Agenda item

A report provided an update on the draft Framework for Education and Skills in Doncaster, which was currently out for public consultation.  The document detailed the vision for the future Education and Skills System, the characteristics that such a system would exhibit, and the priority areas for action in order to realise that vision.

A presentation was provided which outlined the following areas;

• Key Questions
• Methodology
• Key Strengths/Strong Foundations
• Key Areas for Development
• Findings from Consultation with Parents, Children, & Young People
• The Vision for Consultation
• Characteristics/Priority Themes for Consultation

A discussion took place which addressed the following areas;

Celebrating Achievements - Concern was raised by a Member of the Panel that more could be done to celebrate achievements and an example was used of a successful event that was held recently in Hexthorpe. It was explained that there were different level of tiers that could be used to promote achievements.  Members were informed that conversations were taking place with communications and there were a number of low cost solutions to be considered, for example, holding annual rewards sponsoring key roles such as Teacher, Students, Governors, or Community Supporter “Of The Year”.  It was continued that building community cohesion through the different events played a key part.

Job Opportunities - A Young Adviser asked about how job opportunities were being linked to young people and how were young people being made aware of what jobs were available.  It was explained that it was about connecting employers and industry more closely to schools and young people to create that change.

It was commented that it was important to consider the different sectors within the Borough such as engineering, rail, construction, development and creative industries.  It was noted that the biggest employer within the Borough was the health economy.  Members were informed of the intention to work more closely with employers and partners in those sectors with an aim to have proposals in place next year around how that will work, what was available, career pathways and what can be achieved.

Careers Advice (Start)/Bringing Together Business and Education (Opportunities Doncaster) – Members were informed that colleagues in opportunity areas had developed a Careers Advice platform (Start) to enable young people to identify what opportunities were available locally, create a profile and be able to register their interest.  It was also explained that there was a service that brings business and education together for Doncaster to showcase its best sectors (Opportunities Doncaster).  Members were advised that it would also connect young people with employers and educators in relation to their chosen career pathways. 

It was commented that Doncaster was on that journey but needed to improve by creating different opportunities within and outside of school and connecting young people better. It was viewed that Doncaster was one of best-placed authorities to undertake this.

Career Pathways – It was explained that career progression was important to both young people and adults and therefore having a clear career pathway was key.  It was added that it was also important how disadvantaged people could be more connected and this was an area that could be further highlighted within the plan.

Work Experience - A Young Adviser raised their concern about accessing work experience opportunities in order enter the job market.  It was explained that there was a need to promote work experience across the Council, through its partner, anchor organisations and schools etc. It was recognised that inspiration could be provided and opportunities raised through positive work experiences.  It was recognised that Young Advisers had a potential role in promoting this to young people within the Borough. 

A Member commented that there was a need to engage with larger companies linked to construction projects.  Concern was raised about how work experience was going to be managed and delivered effectively.  Reference was made to current mechanisms available through certain projects and employers such as a skills passport. It was felt that something similar could be considered through the Council and local employers.

It was commented that consideration needed to be provided on what was the role of the Council and how benefits could be gained through its contribution.  It was commented that there could be relatively low cost options to support this through areas such as volunteering.

A Member asked whether something could be put in place where young people built up a portfolio of what they had achieved                                                                        to show employers. It was responded that this could be explored further through consultation.

Environmental Issues - A Member commented on the increasing concerns raised around environmental issues and poised whether this could be considered as part of the work going forward.  It was recognised that this was a particular area that young people were becoming engaged with and would be taken into consideration when producing the final framework as well as the wider strategic picture.

Social Value - A Member raised the importance of achieving social value, particularly through the procurement process and questioned how this could be further encouraged. It was responded that the Council’s procurement process allowed 10% of every tender and contract to be geared towards social value and impact.  It was recognised that more could be achieved and Members commented how they would like to see the Council’s level raised to 20%. There was a brief discussion around the criteria and approach around social value and environment issues.  Members heard how the Councils climate change environmental friendly journey was now beginning. 

Transport - A Member raised their concern around transport being a barrier to supporting young people accessing places of work.  It was felt that further links could be made with larger companies with the potential to provide their own transport or utilise different initiatives such as cycling.  It was recognised that this was an important issue that needed further consideration as part of the work going forward.

Future Steps - Members were advised that the consultation on the framework would end 20^th September 2019.  It was explained that this would be followed by the co-production of an action plan of partners together around each priority theme.  It was offered that following the consultation and analysis phase, a report could be brought back to the Panel providing more information on its delivery.  A Member complimented the report provided and recognised the challenges in place.

RESOLVED that;

 i.     the Panel note the report; and

ii.     that a update be provided as part of 2019/2020 Workplan