Connexions Northamptonshire and the Skills Pledge By Linda Houston Training Manager 21 October 2008

Connexions Northamptonshire  A controlled company of Northamptonshire County Council contracted to provide the Connexions service in Northamptonshire  166 Full-time equivalent staff all qualified to at least NVQ 2

Connexions Northamptonshire Provides Information, Advice, Guidance and Support to young people (age 13–19) to support them in achieving EET (Education, Employment and Training)

Connexions Northamptonshire Vision: The best start in life for all young people Priorities: Priorities:  Providing Information, Advice, Guidance and Support  Reducing NEET  Involving young people  Company Excellence

Connexions Northamptonshire Priorities aligned to the five outcomes of Every Child Matters:  Stay Safe  Be Healthy  Enjoy and achieve  Make a positive contribution  Achieve economic well-being

Connexions Northamptonshire  Recognised as an Investor in People Organisation  On the IiP Roll of Honour

Connexions Northamptonshire  Stage 1 Statement of Intent Published in Connect4U (monthly staff Published in Connect4U (monthly staff newsletter) April 2008 newsletter) April 2008 Included rationale for the Skills Pledge Included rationale for the Skills Pledge and linked to Business Plan and and linked to Business Plan and Company priorities Company priorities

6a (Statement of Intent – April 2008 Connect 4U) (Statement of Intent – April 2008 Connect 4U)

Connexions Northamptonshire Stage 2 Diagnostic Analysis Stage 3 Action Plan Relationship with Train to Gain Skills BrokerRelationship with Train to Gain Skills Broker Ongoing identification and prioritisation of training needs in line with Business Plan and Company prioritiesOngoing identification and prioritisation of training needs in line with Business Plan and Company priorities Annual Training PlanAnnual Training Plan Revision of Training and Development PolicyRevision of Training and Development Policy Management Training StrategyManagement Training Strategy

Connexions Northamptonshire Stage 4 Skills Pledge Commitment  Publicised September 2008 in Connect4U and tailored to reflect training activity of Connexions: Omitted reference to basic literacy and numeracy Omitted reference to basic literacy and numeracy skills and first Level 2 qualification skills and first Level 2 qualification Included reference to specific training Included reference to specific training

8a Skills Pledge from September 2008 Connect 4U

Connexions Northamptonshire Stage 5Fulfilment  Ongoing review and evaluation of training to ensure it meets Business needs