Agenda item

‘Get Britain Working’ is a national initiative from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The ‘Get Britain Working White Paper’ (Nov 2024), seeks to promote higher employment and reduced economic inactivity, whilst supporting individuals to enhance and improve their skills to transition into higher quality jobs.

All areas of England must develop local ‘Get Britain Working’ plans. Dorset Council, as Accountable Body, must deliver the plan across the Dorset Council (DC) and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) geographies in partnership with BCP Council, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

This Cabinet report seeks approval of the draft GD&BCPWP (see Appendix 1) for publication.   

The Head of Curriculum, Quality and Business and a representative from Dorset Chamber presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

‘Get Britain Working’ was a national initiative from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The ‘Get Britain Working White Paper’ (Nov 2024), sought to promote higher employment and reduced economic inactivity, whilst supporting individuals to enhance and improve their skills to transition into higher quality jobs.

All areas of England were required to develop local ‘Get Britain Working’ plans. Dorset Council, as Accountable Body, was required to deliver the plan across the Dorset Council (DC) and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) geographies in partnership with BCP Council, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The Committee discussed the report and responses to queries were provided, including:

• In response to a query raised on the White Paper’s link to local delivery, the Committee was advised that the initiative had ICB Board support and would be governed via the Dorset Skills and Workforce Board, with representation from BCP Council, Dorset Council, and health agencies.
• The Committee was advised that engagement had taken place with the Dorset NHS Widening Participation Working Group, colleges, universities, and other stakeholders to ensure inclusive design and delivery, particularly for the Connect to Work initiative.
• In response to a query raised regarding apprenticeships for young people post-18, the Committee was advised that efforts were underway to grow the apprenticeship market and align qualifications with local productivity needs.
• The Committee was advised that the plan aligns with the Local Skills Improvement Plan and local growth strategies, supporting employer engagement and expanding apprenticeship opportunities.
• In response to a query raised regarding support for individuals with mental health or long-term health conditions, the Committee was advised that Connect to Work would offer tailored, wraparound support including benefits counselling and signposting, with a single front door approach.
• In response to concerns raised regarding employer readiness to support individuals with additional needs, officers acknowledged the challenge and outlined plans to help employers become disability confident, with a coordinated approach via Dorset Chamber and other networks.
• The Committee welcomed the plan’s ambition to improve job quality, referencing local data on low wages and in-work poverty, and suggested engagement with the BCP Poverty Truth Commission to strengthen the lived experience perspective.
• The Committee highlighted unpaid carers as a distinct group facing employment barriers and requested explicit references in the plan, supported by local data. Officers agreed to consider this and explore partnership opportunities.
• In response to a query on barriers for individuals without GCSE English and Maths, the Committee was advised that functional skills qualifications were available year-round and suitable for entry into apprenticeship training, with referrals via the Connect to Work information, advice & guidance service or directly to Skills & Learning Adult Community Education.
• In response to concerns raised regarding travel assistance for 16–19-year-olds, particularly those with SEND, the Committee was advised that bursary support was available through providers and travel costs had been considered in Connect to Work grant funding.
• The Committee emphasised the importance of inclusive provision for neurodiverse individuals and those with SEND and requested further detail in future updates.
• The Committee proposed piloting a Universal Basic Income scheme to recognise unpaid work, which officers agreed to take forward for consideration.

Following a suggestion from the Chair and with Committee consensus, a second recommendation was added for consideration by Cabinet as detailed below.

The Committee RECOMMENDS that:

1)    The recommendations as outlined in the report be approved by Cabinet.

2)    That Cabinet agree for the Get Dorset & BCP Working Plan to return to an Overview and Scrutiny Committee at an appropriate stage for further scrutiny, to enable Members to review its delivery, assess its impact in supporting individuals to return to work, and consider whether intended outcomes are being achieved.

Voting: For - Unanimous