Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 21
21
The Department told us that it recognises that the needs of local areas differ, and...
Conclusion
The Department told us that it recognises that the needs of local areas differ, and said that it “is about working closely” with the local authority, local employers and local enterprise partnerships and mayoral combined authorities. We heard that the Department’s approach is for there to be “a national set of schemes and a national set of interventions, and local delivery, which means that [the Department] can then tailor those schemes and draw them together in terms of how they work on the ground.”60 However, there is a risk of a disconnect between the national approach the Department is taking to employment support, and the needs of local areas.61 While noting positive relationships between local authorities and local jobcentres, and the involvement of local authorities in the review process of bids for the Department’s Restart scheme, the National Audit Office report provided examples of how some local authorities feel that the relationship with DWP could be improved. In particular, local authorities want more opportunities for early involvement in the design and commissioning of the Department’s national programmes, they want to be informed in advance of changes to the Department’s central policy so they can ensure their own provision complements rather than duplicates the Department’s, and they want more consistent engagement with the Department, less reliant on individual staff relationships.62
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6a: PAC 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; • Ensure its employment support meets the needs of the local economy. 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.