North Yorkshire Council

Executive

19 August 2025

Connect to Work (Get Britain Working Trailblazer) Grant Acceptance

Report of the Corporate Director Health and Adult Services

1.0 PURPOSE OF REPORT

1.1 The Executive agrees to the application of grant funding of three million one hundred and seventy-five thousand and eight hundred pounds (£3,175,800.00) to support the Government’s Connect to Work Scheme (Get Britain Working Trailblazer programme) and in the event that the application is successful:

1.2 That the acceptance of the Grant be delegated to the Corporate Director- Resources; and

1.3 To delegate authority to agree and enter into any associated agreements, including but not limited to the Grant Agreement with the YNYCA to access and deliver these funds, to the Corporate Director- Resources in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic Services.

2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 The programme of Connect to Work is a complementary programme with the Trailblazer programme and links with the recent report submitted to the Executive on 15 July 2025 where the Executive agreed to the application of grant funding £4,391,906 to support the Government’s Get Britain Working Trailblazer programme. This request is a further opportunity to secure grant funding from the YNYCA to develop services and improve outcomes related to economic inactivity.

2.2 The Get Britain Working Trailblazer was announced by the Government in November 2024, alongside the Get Britain Working White Paper. York and North Yorkshire is one of eight sites in England and Wales chosen to focus on improving the support available to people who are economically inactive due to ill health and help them return to work.

2.3 The purpose of the Get Britain Working Trailblazer is to mobilise local work, health and skills support – so everyone who wants to work can get the joined-up support they need. The learning from the Trailblazers will support development of national policy and the design of how locally joined-up support will work in practice across England and Wales.

2.4 York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) is the accountable body and lead on the programme.

2.5 The Connect to Work programme is a flagship initiative under the Get Britain Working Strategy, designed to support people facing complex barriers to employment. The require The grant specifies the following people can be supported by the programme:

• An offender (someone who is serving a community service) or ex-offender

• Carers / ex-carers.

• A homeless person

• A former member of His Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces (AF), a member of HM AF reserves, or a partner of current or former Armed Forces personnel.

• A person for whom a drug or alcohol dependency, including a history of

dependency, presents a significant barrier to employment.

• Care experienced young person or a care leaver

• A refugee, a resettled Afghan.

• A person on the Ukrainian scheme.

• A victim/survivor of domestic abuse.

• Young people identified as being involved or at risk of being involved in

serious violence.

• A victim of modern slavery.

2.6 YNYCA requested project proposals in April 2025. North Yorkshire Council Supported Employment Service in Health & Adult Services worked up a proposal that aligned with delivering the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) strand of the Connect to Work programme which would be delivered across the footprint of both North Yorkshire Council and the City of York Council.

2.7 The other strand of Connect to Work Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is currently out to procurement by the YNYCA.

2.8 Individual placement and support (IPS) is an evidence-based model of supported employment focussed on job seekers with severe and enduring mental health problems, which works closely with NHS Community Mental Health teams.

2.9 YNYCA has reviewed NYC’s proposed plan against the DWP-approved Connect to Work plan which led to further discussion to refine and restructure proposals in line with available funding and the strategic priorities of the programme.

2.10 In particular, YNYCA wished to see consistent delivery across York and North Yorkshire, requiring the two councils to join up or align approaches in some areas. This has been realised through the proposal, with City of York Council agreeing to the proposal for the delivery aspect of SEQF.

3.0 PROPOSALS

3.1 North Yorkshire’s proposals have been developed at pace by North Yorkshire Council, these proposals have been developed to enhance engagement and support given to key groups in North Yorkshire, such as: employers, people with poor mental health, people with disabilities, unpaid carers, neurodivergent and veterans. Focusing on those people who face the most challenging barriers to finding and maintaining paid employment.

3.2 The Grant Funding Agreement has not yet been received, although a draft was received

which is being reviewed. Legal Services will also review and ensure compliance with state subsidy controls.

3.3 If the programme plan is approved by YNYCA and DWP, consideration will be made to any information governance and data sharing arrangements for working into COY LA footprint.

4.0 CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN AND RESPONSES

4.1 The discussion around the proposals involved officers from NYC consulting COY council to establish their intention for the programme and following consultation, agreement to propose NYC bid to work into COY footprint. As a DWP programme, the Connect to Work parameters and ambitions are defined nationally.

5.0 CONTRIBUTION TO COUNCIL PRIORITIES

5.1 The overall Connect to Work programme aligns with a range of Council Plan priority areas, across the “thriving places and empowered communities”, “safe, healthy and living well” and “maximise the potential” themes to support marginalised people to integrate and participate equally in their communities and workplaces.

5.2 Supporting people who are economically inactive to reengage and sustain good employment will directly contribute to better outcomes for North Yorkshire’s residents, communities and businesses. Employment as an outcome can meet multiple statutory Care Act outcomes for people in receipt of Adult Social Care and can prevent, reduce and delay the need for more formal care and support services.

6.0 ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

6.1 Not to bid for and accept the funding: this was rejected as the funding scheme provides external funding which provides the opportunity for the Council to deliver on multiple objectives, as above.

7.0 IMPACT ON OTHER SERVICES/ORGANISATIONS

7.1 Positive impact for COY residents as SEQF model is rolled out across the Council footprint.

8.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

8.1 This is a recurring payment for the duration of the scheme up to 2030 and any expenditure and the project will end on 30November 2030. The risk of continued pressure on the Council after this will be managed through an exit strategy and monthly budgetary control reporting to ensure this there is no recurring expenditure beyond the end of the programme.

8.2 The grant will cover direct scheme management costs incurred by the Council and therefore there will be no additional costs to NYC in accepting this funding.

8.3 The grant will include costs associated with additional staffing, training, management support, project delivery support, communications / marketing, participation costs / expenses.

8.4 YNYCA have confirmed that payment will be monthly in arrears, aligned to agreed payment

schedules and that this is not payment by results.

8.5 The Council must comply with the terms of the agreement, including the return of monitoring data, in order to receive scheduled funding.

9.0 LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

9.1 In order to accept the funding, North Yorkshire Council will be required to enter into a formal Grant Agreement with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The Grant Agreement is not yet available however once issued the Agreement will be reviewed by Legal Services.

9.2 Any expenditure of the Grant will be in line with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

9.3 Any contracts entered into in respect of the Grant funding will be in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.

10.0 EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS

10.1 An Equalities Impact Assessment Screening report has been undertaken, at Appendix A, which highlights the potential positive impact of this funding. The programme will pay due regard to the Council’s equality responsibilities through the Public Sector Equality Duties.

11.0 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPLICATIONS

11.1 A Climate Change Impact Assessment has been completed, at Appendix B, which does not identify any direct climate implications, based on the recommendations of this report.

12.0 HUMAN RESOURCES IMPLICATIONS

12.1 Consideration has been given to the impact of any redundancies if the programme does not run beyond the projected end date of 2030. Consultation held with HR to consider strategies to mitigate the risk of potential payments associated with redundancy payments. These have been considered into programme costings.

13.0 REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

13.1 The Executive is asked to approve the acceptance of the grant funding subject to the Grant Agreement being acceptable to allow the proposed activities to proceed. These are intended to support people to find and maintain meaningful employment, providing better outcomes for people and supporting North Yorkshire’s economy.

14.0

RECOMMENDATIONS

14.1

14.2

14.3

The Executive agrees to the application of grant funding of three million one hundred and seventy-five thousand and eight hundred pounds (£3,175,800.00) to support the Government’s Connect to Work Scheme (Get Britain Working Trailblazer programme) and in the event that the application is successful:

That the acceptance of the Grant be delegated to the Corporate Director- Resources; and

To delegate authority to agree and enter into any associated agreements, including but not limited to the Grant Agreement with the YNYCA to access and deliver these funds, to the Corporate Director- Resources in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic Services.

APPENDICES:

Appendix A - Equalities Impact Assessment Screening report

Appendix B - Climate Change Impact Assessment

Richard Webb

Corporate Director – Health & Adult Services

County Hall

Northallerton pp Karen Gullon Assistant Director

Report Author Kate Allanson Head of Services Health & Adult Services

Presenter of Report –

Note: Members are invited to contact the author in advance of the meeting with any detailed queries or questions.

Initial equality impact assessment screening form This form records an equality screening process to determine the relevance of equality to a proposal, and a decision whether or not a full EIA would be appropriate or proportionate.
Directorate	Health and Adult Services
Service area	Adult Social Care – Prevention
Proposal being screened	Connect to Work
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Kate Allanson
What are you proposing to do?	The proposal is to accept grant funding (£3,175,800.00) allowing the delivery of the Connect to Work programme.
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	The programme is funded by the Government, specifically through DWP and is part of the broader Get Britain Working Strategy. The Connect to work programme: - Supports people who are currently economically inactive with health conditions / neurodiversity / disabilities or people facing significant barriers to find and maintain paid employment. It will also help those in work but at risk of falling out of the labour market to retain their employment. There are 2 strands to Connect to work IPS Individual Placement and Support and SEQF Supported Employment Quality Framework, both evidence-based models. To use evidence-based models of (IPS) and the (SEQF) to provide tailored, person-centred employment support. The grant funding proposed concerns delivering the SEQF element of Connect to work. The IPS element is Currently out to procurement the YNYCA. The programme is a key part of the UK Government’s Get Britain Working Strategy, aiming to reduce economic inactivity and support people with complex barriers into sustainable employment, key aims: Tackle Hidden Unemployment Focus on people who are economically inactive especially people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or complex disadvantages. Promote Inclusive Economic Growth Support local and national growth by helping people realise their potential and contribute to the economy. Deliver High-Quality Supported Employment Enable Local Leadership and Collaboration Support Both Job Seekers and Those at Risk of Losing Work Help people find work and support those in employment who are at risk of falling out of the labour market to retain their jobs. Encourage collaboration between employment support and health systems to provide holistic, joined-up support. SEQF process provide the following support: Job matching CV writing and job application support arranging short work experiences trials Employer engagement: a conversation between the employer, job seeker and employment specialist to align on participant skills and needs On and off the job support: Connect to Work is a voluntary programme to help tackle economic inactivity by providing a specific form of support targeted at the right people at the right time, based on their individual circumstances.
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources? Please give details.	The grant would provide £3,175,800.00 to support initiatives focused on the aspects above.
Impact on people with any of the following protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, or NYC’s additional agreed characteristics As part of this assessment, please consider the following questions: To what extent is this service used by particular groups of people with protected characteristics? Does the proposal relate to functions that previous consultation has identified as important? Do different groups have different needs or experiences in the area the proposal relates to? If for any characteristic it is considered that there is likely to be an adverse impact or you have ticked ‘Don’t know/no info available’, then a full EIA should be carried out where this is proportionate. You are advised to speak to your directorate representative for advice if you are in any doubt.
Protected characteristic		Potential for adverse impact				Don’t know/No info available
		Yes		No
Age				X
Disability				X
Sex				X
Race				X
Sexual orientation				X
Gender reassignment				X
Religion or belief				X
Pregnancy or maternity				X
Marriage or civil partnership				X

People in rural areas				X
People on a low income				X
Carer (unpaid family or friend)				X
Are from the Armed Forces Community				X
Does the proposal relate to an area where there are known inequalities/probable impacts (for example, disabled people’s access to public transport)? Please give details.		Yes. It will focus on supporting specific target groups as per the Connect to work grant guidance including: People with: Poor mental health, disabilities, unpaid carers, veterans, offenders, unpaid carers, ex-carers, homeless people. People with drug or alcohol dependency (or a history of). Care leavers, refugees, people on the Home for Ukraine scheme. Victims/survivors of domestic abuse, young people identified as being involved or at risk of being involved in serious violence, victims of modern slavery.
Will the proposal have a significant effect on how other organisations operate? (for example, partners, funding criteria, etc.). Do any of these organisations support people with protected characteristics? Please explain why you have reached this conclusion.		The IPS strand of Connect to work is currently out to procurement and will support people within many of the above protected characteristics. The SEQF proposal will work into COY LA area and will offer a more enhanced offer with regards to SEQF as agreed by COY LA.
Decision (Please tick one option)		EIA not relevant or proportionate:	ü		Continue to full EIA:
Reason for decision		The programme has the potential for significant investment in services to support economically inactive people and is judged likely to have a positive impact in reducing inequalities and improving emotional, social and financial outcomes for people in North Yorkshire
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)		Chris Watson
Date		30 July 2025

The chart below contains the main environmental factors to consider in your initial assessment – choose the appropriate option from the drop-down list for each one.

Remember to think about the following;

Travel
Construction
Data storage
Use of buildings
Change of land use
Opportunities for recycling and reuse

Environmental factor to consider	For the council	For the county	Overall
Greenhouse gas emissions	No effect on emissions	No Effect on emissions	No effect on emissions
Waste	No effect on waste	No effect on waste	No effect on waste
Water use	No effect on water usage	No effect on water usage	No effect on water usage
Pollution (air, land, water, noise, light)	No effect on pollution	No effect on pollution	No effect on pollution
Resilience to adverse weather/climate events (flooding, drought etc)	No effect on resilience	No effect on resilience	No effect on resilience
Ecological effects (biodiversity, loss of habitat etc)	No effect on ecology	No effect on ecology	No effect on ecology
Heritage and landscape	No effect on heritage and landscape	No effect on heritage and landscape	No effect on heritage and landscape

If any of these factors are likely to result in a negative or positive environmental impact then a full climate change impact assessment will be required. It is important that we capture information about both positive and negative impacts to aid the council in calculating its carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Decision (Please tick one option)	Full CCIA not relevant or proportionate:	X	Continue to full CCIA:
Reason for decision	No impacts have been identified
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)	Chris Watson
Date	30 July 2025

Title of proposal	Acceptance of the grant to support Connect to Work project to support economic activity.
Brief description of proposal	The proposal is to accept funding (£3,175,800.00) allowing the delivery of SEQF element of the Connect to work programme part of the wider (Get Britain Working Trailblazer) across North Yorkshire Council and City of York council. The programme aims to: - Support people who are currently economically inactive with health conditions / neurodiversity to help them move back towards work Reduce the number of YNY residents becoming inactive or at risk of becoming inactive This will enable individuals to progress into work, reducing inactivity and avoiding further deterioration of health conditions. Targeted provision to support those in greatest need and facing the most significant barriers to access and maintain paid employment and ensure we are addressing inequalities rather than exacerbating them.
Directorate	Health & Adult services
Service area	Care and Support -Prevention
Lead officer	Kate Allanson
Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment	n/a