1. Session 4. Case Studies of Effective Approaches (2) Working with business - Robert Porter, Derwent and Solway Housing Association

2. Introduction The West Cumbria economy – ‘the challenges’ The secret of Routes 2 Work success DVD - overview of the Routes 2 Work Project Summary of achievements Helps and hinders in working with business

3. The West Cumbria economy – ‘the challenges’ 21 wards across West Cumbria are classified as being in the top 20% of Indices of Multiple Deprivation for England and Wales The decline of the traditional industries in West Cumbria resulted in large-scale redundancies in the area Many households in priority wards are now experiencing second and third generation unemployment, which in turn, has created a ‘benefit dependency culture’ through the lack of sustainable jobs, low aspiration and poor educational attainment

4. The secret of Routes 2 Work’s success? Excellent partnership working with a bespoke package of support based at all times on addressing an individual’s barriers to employment Since starting out in January 2005 Routes 2 Work have supported over 2,500 people into employment. Support includes: - Pre-employment support, CV’s, Interview skills - Into work grants, i.e. paying for clothing/equipment to start work - Wage subsidies and transition grants

5. Business support:- Local labour in construction

6. Targets: 50 people assisted into employment 40 people attend vocational training Achievements: 112 people assisted into employment 45 attended vocational training 80% still in employment 100 employers assisted Local labour in construction

7. Retail Upskilling Managing change Redundancy Support Project

8. Achievements: In excess of 100 people made redundant assisted into employment Many individuals achieved their personal ambition of changing careers as a result of being made redundant and the support they received from Routes 2 Work. Redundancy Support Project

9. Business support:- Retail - New Town Centre begins to emerge

10. Forging new partnership to meet retailers’ needs

11. Achievements: Acting as the major recruitment agent Assisted over 1,000 people into employment 350 received bespoke support 85% still in employment 30 retailers assisted Beneficiaries working in retail

12. What the future holds? Cascade our learning throughout the Harvest Housing group Focusing on the ‘harder’ to reach client groups Opportunities linked to new local employment with new Tesco's Extra store and HM Revenue and Customs call centre Supporting the development of Social Businesses and entrepreneurs i.e. Little Acorns, Green Apprentices and Cumbria Recycling Ltd.

13. Developing partnerships with businesses Develop understanding of local employers’ needs/challenges Relationship management – build confidence Approaches to Adopt: - never let the employer down - make sure you are only recommending suitable people to appropriate positions

14. Tips/suggestions Matching clients with employers Trust (in both Employer and Employee) Maintain Employers confidence in Routes 2 Work, i.e.:- the client, the funding, flexibility, professionalism Honesty at all times

15. Placing the wrong person in the wrong job - damages the credibility of the project, damages relationships with Employers Ultimately this could damage the brand, credibility and limit opportunities to develop and expand Things to avoid