The Work Programme Aims of the Workshop: To provide a general overview of the Work Programme, what it sets out to achieve and who will be responsible for achieving it. To explore the ways in which VCS organisations can engage with the Work Programme, the potential impacts upon organisations from doing so and some of the advantages and disadvantages.

What is It? Launched in June 2011 it is the major new ‘payment by results’ welfare to work programme to support the 5 million people receiving out-of-work benefits. It replaces previous programmes including Flexible New Deal, Employment zones etc It is being delivered by a range of private, public and voluntary sector organisations, who are expected to adopt innovative approaches. (Prime Contractors and their sub-contractors) Job Centre+ retains responsibility for benefit delivery, overall customer experience and supporting customers to find work in the early stages of their benefit claim.

What is it trying to achieve Reduction in long term worklessness and in the number of workless households. Providers delivering strong results and thereby ‘value for money’ Locally based providers delivering services that work for people in their area An individual focus on participants, based on their needs, not on what benefit they are receiving. DWP have said that the Work Programme is likely to represent an investment of several hundred million pounds in the Voluntary Sector

From a Customer’s point of view Requirement to access the programme at a defined point in their benefit claim (dependent upon age, benefit and circumstances). Work Programme providers can require customers to take part in work related activity. Involvement with the Work Programme can last up to two years. Customers should received tailored support that meets their individual needs, takes account of their personal circumstances and helps them to find suitable work. Complaints procedure.

The deal for Prime Contractors Five year contracts. Paid almost entirely by results with higher rewards for hard to help participants. Payments can currently range from £400 for an initial start (but no outcome)up to £13,700 for a person with a number of barriers to work who obtains sustained employment. In their bids Prime Contractors were able to offer lower values as an incentive to obtain contracts, many of the successful ones did so. More than half a million people are expected to join the programme each year. Minimum expected performance levels, those Prime Contractors not meeting targets may lose their contracts Higher performing Prime Contractors will be given an increased share of participants

How can VCS organisations get involved? Mainly by becoming sub-contractors to the Prime Contractors. These can be 1 st level sub contracts for organisations able to deliver ‘End to End’ provision (sometimes known as Job Brokers) More commonly this can be by a second level agreement whereby organisations deliver specialist or knowledge bank services e.g. Volunteering opportunities, short training programmes etc.

What are the advantages? The Work Programme is intended to be a long term commitment Organisations will be encouraged to deliver quality services that meet individual needs Through sub contracting the programme will provide opportunities for a wide range of organisations, that may not otherwise have been able to do so, to take part in a mainstream government programme and to demonstrate their capabilities. There will be opportunities to develop innovative services and solutions

What are the disadvantages? The Work Programme will NOT provide instant access to large amounts of money. The volume and profile of customers is at this point uncertain and therefore so are the requirements of providers. Organisations must NOT expect that because they have indicated that they CAN deliver they will be contracted to do so. Organisations are NOT advised to view the Work Programme as their only source of income, but as part of the services that they provide. There will NOT be money for extensive capacity building support, organisations will generally need to be delivery ready at the time of engagement.

Any other points to consider? The impact on the reputation of your Organisation in your community from getting involved. Whether you are being paid properly for the services you are being asked to deliver, and how this may impact on the use of your organisation’s other resources. The contract. Some have penalty clauses, and many Organisations are being offered contracts that exactly mirror those given to the Prime Contractor by DWP. The security requirements.

Who are the NW Prime Contractors? Greater Manchester and Cheshire G4S Seetec Avanta Lancashire, Cumbria, Merseyside A4E Ingeus Deloitte