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Involving People with Disabilities in ESF
30 June 2010
14.00 - 16.30
Citizen's Trust, nr Ealing Broadway
Historically, ESF providers have met with difficulties in meeting the needs of people with disabilities. The general failure of public policy in this area is recognised in the ESF decision to promote Equal Opportunities as a Cross-Cutting Theme and in the European Commission’s commitment to target services for people with disabilities under the 2010 European Year Against Poverty (EY2010).
Introduced by LVSTC in collaboration with the Citizen’s Trust, this Focus Group will identify ways in which addressing special needs can be incorporated into ESF and mainstream practice as well as celebrated in the European Year.
The workshop will include:
•The national overview of Equal Opportunities in the ESF England Programme
•The impact of legislation and the personalisation agenda
•Practical approaches to meeting special needs
•Promoting the achievement of people with disabilities in EY2010
Unlocking ESF Potential: Celebration Event
23 June 2010
12.00 - 14.00
Ability Media Centre , 56 Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 OAS
Come and help us celebrate!!!!
Unlocking ESF Potential will be celebrating its achievements and will provide opportunities for networking at this feast-filled event on 23rd June!
The event will include:
•Presentations from organisations that have benefited from the project
•Presentations from the funders and the project itself
•Opportunities to network with other organisations and create partnership links for future opportunities
•Learn more about the forthcoming ESF Awards
The Equality Act 2010 and ESF
18 June 2010
14.00 - 16.30
Voluntary Action Islington, Nido Student Complex (nr Kings cross)
Over the past four decades, discrimination legislation has played a key role in helping to make Britain a more equal society. The recently-approved Equality Act 2010 is intended to provide a new comprehensive framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all; to update, simplify and strengthen previous law; and to deliver a simple, modern and accessible framework of discrimination law to protect individuals from unfair treatment and promote a fair and more equal society.
With additional input from the Equality & Human Rights Commission, this (free) Focus Group meeting will consider:
•main elements of the Equality Act 2010
•potential impact of the Act on third sector organisations
•implications of the Act for the delivery of ESF
•exploiting the Act to improve the quality of ESF
Linking ESF Provision to Higher Education
10 June 2010
14.00 - 16.30
UEL Stratford Campus, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ
Would you like to know more about how ESF tutors, organisers and beneficiaries can take advantage of opportunities in Higher Education? With so much changing in the national and regional organisation of post-school education, ESF providers are being challenged to keep up with developments.
With the help of the University of East London, this workshop will explore some of the options for in-service support as well as pathways for beneficiaries.
This workshop will include:
• invitation to the forthcoming HE introductory events at UEL
• latest offers from UEL of interest to ESF practitioners and beneficiaries
• how UEL interacts with London's third sector infrastructure
• how ESF providers can stay in touch with developments in HE
• an overview of some of the changes in HE
Introduction to Consortia Building in ESF
2 June 2010
09.30 - 12.45
GLE Offices
Are you a third sector organisation looking to apply for ESF funding in the future?
There is an increasing emphasis from funders for delivery organisations to work together on consortium bids. This workshop aims to help you start to think about and develop links both geographically and strategically with other organisations.
This workshop aims to enable you to:
•Learn about forthcoming ESF funding opportunities, and in particular the partnership requirements included in their funding specifications
•Network with organisations with whom you could develop future partnerships for consortia bidding
•Consider the skills/services/knowledge that you have to sell and may be looking to buy to formulate a successful partnership
This workshop will be delivered jointly with the Borough ESF TA progamme. Organisations who are eligible to deliver projects funded under any of these programmes, are encouraged to attend. Third sector organisations and local authorities will be prioritised.
ESF Study Visit to Nottingham - fully booked
11 May 2010
Depart St Pancras at 9.00; return there by 18.30
Nottingham
Are you a voluntary/community sector organisation with experience of managing an ESF-funded project or planning to do so? Are you interested to develop services in the local community and keen to exchange experiences and share ideas with ESF colleagues from other parts of the UK?
If so, why not take part in a study visit to Nottingham where there has been extensive ESF investment in community activities by the third sector to develop local social capital as part of regional regeneration.
The visit will include:
• an overview presentation from the regional third sector ESF network (CEFET ~ Co-ordinating European Funding for the East Midlands Third Sector)
• a presentation from an organisation participating in one of Nottingham’s ESF small-grants programmes
• a visit to a project involving participants distant from the labour market
• a glimpse of one of England’s most historic cities
All travel and meals are booked and paid for by the Unlocking ESF Potential Project.
ESF Evaluation Workshop
14 April 2010
10.00 - 16.00
GLE Offices
The submission of an evaluation is frequently an obligatory part of contracts between Co-Financing Organisations and their ESF funded projects.
In its final workshop focusing on Evaluation, Unlocking ESF Potential will focus on:
•An overview of the skills and knowledge your organisation needs in order to implement effective evaluation systems through the project lifetime
•A specific focus on the evaluation requirements for London Councils ESF Programmes. This covers both the 2008-2010 and 2009-2011 tendering rounds.
Organisations who are contracted to deliver projects funded under any of these programmes, are encouraged to attend. Third sector organisations will be prioritised.
This workshop will enable you to:
•Understand the evaluation requirements of the London Councils ESF Programme and what you need to do to process an evaluation for your project
•Understand the difference between monitoring and evaluation
•Measure impact and added value
•Define a project evaluation brief
•Learn tips for techniques and approaches in evaluation
ESF and 2010 The European Year Against Poverty
31 March 2010
14.00 - 17.00
The Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA
2010 has been designated by the European Commission as The European Year Against Poverty (EY2010). This workshop will be led by The European Anti-Poverty Network (London Branch), who will be leading regional activities across the sectors to highlight poverty issues in London as a “tale of two cities”.
This networking event will:
• Consider the national scope of EY2010
• Describe the range of activities outlined in London for the Year
• Identify how ESF projects can engage with the London Programme
• Anticipate some of the EY2010 legacy for the second half of the ESF London Programme 2007-2013
Tackling Age Discrimination
25 March 2010
10.30 - 13.30
Directory of Social Change, 24 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2DP
With the London’s population continuing to grow older, age is playing an increasingly important role in all aspects of life. Over the next 10 years, London will become increasingly dependent on older people staying in the labour market. This focus group is being organised in collaboration with Wise Owls, who are an active part of a growing network of organisations calling for greater age-based equality.
This group will explore:
• The changing demography of London
• The challenge facing older people in the London labour market
• The ESF response to age discrimination in London
• Linking labour-market intervention in London to wider social initiatives
Street-Level Learning
19 March 2010
10.00 - 13.00
The Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA
In partnership with the London Branch of the Workers’ Educational Association, this working group will explore the scope for those involved with adult learning to develop new opportunities for learning in the community. Many of these initiatives closely complement the world of vocational training and often reinforce the work of ESF-funded groups working with those adults who are economically inactive and furthest from the labour market.
This group will:
• Explore the scope for community-based adult learning in London
• Consider the option of setting up adult learning circles
• Review the progress of the London “free spaces” adult learning scheme
• Discuss the progress of the Workers’ Educational Association in London
Opportunities for Women
17 March 2010
10.00 - 13.00
The Old Town Hall Stratford, 29 The Broadway, Stratford, London E15 4BQ
ESF traditionally focused on challenging the disadvantage that women face in the labour market. This workshop will be led by two organisations that have taken on this challenge over many years: Newham Asian Women’s Project with 20 years experience of working with women facing domestic violence and abuse; and Account3 established in 1991 as a women’s cooperative that has since developed a multi-dimensional agency tackling poverty and social injustice.
This focus group will:
• Take stock of the overall position of women in the London labour market
• Consider training interventions addressing the disadvantages women face
• Reflect on the impact of International Women’s Day (March 8th)
• Examine the potential for ESF in London to respond to issues raised
Successful Tracking in ESF
16 March 2010
10.00 - 12.30
GLE Offices
Delivering contracted outputs as part of your ESF funded project?
Are you looking for support to help you successfully track and achieve your contracted outputs and results?
The purpose of this workshop is to provide you with tips and techniques which you can use to track more effectively.
The workshop will include the following:
•An overview of the London ESF Programme and its contracted outputs and results
•A case study of an ESF funded project showing how to track successfully
•Introduction to techniques such as Unlocking ESF Potential’s Tracking Toolkit
ESF Networking for Welfare Reform
10 March 2010
14.00 - 17.00
The Old Town Hall Stratford, 29 The Broadway, London E15 4BQ
Would you like to know more about what the Government is proposing to support people into work and what the impact is for those adults who are furthest from the labour market? Interested to find out more about what proposals the third sector is placing before the current Secretary of State for Work & Pensions?
With the help of Off the Streets & into Work, this networking opportunity will help to shed light on the increasingly difficult challenge of tackling worklessness.
This event will include:
• a chance to “de-mystify” the welfare reform complexities
• a vital reality-check on present government policy on welfare reform
• an assessment of the role of ESF in contributing to the welfare agenda
• making contact with peer organisations and disadvantaged people to influence policy and practice
• preparation of appropriate input into the forthcoming 2010 European Year Against Poverty
Understanding the Benefits System
10 March 2010
09.45 - 12.45
GLE
The benefits system can be very complicated and daunting, as there are a large number of different benefits and entitlement criteria that can make deciphering who should be receiving what very confusing.
As an organisation, already funded through ESF or looking to apply for ESF funding, it is really important to have an understanding about the main benefits in order to ensure you recruit eligible participants and can effectively advise them as you support them back into work.
The workshop will include the following:
•An overview of the London ESF Programme and its eligibility criteria
•An explanation of some key benefits including Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (Incapacity Benefit), Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance and Housing or Council Tax Benefit
•A group discussion including case studies
ESF Study Visit to Helsinki
8 March 2010
Helsinki
Please note this study visit will take place from 8th to 9th March but you will be expected to arrive in Helsinki by the evening of 7th March.
Are you a third sector organisation, already managing an ESF funded project or looking to do so?
Are you contracted to deliver an ESF project in which you work with a range of target groups? Are you keen to exchange experiences and share ideas with colleagues in Europe about how to implement best practice examples so that you can successfully deliver your project?
If so, why not take part in a study visit to Helsinki where you will have the opportunity to learn how other organisations are working with their participants to help them integrate into society and find sustainable employment.
The visit will take place on 7th – 9th March and will include:
•Introduction to the ESF programme in Helsinki
•Three presentations, by ESF funded projects which focus on social exclusion and the integration of immigrants in Finish society
•Two nights in Helsinki and a visit to the old part of the city
All accommodation and meals will be booked and paid for by the Unlocking ESF Potential project. Participants will be expected to cover all transport costs themselves.
You will be expected to arrive in Helsinki on 7th March so that you can start the study visit by midday on 8th March.
Introduction to Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)
3 March 2010
10.00 - 16.00
GLE Offices
Are you a frontline service looking to deliver high quality services tailored to the needs of your clients? If you are, this workshop could be just what you are looking for!
Delivered by experienced and accredited trainers, this workshop will provide organisations already delivering ESF funded projects or planning to do so, with the key skills and knowledge to support their participants effectively.
The workshop will include:
•Introduction to the principles of IAG
•Best practice techniques in providing support, information and referrals
•Techniques for retaining participants on the project
•Case studies of IAG best practice from other ESF projects
Understanding the Benefits System
17 February 2010
09.45 - 13.00
GLE Offices
The benefits system can be very complicated and daunting, as there are a large number of different benefits and entitlement criteria that can make deciphering who should be receiving what very confusing.
As an organisation, already funded through ESF or looking to apply for ESF funding, it is really important to have an understanding about the main benefits in order to ensure you recruit eligible participants and can effectively advise them as you support them back into work.
The workshop will include the following:
•An overview of the London ESF Programme and its eligibility criteria
•An explanation of some key benefits including Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (Incapacity Benefit), Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance and Housing or Council Tax Benefit
•A group discussion including case studies
ESF Evaluation Workshop
3 February 2010
10.00 - 16.00
GLE Offices
The submission of an evaluation is frequently an obligatory part of contracts between Co-Financing Organisations and their ESF funded projects.
In its third workshop focusing on Evaluation, Unlocking ESF Potential will focus on:
•An overview of the skills and knowledge your organisation needs in order to implement effective evaluation systems through the project lifetime
•A specific focus on the evaluation requirements for LDA and London Councils ESF Programmes. This covers both the 2008-2010 and 2009-2011 tendering rounds.
Organisations who are contracted to deliver projects funded under any of these programmes, are encouraged to attend. Third sector organisations will be prioritised.
This workshop will enable you to:
•Understand the evaluation requirements of the London Councils and the LDA ESF Programmes and what you need to do to process an evaluation for your project
•Understand the difference between monitoring and evaluation
•Measure impact and added value
•Define a project evaluation brief
•Learn tips for techniques and approaches in evaluation
Introduction to Job Brokerage
20 January 2010
10.00 - 16.00
GLE, New City Court
Are you a third sector organization involved in the delivery of an ESF funded project and suddenly faced with the demands of job brokerage for the first time?
Are you looking to raise your organisation’s awareness of job brokerage activity so that you can achieve your ESF employment outputs?
If you are, this workshop could be just what you are looking for!
Delivered by highly experienced and accredited Job Brokerage Advisers, this workshop will provide organisations already delivering ESF funded projects or planning to do so, with the basic skills and knowledge to support their participants’ pathway into employment effectively.
It will include the following:
•Best practice in job brokerage – key indicators for delivering a quality service
•How to access job brokerage networks (e.g. Relay London Jobs) and jobs vacancies
•A case study on successful job brokerage
•Techniques to help you identify and overcome an individual’s barriers to work and assist them in developing skills in motivation and confidence building
•Recruitment and selection of participants to meet employers’ requirements
Successful Tracking in ESF
3 December 2009
09.00 - 11.30
GLE Offices
Delivering contracted outputs as part of your ESF funded project?
Are you looking for support to help you successfully track and achieve your contracted outputs and results?
The purpose of this workshop is to provide you with tips and techniques which you can use to track more effectively.
The workshop will include the following:
•An overview of the London ESF Programme and its contracted outputs and results
•A case study of an ESF funded project showing how to track successfully
•Introduction to techniques such as Unlocking ESF Potential’s Tracking Toolkit
ESF Networking for Welfare Reform
3 November 2009
10.00 - 13.00
Off the Streets & into Work, 4th Floor The Pavilion, 1 Newhams Row, London SE1 3UZ
Would you like to know more about what the Government is proposing to support people into work and what the impact is for those adults who are furthest from the labour market? Interested to find out more about what proposals the third sector is placing before the current Secretary of State for Work & Pensions?
With the help of Off the Streets & into Work, this networking opportunity will help to shed light on the increasingly difficult challenge of tackling worklessness.
This event will include:
• a chance to “de-mystify” the welfare reform complexities
• a vital reality-check on present government policy on welfare reform
• an assessment of the role of ESF in contributing to the welfare agenda
• making contact with peer organisations and disadvantaged people to influence policy and practice
• preparation of appropriate input into the forthcoming 2010 European Year Against Poverty
This network meeting will close with a light lunch.
Sorry, this event in now fully booked.
ESF and the Child Poverty Agenda
22 October 2009
14.00 - 16.45
GLE, New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS
By tackling barriers to work and improving skills, European Social Fund projects are designed to help people realise their potential. They aim to make a valuable contribution to national policies to build on record levels of employment by extending opportunities even further. Helping more people into work should in turn contribute to wider UK policy goals to alleviate child poverty and promote social cohesion.
This event will look closely at the national and european policy agendas, focusing on how they seek to tackle child poverty by supporting parents back into employment.
It will seek in particular to answer the following questions:
•How well does the European Social Fund complement national initiatives which support people who are most disadvantaged in the labour market?
•Which strategies are most effective and which are least effective?
•How can future funding be most appropriately used to alleviate Child Poverty?
The event will include the following:
•Overview of the European agenda and its role in supporting parents back into employment
•Overview of the National agenda and its focus on tackling Child Poverty
•The Job Centre Plus perspective: the role of the childcare partnership manager in addressing the child poverty agenda
•Examples of Best Practice to demonstrate effectives strategies used to tackle Child Poverty
This event will is targeted at third sector organisations, already managing an ESF funded project or looking to do so.
ESF Study Visit to Liverpool
21 October 2009
Depart Euston 08.30; Arrive back at Euston 20.02
Liverpool
Are you a third sector organisation, already managing an ESF-funded project or planning to do so? Are you concerned about delivering employment-related outputs & outcomes and keen to exchange experiences and share ideas with ESF colleagues from other parts of the UK?
If so, why not take part in a study visit to Liverpool where there has been extensive ESF investment in the third sector to develop sustainable employment schemes as part of major regional regeneration.
The visit will include:
• an overview presentation from the regional third sector ESF network (Merseyside Network for Europe)
• a presentation from a community regeneration company running a range of vocational schemes
• a visit to a charity and social business providing training and work opportunities for long-term unemployed adults and those with a disadvantage in the workplace
• a glimpse of one of England’s most vibrant cities
All travel and meals are booked and paid for by the Unlocking Potential Project.
Engaging Employers II
8 October 2009
10.00 - 16.00
GLE Offices
Are you looking to develop stronger links with employers so that you can achieve employment outputs you are contracted to deliver as part of your ESF funded project?
This workshop is suitable for projects managers and first time job brokers, new to ESF funded projects which require the delivery of contacted outputs.
This workshop can help you achieve these outputs by providing your organisation with practical ways in which it can:
•effectively promote services to employers
•Identify and meet employers’ recruitment needs
•Continually evaluate and improve services for employers
•Support employers in making necessary adjustments e.g. for disabled staff
London Councils ESF Evaluation Workshop
30 September 2009
10.00 - 16.00
GLE Offfices, New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RS
The submission of an evaluation is frequently an obligatory part of contracts between Co-Financing Organisations and their ESF funded projects.
In its second workshop focusing on Evaluation, Unlocking ESF Potential will include the following:
•An overview of the skills and knowledge your organization needs in order to implement effective evaluation systems through the project lifetime
•A specific focus on the evaluation requirements for both the London Councils ESF Co-Financing Programme 2008-10 and the London Councils ESF Borough Programme 2009-11.
Organisations who are contracted to deliver projects funded under either of these programmes, are encouraged to attend.
This workshop will enable you to:
•Understand the evaluation requirements of the London Councils CFO ESF programmes and what you need to do to process an evaluation for your project
•Understand the difference between monitoring and evaluation
•Measure impact and added value
•Define a project evaluation brief
•Learn tips for techniques and approaches in evaluation
ESF, People with Disabilities and 2010 Advocacy Group
29 September 2009
10.00-13.00
LVSTC, Bromley Hall, 43 Gillender Street, London, E14 6RN
We're in the process of setting up an Advocacy Group and would like you to join us!
Historically, ESF has under-performed in meeting the needs of people with disabilities. The general failure of public policy in this area is recognised in the decision to target resources for people with disabilities under the 2010 European Year Against Poverty.
In conjunction with the Social Policy Task Force and supported by Action for Blind People and Leonard Cheshire Disability, this workshop will identify ways in which addressing special learning needs can be incorporated into mainstream practice and promoted as a sector contribution in the European Year Against Poverty.
This workshop will include:
• Equality legislation in the UK: progress on the EU Directive and on the UK Equality Bill
• engaging with the UK Government's Right to Control Consultation
• preparing an input into the London ‘trailer’ conference for 2010 European Year Against Poverty
• terms of reference for the Advocacy Group and next steps
ESF Study Visit to Prague
25 September 2009
24th and 25th September
Are you a third sector organisation, already managing an ESF funded project or looking to do so?
Are you contracted to deliver a number of employment related outputs and are keen to exchange experiences and share ideas with colleagues in Europe about how to achieve these?
If so, why not take part in a study visit to Prague where you will have the opportunity to learn how other organisations are working with their participants to help them secure sustainable employment.
The visit will take place on 24th & 25th September and will include:
•two presentations, one by an ESF funded project and one focusing on promoting entrepreneurship as a route out of social exclusion
•the opportunity to visit an ESF funded project in Prague and to share and exchange ideas and experiences about ESF delivery
•an overnight stay in Central Prague and a visit to the old part of the city
All accommodation and meals will be booked and paid for by the Unlocking ESF Potential project. Participants will be expected to cover all transport costs themselves.
Introduction to Job Brokerage
23 September 2009
10.00 - 16.00
GLE Offices, New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS
Are you currently managing an ESF funded project and/or are you new to the demands of job brokerage?
Are you looking to raise your organisation’s awareness of job brokerage activity so that you can achieve your ESF employment outputs?
If you are, this workshop could be just what you are looking for!
Delivered by highly experienced and accredited Job Brokerage Advisers, this workshop will provide organisations already delivering ESF funded projects or planning to do so, with the basic skills and knowledge to support their participants’ pathway into employment effectively.
It will include the following:
•Best practice in jobs brokerage – key indicators for delivering a quality service
•How to access jobs brokerage networks (e.g. Relay London Jobs) and jobs vacancies
•A case study on successful job brokerage
•Techniques to help you identifty and overcome an individual’s barriers to work and assist them in developing skills in motivation and confidence building
•Recruitment and selection of participants to meet employers’ requirements
Disability in the Workplace
14 September 2009
14.30 - 16.30
GLE Offices, New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RS
Delivering contracted outputs as part of your ESF funded project?
Working with disabled people, are you faced with the challenge of overcoming a lack of awareness on behalf of employers to secure sustainable jobs for your participants?
The objective of this workshop is to equip you and your organisation with greater awareness about the barriers disabled people face and how employers lack knowledge on disability employment.
As an organisation, already funded through ESF or looking to apply for ESF funding, it is really important to have an understanding and awareness about the barriers disabled people face in securing sustainable employment and how you can effectively advise them, and their employer, as you support them back into work.
The workshop will include the following:
•An overview of the London ESF Programme and its targets on disability
•Engaging employers to effectively support disabled people into employment
•A group discussion including case studies of organisations who have worked effectively with disabled people to support them into employment
ESF Provision and Access to Higher Education
8 September 2009
11.00 - 13.00
Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX (room 624, main building)
Would you like to know more about how ESF tutors, organisers and beneficiaries can take advantage of opportunities in Higher Education? With so much changing in the national and regional organisation of post-school education, ESF providers are being challenged to keep up with developments.
With the help of Birkbeck College, London University's long-established pioneer of part-time degree programmes, LVSTC will explore some of the options for in-service support as well as pathways for beneficiaries.
This workshop will include:
• invitation to the forthcoming HE introductory events at Birkbeck
• other latest offers from Birkbeck of interest to ESF practitioners and beneficiaries
• how Birkbeck interacts with London's third sector infrastructure
• how ESF providers can stay in touch with developments in HE
• an overview of some of the changes in HE
Understanding the Benefits System
27 August 2009
09.45 - 12.45
GLE Offices, New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS
The benefits system can be very complicated and daunting, as there are a large number of different benefits and entitlement criteria that can make deciphering who should be receiving what very confusing.
As an organisation, already funded through ESF or looking to apply for ESF funding, it is really important to have an understanding about the main benefits in order to ensure you recruit eligible participants and can effectively advise them as you support them back into work.
The workshop will include the following:
•An overview of the London ESF Programme and its eligibility criteria
•An explanation of some key benefits including Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (Incapacity Benefit), Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance and Housing or Council Tax Benefit
•A group discussion including case studies
ESF, People with Disabilities and 2010 Advocacy Group
4 August 2009
10.00 - 13.00
LVSTC, Bromley Hall, 43 Gillender Street, London, E14 6RN
We're in the process of setting up an Advocacy Group and would like you to join us!
Historically, ESF has under-performed in meeting the needs of people with disabilities. The general failure of public policy in this area is recognised in the decision to target resources for people with disabilities under the 2010 European Year Against Poverty.
This meeting of the Group will be introduced by LVSTC in collaboration with Annette Laidler from Leonard Cheshire Disability. Working as their Policy & Parliamentary Office (Europe), she is focussing on the development of the EU Directive on Equal Treatment as well as on the passage of the UK Government's Equality Bill. Also, Annette has been an active member of the Social Policy Task Force, which is working with the Department for Work & Pensions on the UK National Programme for the European Year.
This workshop will include:
• developments since publication of the Leonard Cheshire Disability Poverty Report 2008
• Equality legislation in the UK: progress on the EU Directive and on the UK Equality Bill
• engaging with the UK Government's Right to Control Consultation
• preparing for 2010 European Year
• terms of reference for the Advocacy Group and next steps
ESF and Adult Learning
16 July 2009
10.00 - 13.00
LVSTC, Bromley Hall, 43 Gillender Street, London, E14 6RN
How does ESF adult training fit into the wider picture of adult learning and into developing third sector involvement public policy on lifelong learning?
Introduced by LVSTC in collaboration with the National Institute for Adult & Continuing Education (NIACE), this workshop will focus on ways in which vocational training provision can link with regional initiatives in adult education.
The workshop will include:
•Overview of latest developments in policy on adult learning
•The role of the third sector as provider
•Developing employability amongst under-represented groups
•Identifying and developing regional alliances and advocacy work with civil society
Engaging Employers
8 July 2009
10.00 - 16.00
GLE, New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS
Are you looking to develop stronger links with employers so that you can achieve employment outputs you are contracted to deliver as part of your ESF funded project?
Are you seeking to access European funding in the future and are aware you need to work more effectively with employers in order to do so?
This workshop can help by providing your organisation with practical ways in which it can:
• Effectively promote services to employers
• Identify and meet employers’ recruitment needs
• Continually evaluate and improve services for employers
• Support employers in making necessary adjustments e.g. for disabled staff
Engagement with Youth
25 June 2009
14.00 - 17.30
GLE, New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS
Delivering an ESF funded project or looking to do so?
Are you a frontline service looking to deliver high quality services tailored to the needs of your clients? If you are, this workshop could be just what you are looking for!
Supporting young people to succeed in education and preparing them for the world of work has been identified as one of the keys to the economic success of the capital. The Mayor has identified this as a priority through the Time for Action plan and the LDA has identified the need for greater investment in youth opportunities in London to maximise young people’s potential and to achieve optimum productivity, social inclusion and good health.
This workshop will focus on the ESF Youth agenda and the type of support that exists to meet the challenges faced by third sector organizations aiming to provide services to disengaged youth, including young offenders as well as young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) or at risk of being NEET.
This workshop will include:
•A focus on the youth agenda within the policy context including a presentation by the LDA
•Sharing best practice and techniques on how to engaging in outreach work training, information advice and guidance (IAG) and mentoring/coaching.
•A Case study of best practice from another ESF project
CV Writing and Application Form Filling
19 June 2009
09.30 - 13.30
GLE, New City Court, 20 St Thomas' Street, London, SE1 9RS
Delivering an ESF funded project or looking to do so?
Are you a frontline service looking to deliver high quality services tailored to the needs of your clients? If you are, this workshop could be just what you are looking for!
Delivered by a highly experienced jobs brokerage advisor, this workshop will provide organisations already delivering ESF funded projects or planning to do so, with the key skills and knowledge to support their participants effectively into employment.
This workshop will include:
•Best practice techniques in providing support for writing CV and application forms
•Managing client expectations and getting to grips with the job advertisement
•Techniques for preparing candidates for interview
•A Case study of best practice from other ESF projects
ESF 1-2-1 Peer Network: An Introduction to Mentoring
19 June 2009
10.00 - 13.00
LVSTC, Bromley Hall, 43 Gillender Street, London, E14 6RN
Would you like to join a third sector group of providers to share best practice in ESF and to meet on a 1:1 basis to exchange experience?
Introduced by LVSTC and supported by the national Mentoring & Befriending Foundation, this workshop will consider ways in which current or potential ESF providers can help each other on a 1:1 basis.
The workshop will include:
•Foundations of effective mentoring practice
•Best practice in organisational peer-group support
•Contacts with regional support agencies
•Planning of ongoing support for participants
ESF, BAMER Groups and Adult Learners’ Week 2010
18 June 2009
10.00 - 13.00
LVSTC, Bromley Hall, 43 Gillender Street, London, E14 6RN
A quick look at the list of organisations that submitted their names for this year’s Adult Learners’ Week Awards in London reveals that ESF providers are under-represented with relatively few Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) -led organisations participating in this years’ event. There is a challenge to encourage London BAMER groups to get more involved in next years’ events.
LVSTC is forming a small BAMER focus group to encourage the participation of BAMER training providers in next years’ Adult Learners’ Week.
In supporting BAMER providers, the aims of this focus group are:
•To promote adult learning using ESF to help learners improve or acquire new skills
•To assist training providers to organise events and to nominate their learners for regional and national awards
•To showcase the creativity and imagination of their learners.
Childcare support for Parents accessing work
16 June 2009
09.30 - 13.00
GLE, New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS
Tackling child poverty through supporting parents back into work is high on both UK government and European agendas. This workshop aims to examine some key questions faced by organisations already working with or looking to work with both lone parents and parents to support them back into employment. It will also provide guidance to ESF funded projects on childcare support available.
This workshop aims to enable you to:
•Discover the support ESF offers with helping parents back into work
•Consider how to maximise your ESF project childcare budget to better support parents into work
•Examine alternative sources of funding to support parents into work
•Develop strategies for working with parents to build their confidence and to offer them in-work support and advice
ESF, People with Disabilities and 2010
16 June 2009
10.00 - 13.00
LVSTC, Bromley Hall, 43 Gillender Street, London, E14 6RN
Historically, ESF has under-performed in meeting the needs of people with disabilities. The general failure of public policy in this area is recognised in the decision to target services for people with disabilities under the 2010 European Year Against Poverty.
Introduced by LVSTC in conjunction with the Social Policy Task Force and supported by Action for Blind People, this workshop will identify ways in which addressing special learning needs can be incorporated into mainstream practice and promoted as a sector contribution in the European Year.
The workshop will include:
•Approaches to meeting special learning needs
•The emerging framework of the European Year
•Promoting the achievement of people with disabilities in the Year
•Setting up an ESF advocacy group for the Year
Evaluation Workshop
1 June 2009
10.00 - 16.00
GLE, New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS
The submission of an evaluation is now an obligatory part of contracts between all CFOs and all ESF funded projects.
The purpose of this workshop is to provide your organization with the skills and knowledge required to implement effective evaluation systems through the project lifetietime.
It will enable you to:
•Understand the difference between monitoring and evaluation
•Measure impact and added value
•Define a project evaluation brief
•Make use of an evaluation to promote the organization and its achievements
•learn tips for techniques and approaches in evaluation
Introduction to Jobs Brokerage II
27 May 2009
10.00 - 16.00
GLE, New City Court, 20 St Thomas' Street, London, SE1 9RS
Looking to raise your organisation’s awareness of job brokerage activity so that you can achieve your ESF employment outputs?
If you are, this workshop could be just what you are looking for!
Delivered by highly experienced and accredited Job Brokerage Advisers, this workshop will provide organisations already delivering ESF funded projects or planning to do so, with the key skills and knowledge to support their participants’ pathway into employment into employment effectively.
The workshop will include:
• Best practice in jobs brokerage – key indicators for delivering a quality service
• How to access jobs brokerage networks (e.g. Relay London Jobs) and jobs vacancies
• Making links to other key training and employment programmes for example CSP
• Recruitment and selection of participants to meet employers’ requirements
Introduction to information, advice and guidance (IAG)
18 May 2009
10.00 - 16.00
GLE
Are you a frontline service looking to deliver high quality services tailored to the needs of your clients? If you are, this workshop could be just what you are looking for!
Delivered by a highly experienced and accredited IAG trainer, this workshop will provide organisations already delivering ESF funded projects or planning to do so, with the key skills and knowledge to support their participants effectively.
The workshop will include:
•Introduction to the methods used in providing IAG
•Best practice techniques in providing support for writing CV and application forms
•Techniques for retaining participants on the project
•Case studies of IAG best practice from other ESF projects
Introduction to Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)
30 March 2009
10.00
GLE, New City Court, 20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS
Are you a frontline service looking to deliver high quality services tailored to the needs of your clients? If you are, this workshop could be just what you are looking for!
Delivered by a highly experienced and accredited IAG trainer, this workshop will provide organisations already delivering ESF funded projects or planning to do so, with the key skills and knowledge to support their participants effectively.
The workshop will include:
• Introduction to the methods used in providing IAG
• Best practice techniques in providing support for writing CV and application forms
• Techniques for retaining participants on the project
• Case studies of IAG best practice from other ESF projects
Tracking Participants on an ESF Project: An Interactive Good Practice Event
26 March 2009
09.30
GLE
Does your organisation deliver projects to place people in employment supported by the European Social Fund (ESF)?
If so, this interactive workshop may be relevant to you.
Projects supported through the European Social Fund (ESF), are required to track participants for at least six months after leaving the project so that you can claim sustainable employment outcomes. This workshop will focus on sharing experience and ideas on how organisations can do this successfully
Introduction to Job Brokerage
23 March 2009
10.00
GLE, 20 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RS
Looking to raise your organisation’s awareness of job brokerage activity so that you can achieve your ESF employment outputs? If you are, this workshop could be just what you are looking for!
Delivered by highly experienced and accredited Job Brokerage Advisers, this workshop will provide organisations already delivering ESF funded projects or planning to do so, with the key skills and knowledge to support their participants’ pathway into employment into employment effectively.
The workshop will include:
• Best practice in jobs brokerage – key indicators for delivering a quality service
• How to access jobs brokerage networks (e.g. Relay London Jobs) and jobs vacancies
• Making links to other key training and employment programmes for example CSP
• Recruitment and selection of participants to meet employers’ requirements
How to Work Effectively in Partnership: A Networking Event
10 March 2009
09.00 - 11.30
GLE
Looking to improve your organisation’s ability to work effectively in partnership to deliver its ESF project?
If you are, this networking event which will look at working in partnership could be just what you are looking for!
The event will provide an opportunity for organisations to discuss and share best practice on how to successfully deliver a project in partnership, and will include a short presentation by an organisation that has successfully done so.
The 1-2-1 Network Mentoring Scheme
1 January 1970
The aim of the 1-2-1 Network Mentoring Scheme is to provide an opportunity for voluntary sector organisations to share their knowledge and experience and help each other become stronger as organisations. The scheme matches suitable mentors and mentees, brokers the mentoring agreement, and is there to offer both parties support throughout the process.
Mentors in the scheme receive support in how to be effective mentors. Support can be by telephone, email, or face-to-face meeting with the minimum time offered to mentees being 3 hours spread over 3 face-to-face meetings. In return, mentor organisations can receive up to 3 days tailored training pertinent to their organisation’s needs.
Mentees in the scheme receive an organisational needs analysis which is used to match them with a mentor who can offer the right support and pass on their experience so mentees can apply it to their own organisation.
The subject areas that could be covered by the mentoring pairs include:
• Marketing
• Governance
• Strategic Planning
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Fund raising
• Event Management
• Project Management
• Running ESF projects
• Special Learning Needs projects
If you would like to receive more information about becoming a mentor or mentee in the 1-2-1 Network Mentoring Scheme, please register your interest by entering your details on the ‘Register for this event’ link below and you will be contacted.
