Welcome to the first Employability in Scotland e-bulletin of 2017! I’m sure it feels like a long time ago now, but happy new year to you all.
Within the Employability Programme Division, it's been all system go since our return from the Christmas break. Our Skills Development Scotland colleagues signed contracts for the 2017-18 Work Able Scotland Service on 23 December 2016 and the successful providers were announced 30 December 2016. These are Progress Scotland, The Wise Group and Remploy.
For the new 2018 service, we’ve been busy analysing the feedback from the Supplier Events that took place at the end of the year. Thanks to all of those who attended, or gave feedback following the events. We’re considering running a further briefing event towards the end of March, so that prospective bidders can speak direct to the Team ahead of submitting a tender. We’ll be issuing a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for this, so watch this space!
In other news, there continues to be a significant focus on the partnership approach to effective delivery of these new services and as part of this we are developing an integrated approach with Jobcentre Plus to preparing communications and awareness sessions for Jobcentre Plus staff. This month has also seen our fantastic Stakeholder Advisory Group meet for the 11th time. We continue to be hugely grateful for the time and expertise that our stakeholders give.
Finally, don’t forget to keep in touch. We are always happy to receive your case studies, examples of good practice and your contributions for the Employability in Scotland website and e-bulletin.
Best wishes