Welfare reform journey requires stamina and speed, says Fran Parry, outgoing ERSA Chair
ERSA (the Employment Related Services Association), representing the independent providers of welfare-to-work services, today drew out the implications of the reality that we are in the early stages of an ambitious welfare reform journey.
Standing down at the end of her term of office as Chair of ERSA, Fran Parry, Strategic Director, Angus Knight UK said:
“The promise of more flexible and personalised support for jobseekers is powerful and must be honoured, despite tough economic conditions. A key reason for engaging independent providers is their ability to offer this quality of support, especially to those with complex needs.
“The welfare-to-work market has developed at pace over the past two years. Key principles are accepted, such that outcome-based goals and supply chain partnerships are now defining features of welfare-to-work commissioning. There is already good practice in these areas but it must evolve and spread.
“The reality is that we still are in the early stages of an ambitious welfare reform journey. Private and voluntary sector providers, as well as Government and Jobcentre Plus, must show stamina and a willingness to adapt at speed, in order to achieve the progress required by the customers we jointly serve.
Fran Parry put forward a ten point plan for maintaining momentum in the delivery of welfare reforms, with fundamental reminders to put customers first, integrate employment and skills policies, bust bureaucracy and fix problems together.