Cities Strategy Pathfinder

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The Cities Strategy aims to tackle worklessness in the most disadvantaged communities across the UK. The strategy will test how best to combine the work of local and national government agencies, voluntary organisations and employers in local partnerships – to provide the support jobless people need to find and progress in work. The strategy is based on the idea that local partners can deliver more if they combine and align their efforts behind shared priorities, and are given more freedom to try out new ideas and to tailor services in response to local need.

Edinburgh is one of fifteen pathfinder areas announced in July 2006 which have been chosen to test this approach. Edinburgh’s plans will build on the existing Joined Up For Jobs strategy. Key activities will include:

• Aligning partners’ funding decisions so that gaps in provision are filled, and more help is provided to those who are furthest from the job market.
• Ensuring that the provision on offer is tuned to the recruitment needs of local employers.
• Making a case to the UK government to remove potential barriers which inhibit people from taking up training and/or employment opportunities.
• Extending the Joined Up For Jobs partnership to the health, social care and further education sectors.
• Working with other local authorities in Lothian.

The Edinburgh City Strategy Business Plan is available at http://www.joinedupforjobs.org.uk/employment/uploads/Edinburgh_CSP_-_Business_Plan_30-03-07.pdf and the Appendices are available at http://www.joinedupforjobs.org.uk/employment/uploads/Edinburgh_CSP_-_Appendices_30-03-07.pdf. The Executive Summary is available at http://www.joinedupforjobs.org.uk/employment/uploads/Exec_Summary_28-09-07.pdf

Edinburgh’s Expressions of Interest document is available at http://www.joinedupforjobs.org.uk/employment/uploads/edinburgh_city_strategy_proforma.pdf

The Department of Work and Pensions' press release - 'Cities strategy: 13 successful areas is available at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/2006/jul/fmc080-270706.asp

For further information please contact Matthew Crighton at matthewcrighton@capitalcitypartnership.org