Learning, Skills and Social Policy News

The Learning, Skills and Social Policy team at ekosgen continues to broaden its horizons and develop the services that it provides to our clients. Over the past year we have once again worked closely with government departments in England and Scotland, Regional Development Agencies, local authorities and independent charities on a broad range of high profile research and evaluation assignments.

Our team continues to be at the forefront of education and skills reform. Our two year evaluation of Foundation Learning for the Learning and Skills Council, for example, has helped to shape the structure and direction of this new programme that will improve the learning and progression opportunities for many hundreds of thousands individuals with learning needs below Level 2. The evaluation has seen us consult face-to-face with hundreds of learners and undertake case studies with more than 60 providers across England.

Alongside our work on Foundation Learning, we have evaluated the impact of the recent policy changes to the Education Maintenance Allowance, completed a national evaluation of the Skills Pledge and reviewed the funding model for the nextstep adult careers and guidance service. In the North West we have been heavily involved in demographic research, leading two projects to explore attitudes towards older workers and the economic contribution of disabled workers, Both of these projects will be showcased at the Northwest Development Agency research conference in June 2010.

We have also been very active in Scotland, evaluating the second phase of the Integrated Employment and Skills Pilot, the Sistema Youth Orchestra and completing a two year evaluation of the Enhanced Careers Resource Pilot, a programme that has provided intensive support for young people at most risk of becoming unemployed after school.

This newsletter provides an insight into the services that we offer, the clients we work with, and the experience and expertise that we have on our team. But it is only an introduction and we would therefore be very happy to provide further detail of any aspects of our work should you be interested. 

Best Regards

Tim Allan, Director of Learning, Skills and Social Policy
 

The BIG NOISE in the Raploch

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the arts as a medium to improve lives. Increased participation in cultural activities has become a key feature of policy and practice in the UK. In particular, musical education has grown in prominence. Music produces powerful physical and emotional responses, whilst musical tuition engenders creativity, improves cognitive skills, teaches discipline and concentration and raises confidence.

ekosgen was recently commissioned to evaluate the Sistema Scotland Big Noise programme in the Raploch; Stirling. Through musical education, the organisation aims to improve social, education and health outcomes for children, families and communities.

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Recessionary Response by East Midlands Development Agency

It is clear that all aspects of the UK economy have suffered from the effects of the downturn. The construction and engineering sectors in particular have been some of the worst hit in the run up to the downturn and the period of recession that followed. Notwithstanding these negative impacts, construction and engineering remain of great importance to the East Midlands region and comprise a substantial proportion of regional employment and productivity.
 

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Older Workers in SMEs and Micro-businesses

The working population is getting older. There are currently just under 21 million people aged 50 and over in the UK which is set to rise to almost 27 million by 2031. Evidence suggests that people are also working longer, spurred by increased life expectancy and shortfalls in pension provision. Although this implies an increased workforce, the business benefits of a diverse workforce are not fully understood and economic inactivity for those aged 50+ in the UK rose in the last 10 years and stood at 12 million in 2004.

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The Family Employment Initiative

The Family Employment Initiative (FEI) is one of the Coalfield Regeneration Trust’s flagship programmes for tackling worklessness in deprived communities. It takes a ‘whole family’ approach, providing personalised and holistic support to individuals and their families to help overcome barriers to employment.

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