Purpose of Report

Announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Get Britain Working White Paper introduced two new national initiatives; developing local Get Britain Working plans and a new, grant funded workforce and employability programme called Connect to Work. The Get Devon Plymouth and Torbay Working (GDPTW) plan will, cover labour market issues related to participation, progression, earnings and job quality in the labour market.

This strategic plan will provide strategic direction for Connect to Work, as well as future DWP initiatives such as the Youth Offer. Connect to Work, is a new programme which will specifically support disabled people, those with health conditions and people with multiple and systemic barriers to employment, to access and experience meaningful and sustainable work.

Decision

Cabinet agreed to –

1. Approve and accept the Get Devon Plymouth and Torbay Working plan: 2025 - 2027

Reason:

Accepting the Get Devon Plymouth and Torbay Working plan provides the overarching plan for delivering Connect to Work and other, new pilots and funding across this geography.

2. delegate the authority to sign future pilot contracts and agreements associated with the Get Devon Plymouth and Torbay Working plan, such as the Youth Guarantee, to the Director for Children’s Services, where they do not already have the authority to do so

Reason:

To enable the Director of Children’s Services to sign any contracts or agreement from Devon County Council or Department for Work and Pensions, on behalf of Plymouth City Council for future pilots or funds associated with the Get Devon Plymouth and Torbay Working plan, such as Youth Guarantee.

3. Approve the proposal for the Council to deliver the new DWP Connect to Work programme to support approximately 2,100 Plymouth residents (total value of approximately £6.8m over 5 years).??

Reason:

To enable the delivery of the Connect to Work programme to begin in Plymouth, which will support 2,100 residents into employment including those with disabilities, long-term health conditions and specified disadvantaged groups. Our proposed delivery will create 33 roles at peak, all fully funded through the grant allocation by the DWP.

4. delegate the authority to sign Connect to Work contracts and agreements to the Director for Children’s Services, where they do not already have the authority to do so

Reason:

To enable the Director of Children’s Services to sign any contracts or agreement from Devon County Council or Department for Work and Pensions, on behalf of Plymouth City Council.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered the alternative options as set out in the report

Councillor Cresswell (Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships) presented the item to Cabinet, supported by David Haley (Director of Children’s Services), Tina Brinkworth (Head of Skills and Post-16), and Toby Hall (Funding and Partnership Manager) and highlighted:

a)    The initiative followed the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) publication of the Get Britain Working White Paper, which aimed to build an inclusive and thriving labour market. Local areas were asked to develop plans addressing labour market participation, progression, earnings, and job quality;

b)    The Get Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Working Plan was co-designed by Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, and Torbay Council, in collaboration with partners from the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors, education and skills providers, employers, business representatives, the local Integrated Care Board, and Jobcentre Plus. Co-production of the approach was a golden thread running through the city’s work;

c)    The plan aimed to tackle long-standing challenges such as economic inactivity and youth unemployment, while also leveraging opportunities arising from defence investment and the work of Team Plymouth;

d)    Connect to Work was a new supported employment programme designed to assist disabled people, those with health conditions, and individuals facing complex barriers to employment. It would also support those at risk of falling out of the labour market to retain employment;

e)    Plymouth City Council would deliver Connect to Work in-house, with a recruitment strategy focused on individuals with lived experience of the barriers being addressed, including disability, long-term health conditions, and care experience. A key part of the approach was to embed lived experience which would ensure the delivery model was empathetic, informed, and responsive;

f)     The Get Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Working Plan had created strong foundations for future investment and partnership working. Connect to Work would be the first delivery element under the plan and would be overseen by a wide range of partners;

g)    A diverse team had been recruited, including individuals with lived experience of disabilities, mental health challenges, and neurodiversity. Approximately 10% of roles would be apprenticeships, with support provided throughout the apprenticeship and into employment;

h)    Delivery would be co-located at Cobourg House, bringing together Skills Launchpad Plymouth, Careers Plymouth, On Course Southwest, and the new Connect to Work team. This co-location would enable effective cross-referrals and improve participant experience;

i)     There had been extensive engagement with internal council teams (including Public Health, SEND, Housing, and Community Connections) and external organisations such as Livewell Southwest and Shekinah. Although Connect to Work would serve different cohorts, regular engagement would ensure strong cross-referral pathways.

In response to questions, it was reported that:

j)     Plymouth had already laid strong foundations through Skills Launchpad, having supported 3,000 residents into employment and 60,000 online.  Caseworkers would be embedded in community settings to reach both young people and families, recognising that barriers to employment often included financial, housing, and health issues;

k)    Cabinet Members expressed strong support for the initiative, noting Plymouth’s proactive approach and existing infrastructure.

Cabinet agreed to:

1.    Approve and accept the Get Devon Plymouth and Torbay Working plan: 2025 – 2027;

2.    Delegate the authority to sign future pilot contracts and agreements associated with the Get Devon Plymouth and Torbay Working plan, such as the Youth Guarantee, to the Director for Children’s Services, where they do not already have the authority to do so; 

3.    Approve the proposal for the Council to deliver the new DWP Connect to Work programme to support approximately 2,100 Plymouth residents (total value of approximately £6.8m over 5 years);

4.    Delegate the authority to sign Connect to Work contracts and agreements to the Director for Children’s Services, where they do not already have the authority to do so.