FND Stage 3 Bidding Opportunities

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    [subject] => I haven't heard anything
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I haven't heard anything myself, but it really should start filtering through soon. I imagine the support would be smaller scale and more piecemeal than FND. It would make sense to put in programme centre-style support, basic skills support, brief upskilling courses, and perhaps some LEP employment courses in the Gateway stage. Does anyone know if there are DWP budgets showing how much they're looking to spend on Gateway ('FND Stage 3') programmes? I know the LSC or its replacement will be part-funding delivery as well.

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    [name] => Daniel
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    [subject] => In reference to FND we just
    [comment] => 
In reference to FND we just secured a contract (in Northern Ireland) for the replacement of New Deal called Steps to Work (StW). Significant factor here was that previously there was something like 170 New Deal contracts that covered all provision. In the StW tendering process these contracts were reduced to 10! The StW contracts cover all provision and is open to everyone not in work no matter what benefit they are on or if they do not receive any benefits. It is  administered by Lead Contractors. Step 1 is akin to the Gateway period with some changes like all returners must attend 3 days jobsearch, Step 2 is the back-to-work provisiion, VRQ delivery, NVQ delivery (for those who do not have a Level 2 only) and EST delivery. Step 3 which could be akin to the FND Stage 3 concentrates on 'what happens next' if a client did not secure a job. This could involve access to further Core Gateway modules, Short Accredited course, 3 days jobsearch, confidence/motivational buliding provision etc along with required elements of the musicians and self employed options. Payments for Step 3 are £40 per day per person. The Short Courses has been reduced to £30 a day to a maximum of £150 per week.
Other 'new' (to NI provision) elements introduced include enhanced funding (upwards of £600 on top of fees) for those ready to go into work and also for those who move into work through the employed option, confidence building provision and miscellaneous provision target at unemployed non nationals. Plus just as an aside it has beeen unofffical confirmed that shortly all NVQ provision will be withdrawn and more focus (pressure?) will be on moving clients straight into work.

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    [timestamp] => 1225265261
    [name] => Richard Henderson
    [mail] => Richard@nctni.com
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