Letter from the Minister for Minister for Just Transition, Employment & Fair Work
I am writing to update the Committee on today’s publication of an Annual Report and supporting evaluation reports relating to Fair Start Scotland (FSS), our national devolved employability service.
Annual Report: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781802014587
Evaluation Overview Report: https://www.gov.scot/ISBN/978-1-80201-484-6
The reports give an overview of progress throughout the third year of service delivery (April 2020 to March 21), including details of how the service has responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am sure the Committee is aware that employability provision is pivotal in supporting those who are most at risk from the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, and is essential in supporting Scotland’s economic recovery and tackling both child poverty and the inequalities in Scotland’s labour market.
Both reports demonstrate that over the last three years we have listened and responded to evaluation findings and direct feedback from participants, Service Providers and partners to evolve Fair Start Scotland services across the country. This was particularly important over the past 18 months, as we have adapted the service to accommodate COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. These adaptations, including financial support for Service Providers, a shift to virtual service delivery, social media promotion to encourage new referrals and extending “Day 1 unemployed” access to services for those people experiencing the most disadvantage, have ensured continuity of support for existing and new participants during this difficult time.
The Annual report highlights the difference that Fair Start Scotland continues to make to participants, communities and employers, and the evaluation report provides independent evidence that those who choose to join Fair Start Scotland rate the support and ethos of the service very highly. This year’s evaluation activity also includes an economic evaluation of Fair Start Scotland which shows that the service has to date delivered value for money, while upholding its values and principles of dignity and respect for individuals.
However, we recognise that there is still work to be done in making Fair Start Scotland accessible and effective for all who need support, particularly as COVID-19 continues to impact upon our communities and the labour market. Therefore, in this fourth year of Fair Start Scotland delivery, our continuous improvement activity will continue to focus on enhancing our reach to and engagement with groups that are under-represented, and those who could be better supported by our services. We are using local labour market data to identify employment opportunities that reflect the changing employment landscape, and to provide improved specialist support for those who need it. We will continue to work with partners to support our wider public sector ambitions, including tackling child poverty and halving the disability employment gap by 2038. These areas remain a priority for us.
As the Committee will know from my recent correspondence, we are proceeding with the next phase of No One Left Behind implementation in April 2022. The employability programmes Community Jobs Scotland and Employability Fund will cease with funding transferring to No One Left Behind local governance arrangements. The current Fair Start Scotland contracts run until March 2023, and services in the longer term may form part of No One Left Behind. I remain committed to working with local government, the third sector and other partners to develop a locally responsive and flexible employability system that delivers the right support at the right time for those who need it most.
We publish regular statistical releases on Fair Start Scotland performance and the most recent publication can be found at the link below: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-devolved-employment-services-statistical- summary-11/
I trust that you and your members will find this update helpful.