North Lanarkshire structure

•Located with Policy and Economic Development

•Steering Group

•Operational Group

•Operating out of locally based provision

Key Worker Model

4 key workers focused on client engagement and support to provide:

•Individual, confidential support

•Advice on training, education and volunteering opportunities

•Access to job vacancies, job matching and job search assistance

•Help with CVs, application forms and interview techniques

Key Worker Model

•Individual action plans

•Links to other WfFF projects

•Close partnership working with childcare mentors

•Outreach services covering key regeneration areas

Key Workers Role

•Active engagement and recruitment of WfFF eligible individuals

•Strong partnership working and networking with internal and external agencies

•Opportunity scanning

•Recording, monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme

•Good understanding of local structures and national policy ‘fit’

Methods of engagement

•Outreach

•Service Centre

•Local Events and Road shows

•Referrals

Additional support services

• Debt and money advice

• Job Shuttle

• Bright Young Futures

• Crisis fund

• Aftercare

• Community Renewal

Childcare Subsidy

•Used to break down barriers to accessing childcare for parents

•Pays for initial costs of childcare

•Can be flexible to support clients for longer periods of time

•Flexible to cover holiday periods

•Can also be used to help sustain a childcare place

Structure

•Managed through OPFS

•Key Worker model

•Application process

Additional childcare services

•Ring-fenced places

•Sitter Service

•Childminding project

•Social Economy support

•PIP – inclusive childcare

Key features of WfFF in North Lanarkshire

•Clear economic focus

•Strong partnership working

•Client focused

•Innovative and flexible e.g. aftercare, service centre

Lessons learnt

•Need to review and refine methods of client engagement

•Need to overcome barriers within existing structures i.e. reduce/cut out ‘red-tape’

•Good monitoring and referral systems need to be in place

•WfFF is a useful tool to extend successful area based initiatives to more parents e.g. Women's Placement Programme

Contacts:

Yvonne McBride - Coordinator

Mcbridey@northlan.gov.uk

T: 01236 638947

www.working-families.co.uk