AB Employability Partnership Delivery Plan
Argyll and Bute Council · 5 December 2025
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 5 December 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
Classification: OFFICIAL Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership Delivery Plan 2025/26
Page 2
Classification: OFFICIAL 1 Executive Summary The Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership (ABEP) brings together local stakeholders to deliver the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind (NOLB) Employability Strategy Plan 2024-2027 in a way that recognises and responds to the challenges and opportunities of the area. With a strong foundation of partnership working and a commitment to inclusive, person-centred services, ABEP aims to ensure meaningful employment opportunities for all, particularly those facing disadvantage. This paper sets out the findings from the May 2025 workshop and aligns with wider national and local policy, including Community Wealth Building and the Argyll and Bute Council Economic Strategy, 2024-2034 and the associated short-term Economic Strategy Action Plan, 2025-2028 (updated annually). It highlights key challenges such as demographic pressures, limited connectivity, skills mismatches, and persistent inequality, while recognising opportunities to strengthen local resilience through green and blue economy growth, digital inclusion, values-based recruitment, and closer integration with employers, support organisations, education and training providers. The work also considers the enabling factors that make progress possible: a strong culture of collaboration, alignment with community planning structures, and a shared commitment to co-design and continuous improvement. The next phase will focus on agreeing priorities and implementation actions that will aim to convert this important work into outcomes. 2 Background The Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership (ABEP) has been in existence as a discussion forum on employability issues and opportunities for a number of years. However, further to the signing of a partnership agreement between the Scottish Government and Local Government on 5th December 2018, there has been a stronger focus on delivering the shared ambition of the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind (NOLB) policy agenda through all 32 of Scotland’s Local Employability Partnerships (ABEPs). The role of the ABEP is to provide local strategic direction and a strong collaborative partnership approach to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s NOLB Employability agenda across Argyll and Bute. The implementation of the ABEP Improvement Action Plan has ensured that the ABEP is collectively meeting the employability needs of our local vulnerable residents and priority groups. The ABEP recognises that stronger and more collaborative partnership working, focused on a place-based person-centred approach, is essential to maximise opportunities for individuals of all ages and capabilities and to tackle child poverty. This work provides a
Page 3
Classification: OFFICIAL joined up approach to tackling socio-economic disadvantage, inequalities and removing multiple barriers to assist individuals to progress in the employability pathway towards securing fair and sustainable employment and as a routeway out of poverty. 2.1 Delivery 2024/25
Page 4
Classification: OFFICIAL Chainsaw Training Gathering Feedback from Parents Creative Cookery First Aid Training Basic IT Training Childminder Support Horticulture Experience Electrical Training
Page 5
Classification: OFFICIAL 3 ABEP - Vision, Mission, Objectives 3.1 Vision Employability services in Argyll and Bute brings together partners and organisations to identify opportunities, align priorities, learn from each other, develop valued services and ultimately add value to every engagement with supported individuals. 3.2 Aims & Objectives The overarching objective is to ensure suitable opportunities for individuals of all ages and capabilities based on tackling socio- economic disadvantage, inequalities and removing multiple barriers to securing fair and sustainable employment. Inclusive growth lies at the heart of this Delivery Plan where partner activity will contribute to the Scottish Government’s NOLB policy direction, with a focus in Argyll and Bute on ensuring a place-based and person-centred approach to delivery. The ABEP will: • Continue to build a strong governance relationship with the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Management Committee; • Utilise and analyse data and stakeholder feedback to identify priorities and support the co-design of services that improve opportunities and outcomes; • Work together, utilising the Scottish Approach to Service Design to plan, commission and implement, flexible and responsive all age, employability support services, that meets the needs of individuals in Argyll and Bute; • Monitor performance and impact to review the effectiveness of employability support services, acting on information to ensure continuous improvement; and • Support capacity building across employability support services, strengthening local skills and the co-ordination of resources. In terms of what success will look like in Argyll and Bute, the work of the ABEP will be reflected in reducing unemployment in the area.
Page 6
Classification: OFFICIAL 4 Policy Context 4.1 ‘No One Left Behind' Employability Strategic Plan (2024-2027) The ABEP members have emphasised the need for person-centred, integrated, and flexible support and these are consistent with NOLB principles. Some of the strategic priorities of the policy which include, improving the employability system, increasing awareness, tackling child poverty through parental income, supporting disabled people, delivering jointly with wider public services, and the emerging priority for enhancing ‘employer engagement. These themes were central to the challenges, opportunities as well as the enabling factors identified by the ABEP members, which have shaped this plan. Inclusion of the underpinning NOLB principles is required particularly the pathways into sustainable and fair work. Net Zero priorities and the aspiration to support a just transition are also critical factors in employability opportunities and challenges for the ABEP. It is essential that we ensure that the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy is ‘just’ and ‘fair’ across our dispersed geographical area of remote and rural mainland and 23 inhabited island communities. 4.2 Scottish Government Addressing Depopulation Action Plan: ABEP partners identified key challenges in relation to the ‘ageing population and youth out-migration’ for the area. This mirrors the depopulation challenges highlighted in the Scottish Government Depopulation Action Plan. The plan highlights Argyll and Bute as one council area with a declining and aging population. The proposed solutions in this plan include investment in affordable housing, digital and transport connectivity, and employment opportunities, which were all central to the infrastructural and economic barriers identified at the workshop. 4.3 Scottish Government Community Wealth Building The Scottish Government is committed to bringing forward a Community Wealth Building (CWB) Bill, which seeks to ensure consistent implementation of the Community Wealth Building model of economic development across Scotland and address economic and wealth inequality between individuals and communities by facilitating and supporting the generation, circulation and retention of more wealth in local and regional economies. ABEP’s collaborative approach and agreement to invest in employability services which meet needs, deliver quality and create wider economic and social benefits for the communities of Argyll and Bute, aligns with this policy framework.
Page 7
Classification: OFFICIAL 4.4 Argyll and Bute Council’s Economic Strategy Refresh (2024-2034): ABEP identified ‘workforce skills, attracting relevant workers, and supporting job opportunities in emerging industries’ which align with the 'people' pillar of the council’s Economic Strategy. Challenges like skills gaps, unemployment/ underemployment, and housing as a barrier to economic activity are explicitly highlighted in both the ABEP members workshop and the Argyll and Bute Council’s Economic Strategy. Opportunities identified, such as Community Wealth Building, embracing the blue and green economies, and supporting entrepreneurship, are all central to the 'prosperity' and 'planet' pillars of the economic strategy, aiming for a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable economy. 4.5 UK Government Priorities: The ABEP Delivery Plan, demonstrates ongoing links with reserved and UK government policies with the contributions of DWP representatives as part of the partnership and connections to both DWP policy and the UK Shared Prosperity (UKSPF) priorities. UK Government ‘Get Britain Working’ sets out plans to reform employment, health and skills support to tackle rising economic inactivity levels, with the ambition to support people into good work. UKSPF resource allocation for the transition year, 2025-2026 contributes to the skills and employability context, including opportunities for progression to supported employment. This joined up approach is essential to achieving the shared ambitions in labour market participation. This also ensures a coordinated approach to supporting individuals to access support which assists them on their employability pathway and into sustainable employment, aligning national policies with local delivery. 4.6 Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership (CPP): The CPP's core objectives are centred on improving transport infrastructure, housing, and community wellbeing, which were equally fundamental to the employability landscape themes discussed at the workshop. The workshop’s emphasis on working together, attaining shared vision and collaborative local delivery through Area Community Planning Groups directly reflects the CPP's operational model and values (caring, committed, creative, collaborative). The ABEP is well represented with multi-agency participation, all committed to working together to strengthen the support system and outcomes for people across Argyll and Bute. CPP within the Community Wealth Building in Argyll and Bute: A Framework for Action. ‘Focus will be given to the Community Wealth Building approach to the ‘Pathways into Work’ recommendation which specifically notes building on the work of the ABEP where “as major employers, CPP members can explore how the adoption of a values-based recruitment approach within their own organisations, can support local people, specifically local young people, into meaningful employment in organisations that offer career
Page 8
Classification: OFFICIAL progression routes.” The ABEP Delivery Plan activity complements that of several other partnership groups aligned to CPP activity, ensuring links to other local strategies and plans, such as: • CCP revised Local Outcome Improvement Plan, 2024-2034 complete with the key principles committed to promoting equality • Argyll and Bute Council Economic Strategy, 2024-2034 and associated Action Plan, 2025-2028 (with update to be published autumn 2025) • Argyll and Bute Child Poverty Action Plan Group • Argyll and Bute Community Learning and Development Strategic Partnership • Financial Inclusion and Advice Group Regular reporting to the CPP Management Committee / Full Partnership on the progress of the Delivery Plan, along with appropriate updates on employability issues and opportunities, has put in place efficient and effective governance arrangements and accountability for the ABEP. The whole people and skills agenda is a key focus to enable the economic and social recovery of Argyll and Bute to be able to retain and retrain, reskill and upskill its population across its many remote rural and island communities.
Page 9
Classification: OFFICIAL 5 The Partnership The partnership including representation from the following organisations: • Argyll and Bute Council services including: o Economic Growth (includes the Employability Team) o Growing Our Own o Education and Developing Young Workforce (DYW) Argyll • Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership • Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) • Clyde Fishermen’s Trust • Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) • Fyne Futures Ltd • Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) • Inspiralba • Live Argyll • NHS Highland • Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) • Skills Development Scotland (SDS) • Street League • UHI Argyll • University of the West of Scotland (UWS) . ABEP members are involved in the delivery of NOLB, directly or as a referral organisation, and other funded employability interventions, such as that supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund hosted by Argyll and Bute Council’s Economic Growth service on behalf of the UK Government. ABEP would rather remain as one collegiate group rather than developing a partnership model to provide a clear distinction between organisations who have a strategic focus and those with an operational/tactical role. Short-life groups are established as and when required, to take forward specific strategic or operational issues.
Page 10
Classification: OFFICIAL 6 Governance A Terms of Reference was prepared as a concise document to outline the clear purpose of the ABEP and importantly the roles and responsibilities of ABEP members going forward. Specifically, over the last 3 years an ongoing relationship has been built with the Argyll and Bute CPP Management Committee / Full Partnership, with a particular focus on a strong governance approach. This is particularly pertinent due to the changing landscape of employability service delivery, focused on a place-based person-centred approach, set within a wellbeing economy, to be enabled through stronger and more collaborative partnership working at the local level, involving public, private and third sector stakeholders. 7 ABEP Collaborative Planning ABEP held a workshop for members on 20th May 2025 involving 27 representatives from across the partners, to capture insight and help shape the action-driven direction of ongoing work of the partnership. Using participatory leadership approaches, the partners shared their motivations for being involved in the employability landscape and gathered information on the challenges and opportunities, as well as identifying the enabling factors from good practice and shared experience. The session also highlighted synergies from across the partnership in support of person centred, flexible support to address inequalities and enable individuals to reach their full potential.
Page 11
Classification: OFFICIAL Visual Representation from the Workshop – Drawn by Eddie
Page 12
Classification: OFFICIAL Workshop Outputs
Page 13
Classification: OFFICIAL
Page 14
Classification: OFFICIAL Workshop Outputs
Page 15
Classification: OFFICIAL 8 Priorities for Future Action-Driven Delivery Addressing the Challenges Area Current Delivery Priorities for Future Action Driven Delivery Demographic Pressures: Ageing population and youth out-migration • Employability activities that connect with modern and graduate apprenticeships. • Link with DYW, schools, further/ higher education providers • Skills pipeline in terms of skills shortages in Health and Social Care. • Blended delivery models (in-person, online, outreach) which improve accessibility in remote areas • Multi Annual Funding would assist with longer term planning and strategic investment. • Strengthen links between employability programmes and ongoing education, training and accreditation routeways • Strengthen ties with schools and further/higher education (DYW, UHI Argyll) to embed pathways into local employment. • Promote remote/hybrid fair working to retain/ attract working-age people, especially in island and rural areas. Structural Barriers: Poor transport and digital connectivity, limited access to affordable housing, and geographical isolation. • Alignment with CPP and Argyll and Bute Council’s Economic Strategy and associated Action Plan to address structural barriers. • Skills and training delivery, which contributes to digital inclusion. • Develop further digital inclusion initiatives to improve access to services and online work/training. • Support community-based and place-based solutions, for example community transport. Skills Mismatch and Emerging Industries: Skills shortages, underemployment, and difficulty attracting workers for emerging industries. • ABEP representation from across key sectors including health and social care with input from sectors including blue and green economy and links to universities. • Skills Pipeline pilot to address skills shortages in construction, hospitality and care. • Co-design further skills development and training services with employers in green, blue, care, construction and digital sectors. • Support local micro-enterprise and entrepreneurship through mentoring and flexible funding.
Page 16
Classification: OFFICIAL Complexity and Accessibility of Services: Fragmented employability services and challenges in accessing integrated support. • Geographic and specialist input for delivery of support. • Collaboration across partners to share knowledge, expertise and support joined up work, to avoid duplication and maximise resources. • Simplify and align referral pathways using the Scottish Approach to Service Design1. • Strengthen ‘no wrong door’ approach. • Provide opportunity via ABEP for partners to share information on activities, initiatives and opportunities across the area as well as opportunities to bring collective expertise to address key challenges. • Create person-centred service access points (physical or digital). Poverty and Inequality: Persistent socio-economic inequalities, including child poverty and barriers faced by disabled people. • Person centred employability support services that incorporate specialist support across the whole area of Argyll and Bute. • Parental Employability Support Fund (PESF) employability services that include support for income maximisation and financial inclusion services. • Trauma-informed and holistic approaches that address mental health, childcare, and other key barriers. • Further develop inclusive employability support for parents, disabled people, and those furthest from the labour market. • Continue to bring lived experience to wider strategic context in terms of poverty and inequalities to inform economic priorities and community wealth building in Argyll and Bute. Building on the Opportunities Area Current Delivery Priorities for Future Action Driven Delivery Policy Alignment: Strong alignment with national and local strategies (e.g., NOLB, Community Wealth Building, National Strategy for Economic Transformation, Fair Work First). • ABEP priorities informed by; NOLB, Community Wealth Building, Child Poverty Action, and Argyll and Bute Council’s Economic Strategy objectives. • Continue to align delivery within context of national and local priorities and share examples of delivery within the wider policy context. • Identify cross-delivery working groups to coordinate efforts and funding. 1 The Scottish Approach to Service Design (SAtSD) - gov.scot
Page 17
Classification: OFFICIAL Green and Blue Economy: Potential to develop sustainable jobs through nature- based industries, renewables, and marine sectors. • ABEP Delivery Plan, 2025-2026 aligned with the Council’s Economic Strategy Action Plan, 2025-2028. • Representatives from economic development agencies on the partnership. • Map local green/blue sector employers and opportunities (e.g. marine, forestry, renewables). • Bring collective intelligence from across ABEP membership on significant developments to inform local delivery, including skills pipeline. • To increase engagement from across economic development partners to align investment within context of support to larger employers and strengthening communities. Community wealth building: Scope to anchor employment within communities by leveraging public sector procurement, local enterprise, and values- based recruitment • ABEP supporting investment contribution to local economy. • Local multiplier benefits from ABEP investment. • Work with CPP partners to develop local recruitment, procurement, and supply chain policies that benefit communities. • Promote “pathways into work” within public sector roles, especially for young people and priority groups. • Embed Community Wealth Building principles into ABEP project design, e.g. use local providers, reinvest in local services. Digital and remote working: Flexible work patterns offer more inclusive job opportunities for remote and island communities • Support and tools for digital skills within and across delivery. • Engagement with employers which highlights the value of flexible and more inclusive models for employment. • Promote Argyll and Bute as a destination for remote workers • Provide digital upskilling and co-working facilities in rural and island communities. • Encourage ABEP partners to promote flexible job models and inclusive recruitment practices through engagement with employers. Education and skills: Effective partnership and initiatives (e.g., DYW, SDS, UHI Argyll) to support lifelong learning and reskilling. • Strategic and local collaboration between ABEP partners. • Extend collaboration with UHI Argyll and UWS, DYW, SDS and schools to tailor learning to current and future labour market needs. • Create more in-work learning and training opportunities (e.g. work placements, modern apprenticeships). • Tailour support to recognise different learning styles and barriers for vulnerable groups.
Page 18
Classification: OFFICIAL Learning from the Enabling Factors Area Learning Priorities for Future Action Driven Delivery Partnership strength: Multi-agency involvement and shared commitment to person-centred delivery. Collaboration works best when partners feel a shared purpose and mutual benefit. • Create opportunities for ongoing relationship-building (e.g. learning exchange, joint training, shared events) • Use temporary sub-groups to allow partners to achieve specific goals without losing collective direction. • Use participatory leadership approaches, such as ‘Pro Action Café’ and ‘Open Space’ to ensure initiatives are informed by collective knowledge. • Develop a joint communications strategy to raise awareness of services share success, and shift perceptions. • Leverage funding streams through collaborative bidding and delivery models. Governance Alignment: Clear structure with strong links to the Community Planning Partnership, enabling integrated planning and accountability. Alignment with wider structures strengthens accountability, visibility, and access to resources. • Ensure ABEP Delivery Plan and reporting works with CPP priorities and cycles. • Participate in CPP-led initiatives to ensure employability is included. • Feedback regularly into CPP to show employability impact, challenges and opportunities. Data-informed Planning: Use of stakeholder feedback and local data to guide priorities and continuous improvement. Decisions are stronger when qualified by evidence and community insight. • Build capability in partners to collect and use data effectively. • Consider value of shared digital tool to track participation, outcomes, and gaps across the system. Collaborative Culture: Open and reflective working to build trust and co-creation which maximises impact and reach within increasingly challenging landscape. Engagement methods and collaboration which strengthen relationships, build trust, creativity, shared ownership to address shared priorities. • Continue using participatory facilitation methods in workshops and planning sessions. • Create space in ABEP sessions for knowledge sharing and collaboration on different key themes and challenges. • Encourage a ‘learning partnership’ ethos, share lessons learnt, including failure.
Page 19
Classification: OFFICIAL 9 Next Steps In order to take these finding forward, the ABEP will continue to review the plan and priorities, and identify lead roles to support an implementation plan.
Page 20
Classification: OFFICIAL Annex 1: ABEP Annual Investment Plan 2025/26 Summary To provide flexible, person-centred support under the No One Left Behind All Age Employability Service – including further information on the specific groups identified as a priority Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team - Will offer Real Living Wage paid work placements targeted at people at risk of becoming long term unemployed (12 months or more) and/or are experiencing a physical or mental health condition or illness lasting or expected to last 12 months. These groups have been chosen due to the additional barriers they may face identifying and entering employment. Work placements will be tailored to individual capabilities and range from 4 weeks to 26 weeks in duration up to 30 hours per week. Each participant will have a designated Keyworker who will carry out eligibility checks, initial needs assessment, create an individual action plan (which will be regularly reviewed to ensure progression along the employability pipeline), vocational profiling, job carving, liaise with work placement host employer regarding any workplace adjustments/PPE required and accredited training. Employability support will also be offered such as job search, interview techniques, confidence building, CV creation, better off in work calculations, etc. All work placement employers will be checked by our Corporate Health and Safety Team. Although offering an employment contract is not a condition for employers hosting the work placement, it is hoped through the skills, knowledge and experience participants gain they will successfully secure employment with the host employer should a vacancy arise or with an alternative employer. In work support will be provided to all participants who obtain an employment outcome. InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners- Will deliver tailored, person-centred support services via Employability Coaches throughout the participant’s journey. Initial assessments of all participants to gauge specific barriers/needs and eligibility criteria. Creating an Activity agreement for all- this acts as a development plan. Providing tailored support and relevant training via one-to- one meetings to assist progression through various stages of the employability pipeline. Our engagement through the ABEP has identified that there are specific skills needs in different areas of Argyll, due to skills shortages (such as Care and Hospitality) as well as emerging opportunities, (through investment in infrastructure requiring Construction and Engineering skills). Our engagement with employers highlights that business’ require specific skills and have jobs available for individuals with these skills. This year will see a skills pipeline pilot approach which will include tailored training and work experience, along with direct engagement with employers from the associated industry, to lead on to work placements and then subsequently enable participants to progress into available employment opportunities. Our Skills Pipeline approach will support participants to gain industry specific skills and training to assist their progression into available jobs in the area. Extended Skills Pipeline support will be available for people requiring Specialist Employability Support.
Page 21
Classification: OFFICIAL Clyde Fishermen’s Trust - Will deliver one three-week, residential training course in Oban. The residential format ensures participants from all areas of Argyll and Bute, including island and remote communities, can access training and support equitably. This marine industry specific training course will provide participants with the training, qualifications, experience and support needed to pursue a career in the marine and fishing industries. Over the 3-week full-time course, participants will work towards the four qualifications needed to work on board any vessel (STCW Sea Survival, STCW First Aid, STCW Health & Safety, STCW Fire Fighting). Participants will also gain a range of practical and theoretical skills such as navigation, rope work and net mending. The programme offers flexible, person-centred support through one-to-one engagement with an experienced Employability Officer before, during and after the residential element. Participants will receive personalised employability support, including workshops on interview skills, CV writing, and career planning. The Employability Officer will also work directly with each participant to secure a paid four- week work placement at the Scottish Real Living Wage, with continued support to transition into sustainable employment. The programme specifically targets priority groups in Argyll and Bute; young people aged 16-24 not in education, employment or training, particularly those from rural, island or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, people aged 15-67 experiencing significant barriers to employment including the long-term unemployed and those with health conditions, economically inactive individuals, addressing Argyll and Bute's higher-than-average inactivity rates and individuals facing rural isolation, providing access to training and employment opportunities otherwise inaccessible due to transport and financial barriers. Street League - Will deliver two sector-based academy programmes, engaging 15 young people aged 16-24. Supporting the NOLB 'Place Based and Person-Centred' approach and based on research suggesting that participants require services within their own communities, we will deliver services within said communities, taking away travel barriers, bringing service provision to those who require it most, engaging with local partners/employers/supports providing holistic services for participants. The innovative, community-based Academy model, that incorporates sports, and fitness will broaden and offer additional provision to that already in place across the employability pipeline and complement existing provision by engaging NEETs and providing referrals onto education, training or employment opportunities. Young people will undertake SQA National Progression Award in Customer Service, personal development and employability workshops, external Supports and life skills, Skills Builder, sector based ‘tasters’ and inserts, independent travel. Services will be delivered by a Progressions Coordinator and a Youth and Community Coach. Overseen by our local Operations Manager.
Page 22
Classification: OFFICIAL To reach and support parents using Parental Employability Support funding – including further information on specific Parental groups identified as a priority Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team – Has increased the number of Keyworker hours to 1 x 17.5 hour and 2 x 20 hour posts to support low-income target group parents (including kinship carers) who require support to move towards, into or to increase their income in-work. It is evident from the NOLB Data Toolkit parents need support to reduce child poverty and we wish to maximise the funding allocation available to assist with this. The NOLB toolkit shows Argyll and Bute with 23.5% of children living in poverty compared to the top performing Scottish local authority of 14% and 33.3% in low-income employment compared to 20.8% in the top performing Scottish local authority. Following the concluding of Fair Start Scotland, the 2 keyworkers from this contract now have the capacity to support parents referred to the Tackling Child Poverty service. Both keyworkers bring over 20 years’ experience each delivering pre-work and in-work support. All 3 of our Keyworkers understand the challenges and barriers faced by parents in relation to the cost-of-living crisis, housing shortages, fuel and household poverty. Each participant will have a designated Keyworker who will provide support tailored to their individual requirements. This will include undertaking an initial needs assessment, creating an individual activity plan (which will be regularly reviewed to ensure progression along the employability pipeline), employability support such as job search, interview techniques, confidence building, budgeting advice, better off calculations, signpost to specialist services i.e. CPNs, physiotherapists, organise certificated training, exits, in work support etc. Continued liaison with the council’s Resettlement Team is also vital to ensure this cohort of parents are adequately supported throughout their journey. Our replacement Child Poverty Co-Ordinator commenced employment on 12th May 2025, once in post her key operational responsibility will be to link in and build relationships with lead officers undertaking local child poverty work and other related policy initiatives to identify and promote appropriate key changes to local policy and practice that will contribute towards meeting child poverty targets across Argyll and Bute. Her key engagement responsibility will be to support strong communication between relevant local partners, with appropriate national engagement, to share learning and interventions in relation to tackling child poverty through employability. She will also work closely with the council’s Child Poverty Lead who is her mentor and also work to design referral pathways between services in the local area, or improving those already in place if they are not driving uptake as anticipated. InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners – Will continue delivering support services via employability coaches throughout the participants journey. Initial assessments of all participants to gauge specific barriers/needs and eligibility criteria. Creating an Activity agreement for all- this acts as a development plan. Providing tailored support and relevant training via one-to-one meetings
Page 23
Classification: OFFICIAL to assist progression through various stages of the employability pipeline. Both programmes are very much in alleviating child poverty by engaging with parents as participants and tailoring support that assists them to maximise household income, reduce fuel and household poverty and develop skills and opportunities to earn through fair work. We understand the challenges and barriers which affect participants. We recognise the importance of building Confidence; Resilience; Aspirations and Belonging, to assist participants to progress along the employability pipeline, valuing all achievements within this context. We recognise the wide range of specialist skills and expertise available across our communities within the third sector and the value of supporting these organisations to work with parents to access additional benefits, grants and or measures in relation to welfare, benefits and fuel poverty and the ripple effect of increasing the profile on the range of support measures available to households in our communities. We have established effective qualitative and quantitative monitoring and evaluation activities, including gathering onboarding, exit and review data, along with feedback, group discussions and independent evaluation. This monitoring and evaluation run alongside programme delivery to provide real time information for ongoing review and improvement. Continuing with the Childminding Employment Support this year for parents to access training and skills to provide childcare in rural areas where childcare is still an ongoing issue. Continuing with Budget cookery and preparation for the food and drink sector. This helps to provide cooking skills and reduce costs for families and can also provide specific skills for people who are looking to move into the hospitality sector which will help to provide jobs for the local communities. To provide Specialist Employability Support (SES) funding for disabled people and people with long term health conditions Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team - In addition to the universal support offered and documentation required for all NOLB and PESF participants engaging with Argyll and Bute Council, Keyworkers will offer the Supported Employment model. This will include Engagement, Vocational Profiling, Job Finding, Employer Engagement and On/Off the job support and Aftercare. Access to work will be applied for where appropriate. Signposting to relevant services is also important to ensure participants feel fully supported in their journey. Our keyworkers who previously delivered Fair Start Scotland have many years’ experience supporting participants with disabilities and long-term health conditions. We are also a member of SUSE. Keyworkers will engage with employers to ensure participants with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions move into or increase their income in-work thus reducing the disability gap. Participants will be supported to maximise their potential and to gain the skills, experience and training to allow progression into or towards employment. Our team will liaise with local employers to identify work placements/employment suitable to those who are disabled and/or experiencing long term unemployment. Where appropriate Keyworkers will liaise with InspirAlba and participants may be signposted should the participant be happy with this.
Page 24
Classification: OFFICIAL All services are inclusive and available to everyone no matter their background. Argyll and Bute Council and partners have an open- door policy and no eligible person is turned away. Individual support is tailored to each participant's capabilities and barriers experienced. A person-centred approach is key to success and gives participants the chance to train in an area that they enjoy. Individual support is tailored to each participants' capabilities and barriers experienced. A person-centred approach is key to success and gives participants the chance to train in an area that they enjoy. This ensures the best outcomes as participants are more likely to undertake training and look for employment within that sector with their newly found confidence. All Keyworkers have been involved in training/refresher courses; Mental Health First Aid, ASIST and Domestic Abuse. All staff will also undertake Neurodiversity and Unconscious Bias Courses in May/June 2025. InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners – Recognise that employment rates for people with a Learning Disability/ Additional Support Needs, Disability, Autism, Addiction and Mental Health barriers are significantly lower than the mainstream population. For people in these categories, additional support is required to overcome barriers, both for the individual and for employers. We have experience in supporting People with Additional Support Needs, Autism and Disability into employment, volunteering or further education. We recognise the additional barriers individuals face and bring lived experience from within the team, as well as specialist knowledge and expertise in Learning Disability / Additional Support Needs. We have also established strong partnership work with specialists in relation to mental health, physical disability, addictions and rehabilitation of offenders and also understand the intersectionality of issues and barriers. We aim to bring our Tailored person centred, holistic approach to specialist employability support and have outlined above the range of measures that can assist individuals to build confidence and skills, identify opportunities and progress in to volunteering, work placements and wage-based employment. This includes working with the individual and employers (taking a place and train approach) to ensure access to and sustainability of outcomes. All of the above can be underpinned by: • The Supported Employment Quality Framework (British Association of Supported Employment) • Same as You? (Scottish Government 2000) • Keys to Life (Scottish Government 2013) • Scottish Strategy for Autism (Scottish Government 2011) • LD/ Autism and Neurodivergence Bill (Scottish Government currently in consultation) • In work Support
Page 25
Classification: OFFICIAL Our support to participants to sustain employment and consider onward progression within work is carried out through regular check in’s and an open-door approach. This recognises that after long periods of unemployment or where complex needs and barriers have been an issue, participants need to be able to feel supported once they have moved in to work. Participants are able to connect for additional support when bumps arise, confidence falters or issues are highlighted in the workplace. This also includes taking into account when long term conditions can take time to manage in new routines. Also taking into account that moving from benefits to wage income can be a scary time for participants and additional support can be required to smooth this transition and provide advocacy through this time. *It should be noted InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners have been awarded NOLB funding to deliver Specialist Employability Support for the partnership. This means all NOLB delivery partners; Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team, Clyde Fishermen’s Trust and Street League can also signpost participants to the SES service. To reach and support disabled people who do not required Specialist Employability Support (SES) Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team - Engagement with employers is key to ensure participants with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions move into or increase their income in-work thus reducing the disability gap. Each participant will have a designated Keyworker who will undertake an initial needs assessment, create an individual action plan (which will be regularly reviewed to ensure progression along the employability pipeline), Participants will be supported to maximise their potential and to gain the skills, experience and training to allow progression into or towards employment. Our team will liaise with local employers to identify work placements/employment suitable to those who are disabled and/or experiencing long term unemployment. Where appropriate aspects of the Supported Employment model will be applied to include Engagement, Vocational Profiling, Job Finding, Employer Engagement and On/Off the job support and Aftercare. Signposting to relevant services is also important to ensure participants feel fully supported in their journey. For those participants securing employment, in work support will be provided. InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners – Will support disabled participants to help them achieve positive destinations, reducing the Disability Employment Gap with additional support for an extended period, alongside the core elements of support provision. This would include all ages, parents and all age employability. Specialist wellbeing support for those with long term conditions will be available. We recognise the wide range of specialist skills and expertise available across our communities within the third sector and the value of supporting these organisations to work with participants to access additional support, benefits, grants and or measures in relation to welfare, benefits and fuel poverty and the ripple effect of increasing the profile on the range of support measures available to households in our communities.
Page 26
Classification: OFFICIAL Clyde Fishermen’s Trust - Whilst there are some requirements of working of board a vessel that would make the course unsuitable for individuals living with certain specific disabilities, we are keen to support individuals with disabilities to take part in the course and gain employment within the Marine industry. We have previous experience in support individuals with additional support needs through the course with the Employability Officer being able to provide tailored support where needed, and we are confident in our ability to be able to assist all participants to be able to take part in the course to the best of their ability. Street League – our programme is fully inclusive and provides an individualised approach, we will work with and support young people regardless of barriers to work. In the cases of a young person requiring reasonable adjustments or accessibility solutions we will always work to support fair access to work experience and employment opportunities that suit each individual’s needs. External support will be accessed as required to ensure the young person is fully supported whilst on the programme. To reach and support ethnic minority people Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team – Is fully inclusive and welcomes referrals from all backgrounds. We are a key partner in Argyll and Bute's Refugee Resettlement Group along with council colleagues in Business Gateway, Education (Rights and Inclusion), Community Development, Revenues and Benefits, Welfare Rights and Housing and Building Standards. Inspiralba are also involved as are DWP, Citizen's Advice, Argyll and Bute TSI, Live Argyll, NHS, Argyll and Bute HSCP, Fire Scotland, Social Security and RSLs. All members come together to ensure refugees moving to our area are fully supported and integrated into the community. The group is aware of the employability support available and referrals are regularly signposted to our service. Keyworkers are in continuous contact with Resettlement Workers to ensure interpreters are present when required. They also work closely with all partners to ensure the necessary support is in place to maximise the benefit to participants. An ESOL programme is offered mainly online however through partnership working with Argyll College the option of face to face is also available. The Key Principles of Argyll and Bute's Community Planning Partnership's Outcome Improvement Plan 2024-2034 are 1) no-one is disadvantaged because of their race or ethnic origin, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion and belief, informed assessments are made on the impact of policies and services 2) the differences between people are valued and good relations between groups are promoted 3) people are treated fairly and with equal respect 4) informed assessments are made on the impact of policies and services 5) people are involved in the decisions that affect them and encouraged to participate in public life. There are no specific programmes, all available services and support are open to ethnic minorities and people from other minority groups. The demographics of Argyll and Bute continues to be primarily White Scottish or White Other British however we very much welcome and encourage people from any ethnic group to be supported. Marketing on social media, liaising with the Resettlement Team, Work coaches, ABEP partners, council departments, attending job clubs, getting out in communities, word of mouth has helped
Page 27
Classification: OFFICIAL gain interest from this cohort. The council has an Education Support Officer for Rights and Inclusion, with specific remit to support refugee and asylum-seeking families and works to support schools and their rights to support school status. InspirAlba - Work with a variety of organisations to build relationships and trust for people with protected characteristics and approach all service delivery with Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion perspective. This then enables delivery of tailored support services via Employability Coaches throughout the participant’s journey. Initial assessments of all participants to understand specific barriers/needs and eligibility criteria. Creating an Activity agreement for all- this acts as a development plan. Providing tailored support and relevant training via one-to-one meetings to assist progression through various stages of the employability pipeline. We are able to draw on wider expertise and support, e.g., translation services for new Scot's. Support for young care experienced people aged up to 25 years to help them achieve positive destinations. Reducing Child Poverty by providing support to low-income parents across all priority families identified in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan as being at greater risk of experiencing poverty. Young people from age 16 years up to their 19th birthday and who are accessing Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) must have a formal Learning Agreement in place that has been approved by the local Education Department, in line with legislative requirements. We understand the challenges and barriers which affect participants. We recognise the importance of building Confidence; Resilience; Aspirations and Belonging, to assist participants to progress along the employability pipeline, valuing all achievements within this context. We recognise the wide range of specialist skills and expertise available across our communities within the third sector and the value of supporting these organisations to work with participants to access support. The Clyde Fishermen's Trust - Recognises the importance of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with protected characteristics, to access employment opportunities in the fishing and marine industries. We are committed to expanding our programme to engage groups that have been historically underrepresented in previous training courses we have run, particularly those from minority ethnic backgrounds. To improve outreach and inclusivity, we will continue our work with referral agencies such as Skills Development Scotland and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to widely promote the programme and encourage applications from a broad range of candidates. Furthermore, we will actively reach out to community groups and local charities that support minority ethnic communities and other underrepresented groups to raise awareness of the training and employment opportunities available through our programme. By fostering partnerships with these organisations, we aim to break down barriers to participation and create a more diverse and inclusive cohort of programme participants. We will work closely with our partners to understand and address any specific challenges or needs that minority ethnic participants may face, ensuring that appropriate support is provided throughout the recruitment process, the three-week training course, and the subsequent support into work or further training.
Page 28
Classification: OFFICIAL Street League – Our programme is fully inclusive and welcomes referrals from all backgrounds to ensure they feel fully supported. We operate minority ethnic programmes in the City of Glasgow, and we intend to take the learnings from these to our programmes in Argyll and Bute. We plan to arrange staff development sessions to arrange for 'best practice' and cross learning between delivery teams to ensure inclusivity for all on programme. To reach and support economically inactive people Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team – Our employability programmes are available to all, with an emphasis on those with protected characteristics and reducing inactivity. Regular engagement with the ABEP and referral partners is key in raising awareness and encouraging those participants who are economically inactive to sign up to employability support and regularly engage. All services are available to economically inactive participants, there is not a specific service solely for this cohort. Marketing on social media, liaising with Work coaches, ABEP partners, council departments, attending job clubs, getting out in communities, word of mouth has helped gain the interest. When our new Child Poverty Co-Ordinator commences employment we hope by promoting the benefits of work, more parents who are economically inactive will engage in support. InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners - Work with a variety of organisations to build relationships and trust for people with protected characteristics and approach all service delivery with Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion perspective. This then enables us to deliver tailored support services via employability coaches throughout the participant’s journey. Initial assessments of all participants to understand specific barriers/needs and eligibility criteria. All programmes are available to those who are economically inactive. Clyde Fishermen’s Trust – Will focus on removing barriers for those who want to re-enter the workforce by providing high-quality, industry-specific training in the fishing and marine sectors. The three-week residential course equips participants with the essential skills, knowledge, and certifications required to work on commercial vessels, opening up a range of employment opportunities in the local area and beyond. The programme aims to create a clear pathway from learning to employment, enabling participants to secure sustainable jobs and break the cycle of inactivity, recognising that each individual's journey back into employment is unique, and many may face complex barriers Street League – our programme is fully inclusive and welcomes referrals from all backgrounds to ensure they feel fully supported. Street League has experience of working with those who are economically inactive and will arrange an outreach strategy to ensure these individuals are captured on programme.
Page 29
Classification: OFFICIAL Plans to ensure that lived experience is reflected in the co-design, evaluation and continuous improvement of service delivery Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team - has lived experience within our team which is an invaluable tool when shaping employability services. This experience enables a great insight to how participants are feeling and the challenges faced. Understanding people’s contact with services from their perspective is key to ensuring programme delivery is holistic and meets expectations. When our Child Poverty Co-Ordinator commences with the team, it is planned she will compile and issue a survey to parents across Argyll and Bute. This is something which was done previously however it is importance to stay alive to the issues faced by the residents of Argyll and Bute to ensure employability services continue to meet their needs. Current and past participants are also surveyed however the response rate could be improved, this requires to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners – have built good relationships with a range of strategic and local referral organisations such as; Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Criminal Justice Service, Schools, Social work and self-referrals. The partnership bring lived experience and participant engagement to shape and continuously improve employability services and Each participant meets with a local coordinator (from one of the delivery partner Organisations) either in person, virtually or by phone depending on what they are initially comfortable with. This will include time to explain what the support programme can offer as well as getting to know them and by means of gentle nudging, finding out what interests and aspirations they may have as well as understanding some of the barriers they may face. Some of this of information may have been gleamed in advance from referring organisations, but through building trust with a local coordinator a more holistic picture emerges. Maintaining ongoing consultation with participants to ensure that their experiences continue to inform service delivery. This includes regular check ins and updates to gather new insights. We are able to adapt our models and processes quickly and efficiently based on any feedback from lived experience and knowledge from participants and the wider network of employability coaches who all have their own lived experiences across many different areas. This flexibility ensures that services can remain relevant and effective. We will also provide training for staff on the importance of lived experience and how to incorporate that into their work. Clyde Fishermen’s Trust - Embeds lived experience throughout service delivery by establishing a formal Participant Advisory Group comprised of current and former programme members. This group will meet quarterly to provide feedback on programme design, input into how we can better attract diverse participants, and shape ongoing improvements. This approach complements our existing methods where our Employability Officer maintains regular contact with participants for one year after course completion.
Page 30
Classification: OFFICIAL Beyond our mandatory quarterly data returns to NOLB, we'll gather qualitative insights through capturing individual journeys and experiences. By involving industry employers and community representatives in our review meetings alongside the Advisory Group, we'll ensure our programme remains responsive to both participant needs and industry requirements. All feedback and insights will directly inform our continuous improvement process, with key adaptations incorporated into future delivery models. Street League - Young people are at the heart of Street Leagues services which informs design of services, evaluation of delivery and continuous improvement. To this end, Street League has a Youth Board in place to promote youth voice, facilitated by Street League Staff to gain an understanding on what matters most to young people, to deliver effective services and continually improve. Discussions include; design of programme, evaluation of service, what is important to them in their young careers, what are the challenges they face and what opportunities are there for Street League to support all the young people we engage. The discussions are very much youth led and participation is encouraged from young people from various backgrounds.
Page 31
Classification: OFFICIAL External provision commissioned this financial year Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team - On receipt of the 2025/26 NOLB grant offer letter this was disseminated to all ABEP members with the offer to submit delivery proposals relating to the All-Age Employability, Tackling Child Poverty and Specialist Employability Services. Bids were evaluated in line with NOLB Grant Offer Letter requirements, ABEP priorities and the NOLB Employability Strategic Plan 2024 to 2026. Service Level Agreements between the council and relevant partners will be created, approved by our Legal Team and issued. Due to the widespread geography of Argyll and Bute maximising the expertise of our Third Sector delivery partners is vital to ensure all residents have the same opportunities in terms of employability provision regardless of location. No further commissioning of services is planned in this financial year at present. InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners - Commissioning focusses on addressing local needs and priorities. Working with third sector partners, with a proven track record in supporting employability opportunities brings a range of social, environmental and economic benefits to the area. The partnership approach also builds capacity and shares knowledge and expertise as well as best practice across the region. Facilitating the partnership approach involving small locally based organisations ensures effective delivery and support for participants across the wide geography including remote rural towns and islands. New areas of activity, including skills pipeline activity, focus on emerging needs and priorities aligned to skills shortages and new areas of development in our rural and island economy, to ensure that employability support aligns with current labour market demands. Working alongside the skills pipeline to help progress job opportunities, e.g. in the construction we will work with Balfour Beaty who are installing infrastructure for sub stations in the Argyll area, or Hospitality Businesses and health and social care partners, who have identified skills shortages. This approach enables participants to gain skills, qualifications and work experience, along with any other support that may be required for their personal development and specific needs. Working closely with employers, this integration ensures a holistic approach to supporting individuals facing barriers to employment. Continued work with our existing partners who have the specialist knowledge in areas such as Welfare Advice, Debt Advice, Flexible Food Funds, Energy grants and Affordable Warmth advice aligns with supporting families out of poverty. These longstanding relationships have provided a wealth of knowledge for participants to reduce fuel poverty and to increase income within families and to reduce child poverty. Clyde Fishermen’s Trust - As in previous years, we will commission the Fishing Industry Training Association (FITA) to deliver the accredited training qualifications for our courses. FITA's Seafish-accredited trainers are the only qualified providers in Argyll and Bute able to deliver the four mandatory STCW qualifications required for maritime employment. Street League - All provision will be internal to Street League, this provision is newly commissioned from Argyll and Bute Council.
Page 32
Classification: OFFICIAL What engagement/marketing will be undertaken with participants and stakeholders such as DWP; Social Security Scotland; Registered Social Landlords; Skills Development Scotland; Carers; NHS/Health Services; Social Work Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team - Will continue to liaise with referral partners DWP, SDS, DYW, Education, Live Argyll, NHS, Criminal Justice, Social Work, etc to ensure everyone is aware of the 2025/26 services available. The Workcoach Guide will be updated to reflect 2025/26 support available. The DWP referral form will continue to be completed by Workcoaches and sent to our SPOC email address where it will be reviewed and cascaded to the relevant delivery partner. Our webpage within the council's website is regularly reviewed to ensure employability support details are accurate and up to date. Our Communications Team posts regular information highlighting the services which are available on social media. Living in small communities’ potential participants also hear of the support available from ourselves and delivery partners via word of mouth. Our Child Poverty Co-Ordinator will also be out in the community promoting the employability services available from the council and our delivery partners. InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners - Strengthening the partnerships that we already have with key stakeholders such as DWP, Skills Development Scotland, DYW, NHS, Education and Social work. Clear referral protocols have been established to ensure that participants are smoothly transitioned between services. This may include some additional training and communication to ensure regular communication between agencies with particular focus on people with disabilities and people coming from a criminal background to ensure a more inclusive and effective employability support system. Sharing of marketing materials and tying in together for Job Fairs, recruitment incentive etc. Clyde Fishermen’s Trust - As in previous years, we will continue to work alongside partners at DWP, Skills Development Scotland, and Local Schools to strengthen referral pathways. We will maintain our presence on social media platforms and our website with updated course information. To reach under-represented groups, we will expand our network to include more local community groups. We will produce clear, attractive marketing materials highlighting eligibility, benefits and application process, ensuring information is accessible to all potential participants. Street League - We use many online and offline recruitment methods to engage our target groups. A Youth and Community Coach shapes and implements an outreach plan suited to the local community, working with SDS, JCPs, PRUs, faith-based community groups, youth services, and other referral partners. These relationships are cultivated over time with organisations that believe we have the right programme to help young people into a positive outcome. In addition to local networks, we use social media, press and word of mouth to promote our services to young people, their families, carers and friends. Street League staff already engage with SDS, DWP, Social work and Health in the area in their recruitment for programmes, we will actively seek out and establish partnerships with existing charities and community groups within the area. We see these connections as essential to referral pathways
Page 33
Classification: OFFICIAL for participants into our Academy programmes but also to integrate and add value to the local community network, and ensure cross referral pathways across the partnership. Through these partnerships, we hope to collaborate on initiatives that align with our mission and goals, pooling our resources and expertise to achieve the greatest possible impact. We are committed to engaging and adding value where we can to support community cohesion and lifelong learning. Planned engagement with employers including Anchor Institutions and Local Businesses and work towards the Green Economy Argyll and Bute Council’s Economic Strategy Action Plan 2024-2027 has a strong focus on collaboration and a joined-up approach, working closely with the Community Development Team. The need for collaboration and the interplay between economy, environment and community has never been stronger. Argyll and Bute is particularly well placed to benefit from the potential of the area’s natural capital resources and the role it can play in providing green jobs and achieving net zero across key industries. A core focus of the strategy is for Argyll and Bute to be a wellbeing economy through embedding a Community Wealth Building approach. The outcome is to increase the flow of wealth and opportunity for the benefit of the people who live and work in the area through improving our places and local access to economic opportunity, including community ownership, reducing inequalities, tackling poverty through providing higher value, well-paid, jobs and supporting employers to take forward the Fair Work First principles. The Employability Team will engage with green economy employers to identify those wishing to host work placements, these opportunities will allow participants to gain awareness, skills, knowledge and experience to allow progression into sustainable employment. We have strong connections with many employers across Argyll and Bute. Over the years we have offered various incentives to employers to recruit new employees or apprentices. The Young Person Guarantee was an excellent funding model which was instrumental in supporting young people into employment post covid. Of the 151 young people accessing the funding, 113 remained in employment at 52 weeks (75%), 89 (79%) of these were with the employer who accessed the funding. Many employers we have worked with have remained in regular contact over the years. We are also always striving to engage new employers particularly in relation to hosting UKSPF and NOLB work placements. Engaging with employers across the widespread geography of Argyll and Bute ensures participants are able to access work placements in their local communities rather than travel. This is crucial particularly given the poor public transport links. Two of our 3 Keyworkers have been with our team for over 20 years and are very well known to employers in their not only their local communities but also the delivery areas they cover. The NHS, the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Argyll UHI and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and Live Argyll representatives sit on our ABEP and are highly valued members. Our Senior Employability Officer also attends the NHS Youth Academy Huddle meetings, one of the aims is to attract young people to a career in the NHS.
Page 34
Classification: OFFICIAL InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners - Building relationships with anchor institutions such as NHS and other organisations that play a crucial role in local economies and can provide employment/training opportunities. Skills pipeline opportunities aligned to renewable energy developments, ensures just transition opportunities for those facing barriers to work to access opportunities in green economy. Working with other third sector organisations to offer volunteering and work placement support. Engaging with employers to identify skills needs and tailoring training to meet these needs e.g. Including training in renewable energy, construction skills etc. Engaging with employers to support work based placements and via skills pipeline. Clyde Fishermen’s Trust - Maintain strong connections with key employer institutions in the marine economy, including the Clyde Fishermen's Association, Communities Inshore Fisheries Association, Seafish and the Scottish Fishermen's Federation. These established relationships provide participants direct access to an extensive network of fishing and marine employers throughout Argyll and Bute. Our programme directly supports the Scottish Government's Blue Economy Framework by developing skilled workers for sustainable marine sectors. We collaborate with local businesses to design training that meets industry needs, ensuring content remains relevant and increases retention. Our paid work placements at Real Living Wage with local vessel operators often convert to permanent roles, demonstrating the effectiveness of our employer engagement. The programme contributes significantly to green economy objectives by equipping participants with transferable skills and industry certifications needed for the growing number of Blue Economy jobs in Argyll & Bute. This supports both diversification and greening of the local marine workforce, helping ensure sustainable marine resources while creating pathways to green jobs for local residents facing employment barriers. Street League – Has a large network of employers that we are currently engaging with to secure work placements, work tasters and work trials. We have a dedicated employer and partnerships manager who liaises with larger institutions around national jobs. Some of our key employers, in a range of sectors in the area include; Peckhams, Cameron House, Drimsynie, Hunters Quay, Graham construction, Joans Carers, Always looking good, Pastdue credit, KFC Dumbarton, Mcdonalds Dumbarton, Costa, Humbles, Rosslea hotel, Ardencaple hotel, Black rooster Dumbarton, Mira Mari, Asda Dumbarton and Cardross Inn. Street League will work towards supporting the Green Economy by working with businesses that adopt environmentally friendly practices and that also offer Green Products and Services. Street League ourselves committed to calculating our Carbon Footprint last year and will do so again this year, displaying in our annual report. Actions from this include working to reduce our electricity consumption and evaluating our purchased goods.
Page 35
Classification: OFFICIAL Plans for the provision for Employer Recruitment Incentives/paid work placements Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team - Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team - There are no plans for ERIs this year however up to 22 paid NOLB work placements will be available. Work patterns will be individually tailored. These work placements will be focused on people with disabilities and/or the long term unemployed and will pay the Real Living Wage. We will liaise with our Third Sector delivery partners to ensure progression for some of the participants they support who are not quite ready for employment but would like to gain skills and experience from a work placement. The UKSPF also offers work placements. As this funding was secured prior to the start of the financial year, we have already been inundated with micro employers hoping to host a work placement. This is excellent as many micro employers in Argyll and Bute do not pay all staff at the least the real living wage therefore people do not miss out the opportunity of a work placement in their local community. In 2024/25 of the 68 UKSPF work placements, 41 participants (60.29%) secured employment - 33 of which with the employer who hosted their work placement. Of the remaining 27, 6 are currently in a positive destination. Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team - There are no plans for ERIs this year however up to 22 paid NOLB work placements will be available. Work patterns will be individually tailored. These work placements will be focused on people with disabilities and/or the long term unemployed and will pay the Real Living Wage. We will liaise with our Third Sector delivery partners to ensure progression for some of the participants they support who are not quite ready for employment but would like to gain skills and experience from a work placement. The UKSPF also offers work placements. As this funding was secured prior to the start of the financial year, we have already been inundated with micro employers hoping to host a work placement. This is excellent as many micro employers in Argyll and Bute do not pay all staff at the least the real living wage therefore people do not miss out the opportunity of a work placement in their local community. In 2024/25 of the 68 UKSPF work placements, 41 participants (60.29%) secured employment - 33 of which with the employer who hosted their work placement. Of the remaining 27, 6 are currently in a positive destination. InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners - ERIs provide financial assistance to employers who hire individuals furthers from the labour market. This support can be used for various purposes, including additional supervisory costs, training, initial travel to work costs and specialist in-work support. With the incentives designed to be flexible, this will allow the funds to be used in ways that best support the new employee and the business. This flexibility helps to address specific needs and barriers that individuals may face particularly those who face significant barriers to employment such as those with disabilities, long term unemployed, and young people. Clyde Fishermen’s Trust - As in previous years, we will provide each participant with a four-week paid work placement on fishing vessels at the Scottish Real Living Wage following completion of the three-week residential training. These placements are arranged with local fishing vessel operators who commit to Fair Work practices. Throughout these placements, our Employability Officer
Page 36
Classification: OFFICIAL provides ongoing support to both participants and employers, helping to address any challenges and support participants into sustainable, long-term work. This model has proven successful in previous years, with many placements leading to permanent employment in the maritime sector, directly supporting entry into sustainable careers aligned with Scotland's Blue Economy ambitions. Street League - Staff will match employers with appropriate young person for mutual benefit. We will also promote paid work placements with employers where employers are willing to pay the real living wage. The majority of young people will be receiving a training allowance from Street League. Street League are committed to Fair Work practice, are a real living wage accredited employer and will work with employers who are also committed to this. Plans for the provision of training allowances Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team - has no plans to offer a training allowance within their offer this year. InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners - Training allowances for people in work based placements are designed to be flexible allowing local employability partnerships to tailor support to the specific needs of individuals and local labour markets. Training allowances are integrated with other forms of support from the programme, such as the above person-centred approach, to provide a comprehensive package. Clyde Fishermen’s Trust - N/A Street League - All eligible young people aged 16-18 (not in receipt of benefit) will receive £55 per week for 10 weeks. This will be attendance based. Challenges, issues, concerns that may affect delivery this financial year Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team wishes to highlight the challenges raised by NOLB’s annualised funding model. It not only puts a strain on us as a local authority, but also that of our Third Sector delivery partners. The hardstop spend each year and funding uncertainty for future years does not allow for forward planning and also results in participants’ work placements ceasing early to ensure all monies are defrayed in time to be included in the final quarterly claim of the financial year. The data return is also now creating a real issue in terms of the number of participants who are being carried over from one quarter to the next. Redundant records need to be removed. The requirement for one unique ID results in outdated information being recorded should someone re-
Page 37
Classification: OFFICIAL engage. At times this can be years later, and the new challenges faced by the participant are not being reported, i.e. could be a lone parent experiencing homelessness since they were last supported 3 years previous. These issues cannot be resolved by local authorities, we can just highlight our concerns as they are a matter for the Scottish Government to review and implement the necessary changes. InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners - Annualised budget can cause problems to ensure longer term support for participants with greater needs, move to multi annual support would address some of the issues caused by short term funding. Rural and island geography can cause additional costs for delivery. Having local delivery partners allows to ensure access for remote and island communities. Clyde Fishermen’s Trust - The sudden requirement of intensive ENG1 medical certifications has been a significant challenge in the previous financial year, as it often involves participants travelling from Argyll and Bute to Glasgow and requires identification that some participants lack. To address this barrier in 2025-26, we will pre-book blocks of ENG1 medical appointments with local providers, eliminating the need for extensive travel. We will also communicate ID requirements well in advance and support participants in obtaining Citizens ID cards if needed. Street League - The key challenge areas that we would consider, and mitigate against are: referrals, performance, quality and compliance, employer relationships, staff (recruitment, retention, sickness), timely claims and management of cashflow. Street League has effective contingencies in place developed and informed by our delivery of previous NOLB Funded provision in Scotland, where our risk management strategy has been effective for the considered risks. For staff-related risks/challenges our Director of HR produces monthly reports to identify leading indicators of potential issues (e.g. absence rates, employee engagement scores) and supports our Operations Manager to implement effective talent management and succession plans. Quality and Performance related risks are mitigated via robust weekly and monthly monitoring of KPI’s. Continuous reassessment of risks and the context of contract delivery will take place through weekly team meetings and staff support and supervisions. Monitoring these measures will enable us to action any areas of risk or underperformance and implement remedial actions to address these, and ensure timely data and compliance reviews to enable data returns. Cashflow is managed by our finance team, with accounts reconciled monthly that highlights any areas of under/overspend reported to the SMT. Any further support required from Scottish Government regarding the challenges/issues noted above Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team and all Third Sector Delivery Partners – as mentioned above, a significant challenge is the lack of multi annual funding and GRG monies in relation to delivery staff. Participants do not stop requiring support at 31st
Page 38
Classification: OFFICIAL March each year. Multi annual funding would enable longer term planning and ensure continuous delivery for participants. Argyll and Bute Council's Employability Team is not core funded by the local authority. Our Third Sector delivery partners are inevitability placed under extreme financial vulnerability and at risk of staff redundancies at the end of each financial year. A review of the data return is also required. Anything you would like to share InspirAlba and Third Sector Delivery Partners - Sharing of practice on collaborative approaches has already been established in partnership with National TSI post and with partners across Highland and Dumfries and Galloway. Ongoing evaluation informs continuous development and ongoing improvements, drawing on learning - we have included knowledge exchange opportunities for students to assist with evaluation and to provide experience working in the rural economy.
Page 39
Classification: OFFICIAL Participants and Funding All ABEP Funding Summary TARGET GROUP Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS FUNDING ALLOCATION Caseload at 31/03/25 Anticipated Restarts in 2025/26 All Age Employability - Excluding Parents 30 54 37 34 155 £593,793.00 160 22 Tackling Child Poverty - Parents 39 50 41 43 173 £578,280.00 166 30 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 69 104 78 77 328 326 52 Of which: Specialist Employability Support 20 25 20 25 90 £96,514.00 FUNDING STREAM Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS FUNDING ALLOCATION SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FUNDING ALLOCATION 2025/26 £260,363.43 £376,711.76 £287,220.67 £344,291.14 328 £1,268,587.00 UK GOVERNMENT FUNDING ALLOCATION 2025/26 £15,000.00 £60,000.00 £90,000.00 £135,000.00 96 £300,000.00 TOTALFUNDING 2025/26 £275,363.43 £436,711.76 £377,220.67 £479,291.14 424 £1,568,587.00
Page 40
Classification: OFFICIAL Employability ABC TARGET GROUP Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS FUNDING ALLOCATION Caseload at 31/03/25 Anticipated Restarts in 2025/26 All Age Employability - Excluding Parents 5 5 7 5 22 £201,070.00 0 0 Tackling Child Poverty - Parents 9 15 13 13 50 £160,705.00 31 4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 14 20 20 18 72 £361,775.00 31 4 FUNDING STREAM Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS FUNDING ALLOCATION SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FUNDING ALLOCATION 2025/26 £64,660.06 £77,737.73 £87,737.73 £131,639.48 72 £361,775.00 UK GOVERNMENT FUNDING ALLOCATION 2025/26 £15,000.00 £60,000.00 £90,000.00 £135,000.00 96 £300,000.00 TOTALFUNDING 2025/26 £79,660.06 £137,737.73 £177,737.73 £266,639.48 168 £661,775.00
Page 41
Classification: OFFICIAL Inspiralba (Consortium Lead) To include Fyne Futures, MAYDAS, Oban Youth Café, Help, Centre 81, Bute Advice, AliEnergy, Argyll and Bute TSI TARGET GROUP Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS FUNDING ALLOCATION Caseload at 31/03/25 Anticipated Restarts in 2025/26 All Age Employability - Excluding Parents 25 33 23 29 110 £318,598.77 160 22 Tackling Child Poverty - Parents 30 35 28 30 123 £417,575.00 135 26 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 55 68 51 59 233 295 48 Of which: Specialist Employability Support 20 25 20 25 90 £96,514.00 FUNDING STREAM Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS FUNDING ALLOCATION SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FUNDING ALLOCATION 2025/26 £174,255.81 £214,401.63 £161,674.11 £185,842.22 233 £736,173.77 TOTALFUNDING 2025/26 £174,275.81 £214,426.63 £161,694.11 £185,867.22 323 £832,687.77
Page 42
Classification: OFFICIAL Clyde Fishermen's Trust TARGET GROUP Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS FUNDING ALLOCATION Caseload at 31/03/25 Anticipated Restarts in 2025/26 All Age Employability - Excluding Parents 0 8 0 0 8 £41,401.68 0 0 Tackling Child Poverty - Parents 0 0 0 0 0 £0.00 0 0 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 0 8 0 0 8 0 0 FUNDING STREAM Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS FUNDING ALLOCATION SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FUNDING ALLOCATION 2025/26 £0.00 £41,401.68 £0.00 £0.00 8 £41,401.68 TOTALFUNDING 2025/26 £0.00 £41,409.68 £0.00 £0.00 8 £41,401.68
Page 43
Classification: OFFICIAL Street League TARGET GROUP Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS FUNDING ALLOCATION Caseload at 31/03/25 Anticipated Restarts in 2025/26 All Age Employability - Excluding Parents 0 8 7 0 15 £32,722.55 0 0 Tackling Child Poverty - Parents 0 0 0 0 0 £0.00 0 0 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 0 8 7 0 15 0 0 FUNDING STREAM Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS FUNDING ALLOCATION SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FUNDING ALLOCATION 2025/26 £0.00 £16,361.28 £16,361.27 £0.00 15 £32,722.55 TOTALFUNDING 2025/26 £0.00 £16,369.28 £16,368.27 £0.00 8 £32,722.55