expenses support/advice & guidance provided throughout duration of programme & after All programmes are based on building confidence/aspirations Accredited training/certificates Basic Skills support Weekly Job Clubs in 3 locations Support with benefits advice/dealing with Job Centre H&S Equipment/Tool Boxes/Clothing vouchers On-going in-work support

Why are our Programmes Successful? Strong partnerships Dedicated staff to manage/co-ordinate programmes Good knowledge of client group Managing expectations of client group/partners Continuous monitoring & evaluation Flexibility – be prepared to make changes Celebrate success

Difficulties/Challenges Limitations of funding – ie time specific, borough specific Sustainability of programmes Tracking beneficiaries Expectations of beneficiaries Lack of ‘buy-in’ from potential partners ‘Revolving door trainees’ Benefit dependency Credit crunch/lack of employment opportunities

THANK YOU ANY QUESTIONS? Jo Oxlade Construction Programmes Manager East Potential