Issue - meetings

To provide the Committee with an overview of the business case that has been submitted into the CPCA’s Single Assurance Framework (SAF) regarding the mobilisation and delivery of a new regional Supported Employment Service, which will be known as ‘Connect to Work’.

RESOLVED

A.    To note the formal business case which has been submitted into the Combined Authority’s Single Assurance Framework process to enable the development and delivery of a Connect to Work service for the region as part of the Governments ‘Get Britian Working’ strategy

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Alexis, McLeod, Senior Programme Manager, gave a collective introduction to items 10, 11 and 12 in regard to their progress through the Single Assurance Framework (SAF)

It was noted that all three items were subject to the Combined Authority’s SAF, which was introduced in 2024 to ensure consistency and transparency in the appraisal of new projects and activities funded and delivered by the CPCA. The SAF was designed to ensure value for money for taxpayers, promote transparency, and uphold accountability within program design. While each of the three papers represented distinct projects and programs, they shared interconnectivities and followed the same governance mechanism in their development.

The papers had undergone an initial internal review and were now presented to the Committee for noting and potential endorsement. The next step would be submission to the formal Investment Committee for further evaluation in the coming weeks. Specifically, the ‘Connect to Work’ project would proceed to the Board for full approval following Investment Committee review.

Members of the Committee emphasised the importance of ensuring alignment between the work of various committees and the Investment Committee. It was noted that this stage provided an optimal opportunity for the Skills Committee to review and provide feedback on the papers before they advanced further in the approval process.

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The Assistant Director gave an overview of the Connect To Work programme which was a five-year initiative targeting economically inactive adults with health conditions. The programme aimed to support these individuals through a structured employment route.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    The business case for the programme outlined the Combined Authority’s commitment to accepting the grant.

b)    A formal process with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was required to confirm the delivery profile, including participant numbers and learning milestones.

c)    The Programme followed a performance-based funding model rather than a lump-sum grant and initial projections estimated funding of approximately £16-20 million over five years.

d)    The anticipated start date for delivery was September-October of this year, subject to approvals.

e)    Emphasis was placed on working with constituent councils and strategic partners to align resources and optimise delivery.

f)     Members also stressed the importance of integrating with existing work and health support systems.

g)    There was recognition that identifying economically inactive individuals would be challenging and would require collaboration with third-sector organisations, local councils, and healthcare providers.

h)    A query was raised regarding the frequency of reporting to the Combined Authority and government, with officers confirming that quarterly (or potentially monthly) reporting to DWP would be required.

i)      The Committee noted that additional staffing would be needed, including at least one full-time role within the Combined Authority and up to 60 work coaches at peak delivery.

j)      A ‘Fidelity’ model of supported employment was the gold standard. An example of this would be a work coach who would go to work with an individual, learn the job alongside them and support both the employee and employer. This model was very intensive as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10