Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 6
6
The Department does not make the most of local authorities’ and employers’ in depth knowledge...
Conclusion
The Department does not make the most of local authorities’ and employers’ in depth knowledge of local needs and priorities. Experts such as local authorities and employers have in-depth knowledge of local needs and priorities that can make employment support programmes more effective. However, the Department is not using local expertise to the extent that it could, and risks a disconnect between its national view and local stakeholders’ priorities. Local authorities value their relationship with the Department and local jobcentres, but have also experienced a lack of clarity on the links between employment and skills provision nationally, short-notice changes to the Department’s policy and programmes, and inconsistent engagement with the Department. The Department does not share its ‘district provision tool’, which lists the employment support provision available within local areas, with local partners, meaning that local partners cannot identify gaps in provision or duplication of effort. The Local Government Association considers that a more localised approach would deliver better outcomes by targeting all funding streams at local communities’ needs, while the Co-op group calls for a more collaborative approach between businesses, local education providers and the government. Recommendation: The Department should seek regular structured feedback from local authorities and employers on its employment support and: • Involve them in the design and commissioning of schemes; • Publish its district provision tool so others can see and comment on and complement the range of local provision; and • Ensure its employment support meets the needs of the local economy. 8 DWP Employment support
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation Implemented 6.2 The department has regular engagement with local leaders and stakeholders, Mayoral Combined Authorities and Local Authorities to understand place-based labour market issues and reflect feedback in the department’s design and implementation of employment programmes. The department also works with employers in local areas to understand their recruitment and skills needs across sectors in order to tailor support. 6.3 Local engagement has played a key part in the appointment of providers for the Restart employment programme and the department works with local partners to encourage employers to create Kickstart placements. 6.4 The department has an extensive programme of contracted employment provision, including the Work and Health Programme, where commissioning and management of the contracted programme is delegated to Greater London and Greater Manchester authorities. 6.5 The department collaborates with Local Authorities across Great Britain to support delivery of services, which are in many cases co-located; departmental Work Coaches work alongside local partners in Youth Hubs to support young people in the area. 6.6 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2022 6.7 The department agrees to regularly publishing a list of locally available provision, together with contact details at each Jobcentre. This would include the relevant information from the District Provision Tool. 6.8 Jobcentre Plus Partnership Managers, Employment Advisers and Disability Employment Advisers will continue to work closely with local authorities and other groups to ensure staff in Jobcentre Plus offices have up-to-date local and national information, such as the Local Authority support pack, to support customers.