Beacon Success
The Council's success in promoting access to employment has been given the Government's seal of approval with the award of Beacon Status for Removing Barriers to Work. This is the second year running the Council has been successful in the Beacon Council scheme. Last year's award was for Fostering Business Growth.
Removing Barriers to Work - Making a real difference to real people
The Council and its partners have delivered real results to some of the nation's most vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens through an all inclusive 'life-cycle approach' to removing barriers to work. The 'life-cycle approach' provides a supportive pathway for those who need it most.
To achieve outstanding results in getting people into employment the Council has worked with partners to undertake a variety of innovative projects, including the development of a unique delivery company, Phoenix Enterprises. Phoenix Enterprises provide universal assistance into training and employment for people of all ages and also leads on the development of community enterprise activities across the Borough.
Other innovative training and employment projects targeted at the specific needs of hard to reach groups include:
- All Pakistan Women's Association (APWA) building confidence in Asian women through training and development
- Action in the Community for Employment (ACE) working in deprived areas of the borough providing training and counselling support to assist individuals into employment
- Rix Café - a commercial café providing training in catering for people with learning disabilities the Get Real Team, working to tackle underachievement and improve the employment prospects of children in care through improved educational support and projects aimed at improving practical skills, raising confidence and providing work experience.
- Family Learning provides opportunities for parents to get involved in learning alongside their own children, in their own communities
For further information on how other hard to reach groups are supported, please
contact the Beacon Co-ordinator
The award was presented to the Council on 2 nd April 2003 at a ceremony in London. Shown (left to right) are Chris Mallender (Head of Policy and Partnerships), Nick Raynsford MP (Local Government Minister), Jackie Jenkinson (Head of Children and Families) and Trevor Stones (Jobcentreplus)
Beacon Events By Arrangement
- Study Visits - Themed visits built to meet the needs of the visiting team, with on-going support during project development.
- Member to member corporate parenting sessions - Clinic type events to encourage Councillors to discuss and share their knowledge and practical experiences.
- Critical Friend - Consultancy, on a one-to-one basis from subject specialists.
- Mentoring & Shadowing - Placements for individuals are available on request.
- ILM Days - Practical days out working with one of Rotherham's many Intermediate Labour Market projects or fast developing Community Enterprises.
Further Information
Making a real difference to real people - beacon leaflet (780 Kb)
Rotherham Case Study (100 Kb)
Beacon Status Application Form (307 Kb)
IDeA website
How To Get In Touch