Member placement opportunity – do you want additional people to help with your projects?

A4e is delivering the Community Task Force programme across South East, Mid and North Wales.

Background information
The DWP White Paper - 'Building Britain's Recovery' - announced that  the Young Person's Guarantee would be brought forward so that all 18-24 year olds will be guaranteed access to a job, training or work experience. CTF is the work experience element of that programme.

CTF commenced in January 2010 and will be delivered for 21 months.   The contract aims to enhance the long-term employment prospects of people aged 18- 24 who are approaching 6 months unemployment by providing quality work experience.

Customers will work on placements or projects for 25 hours a week and undertake an additional 5 hours weekly job search activity. The anticipated volume of customers is 3,500. The placements will last for 13 weeks with an option of being extended to 26 weeks if appropriate.  Customers will receive a training allowance of £15.38, in addition to their Job Seekers allowance.  They will be reimbursed for any travelling costs in addition to the first £4 per week.   There is no financial onus on host organisations – A4e will supply CRB checks when required and also supply any outdoor clothing that may be required.

By linking in with community, environmental and third sector groups, the placements we hope to attract will have a positive effect on the participants, giving them the opportunity they need to enhance current skills they may possess or to develop new skills.

All placements must meet the criteria of being of benefit to the community. The following sets out three ways that community benefit could be demonstrated.  It is not an exhaustive list, but a job with clear community benefit may include:

Social benefits – for example projects that:

• Engage with and/or support vulnerable groups
• Support crime prevention or reducing anti-social behaviour
• Improve the physical, emotional or mental well being of the community
• Improve access to public services for vulnerable groups.

Environmental benefits – for example projects that:

• Regenerate, renovate or restore public areas, buildings, houses and amenities
  
• Promote or support recycling, re-use, or energy efficiency and conservation
• Promote or support nature conservation
• Promote an awareness of and respect for the natural environment.

Cultural benefits – for example projects that:

• Extend or improve access to cultural, sporting, or educational opportunities for vulnerable or marginalised groups
• Encourage or promote understanding between different communities and/or generations.

There is an opportunity for Cylch members to work alongside A4e on delivering this national programme.

For Further Info:

Clare Birch, Employer Services Manager (Wales)

Mob: 07515 188709 / Email: cbirch@a4e.co.uk