Hidden Treasures

Priority 1

Greater focus on the ‘family approach’ to getting young people active in society and work

Priority 2

Greater focus on ‘community development holistic approach’ to support returners to work

Priority 3

Improve recognition and resourcing of CVS role in developing residents’ skills for work, picking up the people who have fallen through the net, providing steps back to employment, providing apprenticeships and placements

Priority 4

Improve recognition and resourcing of CVS role in volunteering and its invaluable role in developing workforce skills and the CVS’ contribution to employability

Priority 5

Priority 1 

Improve recognition of CVS role as a provider of training, learning and workforce development and a key partner in engaging non-traditional and excluded learners, with innovative methods of delivering life-long learning relevant to work and life.  The CVS is an unofficial route into employment and source of skills for life and soft skills development, particularly in areas of most need.  The CVS is open, not part of the establishment and has depth to build and support long-term relationships with successful outcomes

Priority 2 

Improve access to local learning and training, e.g. job clubs, advice and guidance to be more accessible, not time limited & targeted towards excluded/disadvantaged communities

Priority 3

Improve support for learning, through covering costs of learner support e.g. crèche, special equipment for disabled people, assistance in developing study skills, “leaders” or mentors to support learners

Priority 4

Extend the range of courses available (formal and informal) across a broad curriculum, e.g. introductory taster courses, first step and more advanced learning

Priority 5

Re-think how life skills training is provided; skills should be embedded in other training rather than offered as stand alone training round numeracy and literacy, for example. People are more likely to learn when they are focused on attaining a goal which is important to them

Priority 6

Increase advocacy role of sector in relation to campaigning e.g. learner centred / alternative learning and protection of benefits in transition period

Priority 7

Priority 1

Improve recognition of CVS as a key indicator for an economically vibrant city, e.g. as facilitator of social cohesion, as provider of steps to change, as small/medium enterprises, as a place of growth of “cultural and creative jobs and business” – where innovation starts

Priority 2

The sector is a gateway to change. CVS organisations empower and support local people to prepare for employability/compete for job /attain standards /  change their approach and move on.

Priority 3

A role for VCS in employer engagement programmes, including support for employers and pre-empt what large business needs