New approach to help residents gain employment

Newcastle Futures provides a wide range of services to residents across the city, including assisting with job applications, offering online support and preparing people for interviews.

It was established by Newcastle City Council in partnership with local employers and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in 2007 and has helped almost 10,000 residents get into work.

Now, the organisation is set to be integrated into the council, with the local authority taking a leading role in supporting residents to gain employment.

Cllr Alex Hay, Newcastle City Council Cabinet member for a Resilient City, said: “We are immensely proud of the excellent work that Newcastle Futures has delivered, helping thousands of our residents access quality employment and training.

“As we develop a new inclusive economic strategy for the city, the time has come for a new approach and we need to make sure that we can continue to provide efficient and effective services for our residents.

“We believe this can be achieved by integrating the work of Newcastle Futures into the council, so we can take a clearer leadership role in coordinating and shaping employment support for people who need it most, while also working closely with local employers.

“This will help to build a city where everyone has the chance to succeed, improve and access quality employment and training regardless of where in Newcastle they live.”

The decision has been made jointly with the board of Newcastle Futures, who are fully supportive of an integrated approach to transform services for residents.

Olivia Grant, Chair at Newcastle Futures, said: “At Newcastle Futures we have an excellent track record of providing personalised support to those who need it the most, including clients of all ages and those living in the most disadvantaged parts of the city.

“Helping local people access quality jobs and training has been our reason for existing. We have sought to use innovative ways of working and have specialised in introducing IT into our working practices.

“Supporting our clients and people in the city will always be a top priority and we are committed to working with the council to ensure a smooth transition of services.

“We are confident the council will use the excellent skills and experience of the team at Newcastle Futures to take the service forward in new and innovative ways and continue to deliver for local residents.”

The council is now working with Newcastle Futures to develop a plan to ensure residents continue to receive flexible, responsive support to help them get into work.

The local authority will also continue to work closely with the DWP and other partners as part of the new approach.

The process is under way to transfer the staff team from Newcastle Futures into the council.