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The Employment Related Services Association - the trade association for the welfare to work sector
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ERSA has today (21 February) welcomed the publication by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of the first official statistics relating to the Work Programme. Our reaction can be read here.
In response to reports of allegations of fraud in the welfare to work industry, Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive of the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA), said:
"ERSA is aware of the recent reports of fraud relating to a provider within the welfare to work industry. This is an isolated incident which relates to a small number of former employees, who worked for an organisation with a workforce of over 3,500. The matter is being handled by Thames Valley Police, so we cannot comment further on this case.
"Incidents of this nature remain exceptional across the industry and we have confidence in the internal and external audit systems in place amongst providers, whether prime contractors or subcontractors. We also encourage transparency on the part of any organisation to alert the authorities when an incident occurs, and we are confident that this has been happening.
“ERSA members are committed to delivering high standards in the delivery of welfare to work services to all customers and is working with industry partners to roll-out training and qualifications for industry professionals.
"It is important to note that any paper-based system is open to misuse across the industry, which is why we welcome the Work Programme because it operates through an electronic system and is paid on results.
"The reporting of these isolated incidents must not detract from the great work providers across the industry are doing every day, in helping thousands of long-term unemployed people back into work."
Click here to see a statement from A4e.
The Deputy Prime Minister has announced the procurement of a new programme to help 59,000 of the most disadvantaged 16 and 17 year olds into work, education and training. £126 million will be available, making contracts worth up to £2,200 per young person. The programme, announced by Nick Clegg at ERSA member Groundwork’s south east London Hub, will be paid by results and procured through a PQQ and Invitation to Tender process.
ERSA’s chief executive, Kirsty McHugh, today welcomed the announcement by saying ‘We are delighted that the government has moved to fill the hole in provision which existed for 16 and 17 year olds. We welcome many elements of this new programme which has the potential to attract high quality bidders from both the private and voluntary and community sectors. We look forward to examining the detail to ensure that the programme design gives the best possible chance for providers to help vulnerable young people into employment, education and training.’
Link to the government's press release here.
Link to the PQQ here.
ERSA has responded to the publication by the National Audit Office of its report into the introduction of the Work Programme. Read ERSA's statement here.
The joint ERSA / AELP criminal justice forum will be held on Monday 5 March from 2pm - 4pm at One Queen Anne's Gate London SW1H 9BT.
Issues to be discussed are the follow-up from the di.sucssions that were had about OLASS at the December meeting, information on day one access for ex-offenders to the Work Programme and a presentation from BIS on their approach to offender learning.
We have two guest speakers from the Department of Work and Pensions: Martin Hill who will be discussing some of the policy and operational issues and Glen Finlayson who will be talking about the commercial aspect.
An agenda for the upcoming meeting can be found here.
For more information about the forum click here. The forum is open to both members of ERSA and AELP. If you are interested in attending please register with philippa.russell@ersa.org.uk / 020 7960 6808.
ERSA, NCVO and ACEVO have issued a joint statement of intent and call for evidence as part of their commitment to work together during 2012 to increase the quality and quantity of supply chain relationships within the welfare to work industry involving the voluntary sector. Read more here.
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