Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director Regeneration and Community Services.

The Corporate Director Regeneration and Community Services advised that the purpose of the report was to seek BGCBC endorsement of the regional paper and the principles of a locally delivered, regionally
co-ordinated approach to employability. The Corporate Director noted that the European programmes would soon come to end across the region and added that the 10 Councils across the City Region region would be working together to deliver the employability provision.

The Corporate Director further spoke to the report and outlined the shared vision in terms of the Framework for Future Employability in the CCR. The Corporate Director advised that the paper had been brought forward by the 10 Councils across the region and was being considered by the respective Councils to be delivered locally within a regional framework. Once the support had been received a business case would be developed in terms of the need of the employability and monies would be allocated where required. The Corporate Director had hoped that a seamless transition could be undertaken from the old programme to the new process. It was noted that across the region 50,000 people had benefited therefore this was a significant piece of work to be undertaken and once the principle of the approach had been agreed then this would come back for Council sign off.

The Executive Member Regeneration and Economic Development felt it was important not to lose the local element and to learn from each other from a wider aspect. The Executive Member stated that he had always promoted skills and apprenticeships for young people and seeing the projects coming to fruition was fantastic. However, work was also needed with families and the older generation who may need to change career and look at new ways of working, therefore it was also important to upskill these individuals.

The Executive Member added that it was paramount that the Council are able to be proactive to these challenges and it was felt that the regional approach was the best way forward. It provided an opportunity to strengthen the initiatives already in place in Blaenau Gwent and provided that extra support particular in relation to the shared prosperity fund.

In response to discussions at the Regeneration Scrutiny Committee it was advised that there was support for local delivery and understood the need for the regional working.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the regional paper and the principle of a locally delivered be endorsed, regionally co-ordinated approach to employability (Option 1).