Flexible Support Fund Creating local Opportunities with the Flexible Support Fund In partnership with local authorities, colleges and private providers. Emma Davis Gloucestershire and West of England David Sanderson Bristol City Council

Flexible Support Fund  The Flexible Support Fund (FSF) is an important part of the Jobcentre Plus (JCP) Pre Work Programme offer  It is designed to maximise off flows into employment from benefits at the earliest possible opportunity  FSF is a key enabler for Jobcentre Plus Districts, providing an opportunity to support the delivery of locally identified customer needs, and help to address the requirements of the local labour market  Use of JCP staff’s local knowledge  Analysis of MI  Customer Insight  Provider/Partnership input Concept Initial Analysis

Strategic aims of GWE Flexible Support Fund Advisory teams Local Authorities Existing partnerships Provider input Historical District information Customer need Mapped these gaps against existing provision Filled the gaps in a variety of ways. FSF used to add new and innovative provision driven by Jobseeker, Employer and Adviser insight. FSF used to pump prime existing and new partnerships To mobilise Partners, Providers and Employers around the issue of unemployment. Using a mixed economy built around FSF hierarchy Identified needs of customers through extensive engagement with;

Flexible Support Fund Intelligent MI Ongoing analysis to understand the needs of customers locally Current Provision Work to understand and fully utilise existing provision Designing Solution Pilot - Tewkesbury Develop concept Analysis and refinement Engage with partners Identify where unsatisfied needs exist GAPGAP A N L Y S I S

Flexible Support Fund  In depth independent Diagnostic assessment  Mentoring  Focus on job outcomes and sustainability  Use of initiatives to facilitate increased partnership working (JCP, LA’s, Providers and Employers) in achieving shared goals  Importance of customer insight in informing and developing future initiatives Key Components of the “Opportunity” model :

Flexible Support Fund  Engagement with Partners  Sharing Priorities  Co-ordination of Funding  Use of Local contacts/knowledge  Targeting support to maximise impact Putting the Customer at the heart of the business Delivering the Vision

Unlocking the Register Enhanced Support Contract modules will directly impact at least 5% of the GWE register “Opportunity” models will directly impact and additional 7 -8% of GWE register Spending FSF to directly impact on 13% of the register by working collaboratively with Partners Providers and Employers will unlock additional new opportunities sustainable past the end of each each programme. Our partnership working has enabled us to secure Match Funding, to date this amount stands at £1.160m And has also enabled us to develop bespoke innovative support not requiring funding. We are using the learning from each Grant/Contract to improve and enhance all of our other programmes Early results Opportunity Tewkesbury 42% positive outcome 20.5% into work 22.3% signed off the register –“Support and Challenge”.