The closure of Working Links presents an opportunity for greater third sector involvement in Fair Start Scotland, SCVO has claimed
The collapse of one of the main providers of Scotland’s employability programme presents a chance for greater third sector involvement.
Private firm Working Links fell into administration at the end of last week.
The company was jointly responsible for leading the Scottish Government’s new devolved work programme in the Southwest and East areas of the country, having embarked on a private-third sector partnership entitled Start Scotland Limited.
The Scottish Government has stressed the collapse of the firm is not linked to Fair Start Scotland, and TFN understands several parties have already expressed interest in taking over the employability contracts.
However the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has said the development presents an opportunity to give greater responsibility to the third sector to help those who face barriers getting into work.
John Downie, director of public affairs for SCVO, said: “Following the closure of Working Links, it is important that the Scottish Government acts to ensure there is a continuity of the service and uninterrupted support..
“SCVO raised questions on procurement process when the contracts were announced, however with a review of employability and discussions beginning on the next stage of Fair Start Scotland there is a real opportunity to change to a system focused on outcome rather than profit.
“Delivering an employability system that puts people at its heart and ensures the best support possible is being provided for unemployed people – particularly those who experience multiple barriers to employment – is vital. The third sector is uniquely placed and has the knowledge and experience to deliver the best employability outcomes in Scotland.”
It is understood Working Links fell into administration as it was unable to continue to provide probation services in England and Wales. Previous Working Links owners, the European investment group Aurelius, confirmed it had sold all of its public-sector business in the UK.
Working Links played a key role in delivering Fair Start Scotland in the East region (Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, the Borders and Fife) where it partnered with another private firm Triage and charity Momentum.
Meanwhile, the Southwest region (Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway) was led in partnership with The Lennox Partnership, with support from Rathbone and The Wise Group.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “We understand this will be an anxious time for the company’s staff and their families as well as those who use Fair Start Scotland. We have been kept up to date and are in regular contact with the organisation to ensure there continues to be a high quality service delivered.
“We have a range of commercial levers which we are considering as the situation develops to ensure Fair Start Scotland continues to be delivered in the local areas in line with our wider expectations of the service. At this time there is nothing to suggest the issues the company is facing are related to anything other than the failure to deliver the three Ministry of Justice contracts.”
Fair Start Scotland was introduced in April of last year, with the aim of getting 38,000 people into work over the next five years.
It is a voluntary scheme aimed at those who are furthest from getting steady work, including some with disabilities.
The programme is being delivered through nine regional contracts across Scotland, and is part of the Scottish Government’s drive to create a fairer Scotland through new devolved welfare powers.
The project drew criticism from third sector representatives after it was revealed that many of the lead contractors were private sector organisations. However the government has highlighted that a range of third sector groups are involved as delivery partners.
