2016 SICAP End of Year

Report

Louth Leader Partnership

LOT NUMBER: 10-1

1

1. Overview

Key achievements: 2016 was both a challenging and productive year in terms of delivering

11 actions across three Goals supporting SICAP target groups. We surpassed our KP1 and

KP2. We supported 1641 individuals and worked with 94 community and voluntary groups,

27 of whom were supported into decision making structures including the Louth PPN. We

surpassed our target of working with disadvantaged individuals at 33.05%.

Our working relationship with the LCDC has been enhanced by regular strategic discussions

with the LCDC SICAP Sub group and our continued relationship with Louth Local Authority

staff has ensured a seamless approach to programme delivery.

Our internal linkages between SICAP, LES, JobClub and Tús has developed very positively

in 2016 resulting in 259 Tús and LES clients being supported in terms of seeking

employment. Our working relationship with DSP/Intreo has resulted in tailor made

programmes with SICAP target groups. Programmes included working with long term

unemployed individuals at two DSP Work Expositions and developing a tailor made

programme for lone parents on transition DSP payments.

Our external networks with education providers, community organisations and employers

ensured a strategic approach to our service delivery including third level access

programmes, tailor made life skills programmes for individuals with addictions issues and

life- long learning taster programmes in community based settings.

In 2016 we surpassed our employment figure and through targeted programmes worked

closely with local employers to gain work experience for individuals on our programmes. The

one to one mentoring support offered by our programmes ensured that disadvantaged

individuals were supported fully in their progression paths.

Our Board continued to oversee and manage SICAP, RDP, LES, Tús and Genesis ABC in a

co-ordinated approach to tackling disadvantage in Co. Louth. Our new CEO, Ciarán Reid

was appointed in November 2016.

Challenges & barriers: Meeting the KP1 individual target has been challenging in terms of

ensuring quality programme delivery for clients. It is our experience that shorter programmes

have less impact on client progressions than more intensive longer term programmes. This

is evidenced in our IRIS progress report.

A Department directive in relation to working with young people at risk of early school

leaving resulted in 100 clients on our caseload becoming non caseload. This necessitated a

quarter four change in action delivery in order to ensure we met our KP1.

As grant aid to community and voluntary groups is ineligible, we faced ongoing challenges in

relation to engaging with groups working with the SICAP target groups. This challenge was

somewhat addressed by the long standing relationship between our development staff and

the sector.

The exclusion of the elderly as a target group under SICAP has proven to be a challenge

when responding to community needs and we hope that this will be addressed in the

development of a SICAP successor programme.

2

Progress with Annual Plan:

The 11 actions across three Goals were delivered supporting the SICAP target groups as

planned. Our strategy in relation to programme delivery was based on the identified needs of

groups and individuals and by working closely with statutory and community organisations in

the development of tailor made initiatives.

Goal 1: A total of 94 groups were supported in 2016. 50 were area and issue based, 26 area

based and 18 issue based all working in areas of disadvantage or with SICAP target groups.

Support was provided in the formation, development or progression of these groups. A

further 27 were supported in decision making structures. Our Community Office continued to

support social inclusion groups across the County and 180 members from 55 social inclusion

groups engaged in capacity building training. We also established a Women’s Forum with

over 100 individual members engaging in networking activities and identifying barriers to

equality. Despite our limited human resources we delivered community development support

two days per week in Drogheda. Drogheda has had no CDP for many years and support for

the community and voluntary sector has been limited. Our staff has begun the process of

building capacity and networking among the Social Inclusion groups in that area. Maintaining

participation by groups across the County was challenging in terms of continued requests for

direct grant aid.

We developed a new Programme “Live Life Project” for young Traveller men 18-24yrs who

engaged in a Mental Health and Fitness initiative. Ten young men engaged, four have

progressed onto a Youth Leadership Programme. We continued our working relationship

with the Louth PPN and facilitated a number of groups to register and engage with the

Network. We agreed a communication strategy between social inclusion groups and the

PPN and will further develop this work in 2017.

Goal 2: A total of 612 individuals, including 93 young people (aged 15-24yrs) were supported

with an educational support under Goal 2 in 2016. The Communiversity Programme was

designed in conjunction with NUI Maynooth and was aimed at encouraging adults to return

to Third Level education. 42 adults engaged in the programme based in Dundalk and

Drogheda and four adults returned to full time Third Level education. In 2017 we plan to

deliver this programme in conjunction with DKIT facilitating more engagement with a local

Third Level institution.

Members of Ferdia Women’s Group at the Louth Women’s Forum consultation meeting

October 2016.

3

In 2016 we worked with The Red Door Project to support 30 individuals with addiction

issues. Following consultation with the participants we developed tailor made life skill

programmes providing an awareness of potential progression paths with mainstream

education providers.

We worked with 104 students at risk of early school leaving in DEIS schools across the

County. This 8 week programme involved modules on presentation skills, goal setting both

personal and professional, site visits to commercial businesses and a full day campus visit to

DKIT. Feedback from the young people has been very positive with schools reporting

marked improvement in attendance and

engagement by students in class.

Goal 3: A total of 1101 individuals, including 105

young people (15-24yrs) were supported with

employment/self employment supports in 2016. Of

these individuals 82 secured employment. The

occupation category with the highest rate of

progression was the health Care sector. Our

Enterprise staff supported 689 individuals on a one

to one basis and 349 of these successfully

established their own business. During 2016 training

was delivered in our Outreach office in Muirhevnamor to 117 unemployed or underemployed

individuals seeking work as Carers who undertook Healthcare Support FETAC level 5

training. The aim of the training programme was to provide learners with a range of training

opportunities that would increase their knowledge, skill and competency levels in the context

of accessing and preparing them for further education, training and employment

opportunities. The programme involves participating in eight level 5 minor awards. 20

clients secured part-time work in the care sector industry, this figure will increase in 2017 as

participants complete additional modules on the programme.

Participants on My Future My Business Programme

Participants on the Red Door Project 2016

4

2. Engagement with Beneficiaries

A. Engagement strategies:

We used a variety of approaches to identify and engage with SICAP community/voluntary

groups and individual clients. These

approaches included one to one support with

individual clients and groups, group information

meetings (on specific programmes i.e.

Proactive Progression Programme,

Communiversity Programme, BTWEA),

outreach activity in Dundalk, Drogheda and Mid

Louth, group training, information dissemination

using group/individual databases, LLP website,

community notices, media coverage, and

information dissemination to other statutory

agencies, statutory/voluntary agency referrals

(DSP/Intreo, Job Club, LES, Tús, community organisations) and self referrals.

Our Community Office has compiled a database of Social Inclusion community and voluntary

groups in Co. Louth. This gives access to groups in terms of free developmental training,

technical assistance, networking opportunities, information sharing and practical services

including room hire. We use this database to communicate with the sector on a weekly

basis to disseminate information and recruit groups for capacity building training/networking

activity/PPN membership. We also submit information to the weekly Louth PPN bulletin to

groups.

We engaged with groups who access our supports on a case by case basis depending on

the level of support required by each individual group. Our outreach activity in Drogheda and

Ardee/Mid/North Louth area identified new groups that had not previously engaged with our

programmes. Community Newsletters in RAPID areas were used to promote the various

supports provided in 2016. Our Outreach offices got self referrals and referrals from

community groups in the delivery of FETAC accredited programmes. The community

representatives on RAPID AIT’s and our Board/LCDC representatives continued to refer

individuals and groups to us.

During 2016 we successfully worked

with young traveller men who had not

previously been engaged. We also

designed a tailor made programme for

individuals with addictions issues. We

plan to continue this engagement with

these target groups in 2017.

Drogheda SYOB course participants

Participants on Health Care course - Muirhevnamore

5

B. Target Groups:

One target group that we feel is

excluded from part of the SICAP

programme and are not receiving

assistance elsewhere are Adult

Dependants. Adult Dependants, even

though they are more than a year on a

claim, and are ‘genuinely seeking work’,

cannot access the BTWEA. The

revision of the ‘spousal swop’ condition

some five years ago needs to be

reversed.

There is a gender issue here as the

‘greater number’ of Adult Dependants

(3:1 ratio) is women.

SICAP does not currently prioritise older people as part of its programme framework, in Co.

Louth supporting older people is a clear community requirement. We have supported

projects involving isolated and disadvantaged older people and would hope that they are

included in future programmes

Profile of community groups: The community and voluntary groups we support under SICAP

are voluntary groups engaged in community development activity, addressing social

inclusion issues including disadvantage, homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, youth

at risk and equality. Of the 94 we supported- Area & Issue based: 50 groups, Area based:

26 groups, Issue based: 18 groups.

C. Individual profile:

The gender balance of our caseload is (45%) females and (55%) males. A review of our

gender breakdown of enterprise clients continues to show that there are more male 75%

than female 25% which reflects an historic trend of self employment along gender groups.

959 of our clients are in the 25-45yr age bracket.

908

733

SICAP 2016 Client Profile

Male Female

186

447

512

346

150

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

15-24 25-35 36-45 46-55 >55

SICAP 2016 Client Age

1216

192 64

185 52 17 2

0 200 400 600 800

1000 1200 1400

2016 SICAP Target Groups

6

The economic status/educational attainment of clients detailed below reflect the fact that we

are working with the most disadvantaged in Co. Louth. 53% of clients have been on the live

register for 13 or more months, and 63 % have secondary school education or below. These

issues compound the challenges in terms of progression paths for clients into further

education, training and employment. These factors were also considered in the delivery of

our programmes.

142 159

248

614

133 74

124

6 72

32 37

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Economic Status of 2016 SICAP Clients

16

103

390

523

93 89

145 125

100

56

1 0

100

200

300

400

500

600

No Formal Education

NQF1&2 Primary

NQF 3 Lower

Secondary

NQF 4 Upper

Secondary

NQF 4&5 Technical

Vocational

NQF 6 Higher

Cert

NQF 6 Advanced

Cert

NQF 7 Bachelor Degree

NQF 8 Degree

NQF 9 Post Grad Diploma

NQF 10 PhD

Highest Level of Education 2016 SICAP Clients

7

D. Referrals:

E. Interventions:

1641 individuals received the following number

of interventions in 2016. 69% of our clients

received at least two interventions. Given the

issues that some clients presented with

including addiction, relationship breakup, mental

health challenges, a further 31 clients received

between 3 and 8 interventions. Going forward

with the reduction in Live Register figures we

expect that we will have to provide a minimum

of 3 interventions with clients to ensure

progression paths.

This will be a challenge in terms of meeting

the KP1 individual target.

6

451

724

186

60

197

47

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

Engagement in Goal 1 Activity

Family and Friends

Government or State Agency

Community Group

Social Media Web Site

No Response

2016 SICAP Clients by referral

We continued to build on our existing close partnership with the Department of Social

Protection/INTREO departments and employed a local arrangement regarding individual

referrals to SICAP. During 2017 we intend to build on the existing local arrangements and

will manage the interface between our existing arrangement and the voluntary code of

practice as the situation develops. Given our long term reputation we continue to get self

referrals from individuals and work closely with LES, Tús, local education providers and

community based organisations.

69%

24%

7%

2016 SICAP Clients by number of interventions received

2 interventions

3 interventions

4-8 interventions

78%

8%

4%

1%

1%

8% Irish

European

African

UK

Asia

Others

2016 SICAP Clients

8

The Health Care sector provided the largest number of employment opportunities for our

clients given its part time nature and flexibility of hours worked. State sponsored schemes

provided further development supports for clients into future employment opportunities. It

should be noted that typically the relevant qualification required in the health care sector

involves the completion of 8 QQI level 5 modules over a 12 month period. Other shorter term

programmes, whilst they assist clients into progression paths, are not as effective in securing

employment progressions.

25 26

7 6 5 13

82

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

State supported employment

scheme e.g. TUS, CE, Jobbridge, RSS

etc

Healthcare Retail/Sales Construction Manufacturing Other Total

Employment Progressions 2016 SICAP Clients

8 2

28

4 8 3 2 2 2 5 3 3 3 4 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 11

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Courses Taken by 2016 SICAP Clients

43

27

8

4

7 2 1 2

SICAP 2016 - 94 Community & Voluntary Groups Supported Number of Interventions

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

9

.

The table above illustrates the geographic spread of community and voluntary groups

supported in 2016. It is worth noting that the majority of groups supported were in the

Dundalk area as a direct result of the Community Office facility which has been in operation

since 2002 and the outreach activity in the two RAPID areas. The development of County

wide supports commenced in 2009 and under SICAP outreach activity in

Drogheda/Mid/North Louth has begun the process of building capacity in areas that were

without previous support.

10

2

19 19

4 6

4

1

13

2 4

7

1 1 1

SICAP 2016 LCG Geographic Locations

10

3. Targets

*Report from IRIS (03-01-17)

*Despite the fact that we surpassed our self employment target for young people aged 15-24yrs, we underachieved in our

employment target for this group. It is worth noting that we successfully supported 13 young people into employment and that

our target was increased from 17 in 2015 to 44 in 2016. We have highlighted the need for a co-ordinated approach to working

with this client group with our LCDC. Currently there are numerous projects funded by the International Fund for Ireland,

Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Peace1V operating in the Louth area, all targeting this age group.

A. Key Performance Indicators( KPI’s) and Headline Indicators 2016*

Headline Indicator Mid-Year Target Annual Target Actuals

Total number of disadvantaged individuals (15 years upwards) engaged under SICAP on a one-to-one basis (KPI)

640 1581 1641

% of disadvantaged individuals (15 years upwards) engaged under SICAP on a one-to-one basis living in a disadvantaged area

33 % 542 [33.05%]

Number of local community groups assisted under SICAP (KPI) 41 92 94

Number of local community groups whose members have been assisted by SICAP to participate in local, regional or national decision-making structures

25 27

Number of individuals (15 years upwards) in receipt of a Goal 2 educational support

550 3

% of those targeted should have educational attainment of Leaving Certificate or lower

70 % 467 [76.18%]

Number of young people (aged 15-24) in receipt of a SICAP, ESF and YEI Goal 2 educational support

83 93

% of those targeted should have educational attainment of Leaving Certificate or lower

80 % 82 [88.17%]

Number of children in receipt of a Goal 2 educational or developmental support 1582 1640

Number of individuals (15 years upwards) in receipt of Goal 3 employment supports

1031 1101

% of those targeted should have educational attainment of Leaving Certificate or lower

60 % 720 [65.40%]

Number of individuals (15 years upwards) progressing to part-time or full-time employment up to 6 months after receiving a Goal 3 employment support

74 82

Number of individuals (15 years upwards) progressing to self- employment up to 6 months after receiving a Goal 3 employment support

227 349

Number of young people (aged 15-24) in receipt of a SICAP, ESF and YEI Goal 3 employment support

118 105

% of those targeted should have educational attainment of Leaving Certificate or lower

70 % 87 [82.86%]

Number of young people (aged 15-24) progressing to part-time or full-time employment up to 6 months after receiving a Goal 3 employment support

44 *13

Number of young people (aged 15-24) progressing to self-employment up to 6 months after receiving a Goal 3 employment support

11 13

Number of social enterprises assisted under SICAP 1 1

11

B. Disadvantaged areas (as per HP Deprivation Index):

Our registration of clients by deprivation status shows that we remain focussed on the most

disadvantaged individuals in the community with 68% of clients supported residing in very

disadvantaged, disadvantaged or marginally below average communities.

In the Enterprise section we are constrained in the degree of ‘targeting’ that we can do, and

this has an affect on keeping the ‘% of disadvantaged engaging on a one-to-one basis’ lower

than it could be.

Under Enterprise supports provided to assist customers in to self-employment, it has been

our practice to work with any DSP customer that meets the criteria of being ‘eligible to apply’

for Back To Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) or Short Term Enterprise Allowance

(STEA). We cannot select who we work with depending on the ‘deprivation index’ of the

Small Area that the client lives in.

46

453

581

343

199

19

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Affluent Marginally Above Average

Marginally Below Average

Disadvantaged Very Disadvantaged No Response

2016 SICAP Clients by Small Area Deprivation Range

Affluent 3%

Marginally Above Average

28%

Marginally Below Average

35%

Disadvantaged 21%

Very Disadvantaged 12%

No Response 1%

Affluent

Marginally Above Average

Marginally Below Average

Disadvantaged

Very Disadvantaged

No Response

12

During 2016 we continued to work with a significant number of Co. Meath residents in the

Enterprise section, in the Drogheda area in particular, but also in the Ardee environs. This

was as a result of Meath Partnership not providing Enterprise supports to those eligible for

BTWEA / STEA for most of 2016. The Drogheda (and Ardee) DSP office referred such

customers to us on a ‘case by case’ basis. This resulted in 150 clients being added to our

caseload, of which some 80 started their business on BTWEA/STEA. Consequently, since

Co. Meath is ‘more affluent’, (thus having a lower Deprivation Index at +0.9 than Co. Louth

at -3.5), the inclusion on our caseload of this customer group weakened our ‘targeting

disadvantage’ index. In particular, the two Meath Electoral Districts (ED’s) where the greater

number of this extra caseload live are Julianstown (+1.7) and St. Mary’s, Meath part (+4.2).

C. Qualitative Indicators: In its work to date, LLP has approached the monitoring and

evaluation of its work using a Logic Model approach. The process begins with a clear

assessment of need, followed by an action in response to that need, and then by an

evaluation of the outcome of that action and subsequent adjustment as indicated. It is

essentially “a learning by doing approach” informed by robust information and evidence

based practice. Following on from an independent evaluation of Lot 10.1 SICAP April 2015-

Ocober 2016 a series of recommendations were made by the evaluator which will be

implemented in 2017.

In 2016 we used a number of methods to obtain qualitative information on the impact of our

various interventions. Mid-term and end of programme evaluation forms were completed by

all participants on our various programmes. Our complaints procedure also ensured that

clients and groups could provide feedback to LLP on the quality and effectiveness of our

services and programmes.

Staff meetings were utilised to examine our delivery of SICAP, to identify any issues and

opportunities that affected the quality delivery of SICAP actions. We used a joint team

approach to issues that needed to be addressed, in order to improve our service delivery

and client services.

114 112 55 39 24 5

349

0 50

100 150 200 250 300 350 400

2016 SICAP Self-Emplolyment by Sector

13

Education and training programmes for both individuals and groups in the delivery of SICAP

were evaluated by participants on completion of programmes. The results assisted us to

refine our programmes.

Our approach in relation to groups is informed by our Training Research Analysis. Annually

we develop training programmes based on those results. We will continue to evaluate our

work on an ongoing basis to ensure effective service delivery for our individual clients and

groups.

4.Horizontal Themes

A. Promoting an equality framework: Louth Leader Partnership has actively promoted

gender equality through the selection of a Women’s Network as a priority action in the first

year of the SICAP programme, through our Community Office. This initiative was actively

followed up and developed further during 2016. In 2017 we plan to establish a Louth

Disability Forum and work with clients on equality issues.

Levels of participation in programmes are monitored on an ongoing basis during team

meetings and any corrective action required is taken to ensure balance in the numbers

participating overall. Within the Company, our policies and procedures are supportive of

equality, for example in preparing interview panels.

The Board of Louth Leader Partnership has improved its gender balance during 2016. We

currently have 14 Directors, of whom 6 are women. (43%). In contacting nominating bodies

for Directors, we always bring the issue of gender equality to their attention for consideration.

B. Applying community development approaches: Since the two Community

Development Projects in Dundalk came into the LLP organisational structure we have

continued to maintain the Outreach Centres located in Muirhevnamor and Cox’s Demesne,

as they give us access to the locations around which are clustered 11 of the most severely

disadvantaged small areas in Louth. Of these, 3 are in Muirhevnamor and 8 are in the Cox’s

Demesne estates. In addition to the area-based supports, our community development staff,

including the Community Office staff, has worked with community groups on an area and

thematic basis to a) provide training responsive to the needs of the groups as requested by

themselves, and b) to ensure that the most marginalised groups are identified and

supported.

C. Developing collaborative approaches: During 2016 our collaboration with Department

of Social Protection and LMETB has been further expanded. Once the individuals’ needs

have been assessed we have been able to access tailored individual supports from LMETB

to address literacy and basic educational deficits with excellent outcomes for the clients

involved. Similarly staff in DIFE, DKIT and O’Fiaich College has worked with our staff and

trainers to assist clients in making good educational career choices and in accessing

necessary supports and places on courses.

In addition to broadening external collaborations, we have been able to build on our internal

communication strategies to make concrete and effective linkages between our own

programmes (including LES, Job club, Tús and RSS) and the SICAP programme. These will

be kept under review in 2017 and adjusted as these programmes change and as the

economic and job-seeking situation develops during the coming 12 months.

14

A. YEI (Youth Employment Initiative) – Case Study

Case Study 1 Goal 1 Action 2 Building Community Capacity

Young Traveller Men Health and Fitness Programme – The

Live Life Project was a targeted initiative for ten young Traveller

men aged 18 to 24 years. The programme incorporated a mixture

of group work sessions and activities aimed at addressing

physical and mental health issues for young Traveller men. The

programmed included, individual health checks, information on

Traveller’s health, personal development, healthy eating, mental health awareness,

addiction, the Health system and personal relationships. On the physical side the group

joined a local gym and had weekly sessions with a trainer and also engaged in a variety of

sports and outdoor activities. The young people were recruited by word of mouth within the

Traveller community by the Coordinator.

Background: The Live Life Project developed out of work carried out by Le Cheile,

Community Development Project and Louth Traveller Support Group with Travellers in

County Louth. Funding was secured from the National Lottery Fund for a Men’s Health

Project. Unfortunately because of cut backs to the Traveller post based with Le Cheile, the

project could not be completed at the time, in 2013. However this was resolved in 2016

when Louth Leader Partnership agreed to develop the project.

Need for the Project: As highlighted by the All Ireland Traveller Health Study (2012) health

outcomes within the Traveller community are much poorer than amongst the general

population especially for men. The HSE working with the Men’s Network and other agencies

addressed this issue through its one day training initiative called Engage. At this the HSE

provided awareness training, which staff attended prior to developing the project.

Developing the Project: It is difficult to engage with men around health issues and even

harder to work with Traveller men. So to get any project operating it was crucial that we

gained support within the Traveller community. This was partly achieved because there was

a history of support given to travellers by The Irish Traveller Movement worker based in the

Le Cheile CDP “Drop In”. This continued under LLP. We also recruited workers with

experience in working with Travellers and were fortunate in recruiting two youth workers with

this experience, one who is a member of the Travelling community and had completed a

degree in Community Sports Leadership.

We decided to make the programme challenging both physically and mentally. On the

physical side, we employed a professional outdoor activity coach, also a celebrity who

climbed Mount Everest. He organised several activities including water sports, over night

hiking etc, to engage the young men physically.

On the mental health/emotional side the youth workers ran sessions where the group was

given information on health and also were encouraged to talk about their own attitudes

towards Mental Health.

Feedback from Participants: In the feedback from the young men they all said that they had

benefitted from the training and particularly cited the discussions and information given

around mental health as useful. Some had difficulty committing to the programme as it was

Case Study 1

Young Traveller Men

Health

15

sometimes over 3 days. However others were giving more time to the course by attending

the gym more often than required.

The all agreed that they had learned a great deal from the physical training about exercise

and about nutritious foods. They were also very grateful for the opportunity to take part in

sports that they would not have had the chance to do e.g. kayaking, overnight hiking, even

using a gym. Because of the group work approach the young men developed a close

relationship and were able to open up in the sessions around mental well being.

Outcomes: Since the completion of the Live Life Project, the young Traveller men continue

to support each other in terms of maintaining good mental health and four of them are

currently participating on a Youth Leadership Programme. This Programme was developed

in response to a request from young Traveller women who became aware of the Live Life

Project and requested support from LLP and Le Cheile to engage in a training initiative. This

Youth Leadership Programme will continue into 2017 and its impact will be assessed in

terms of progression paths for young Travellers in the 18-24 yr old age category.

Young Traveller Men Health and Fitness Programme Participants - Redeemer Outreach Centre

16

Case Study 2 - Goal 1 Action 5 Life Long Learning & Feeder Programmes

Proactive Progression Programme: In the period January – December 2016, LLP identified a gap within its own service delivery within Tús and the Local Employment Service. The first gap was within the Tús Scheme in that many Tús participants who were nearing the end of their work placement or who were sitting on Tús placement waiting lists had little or no knowledge of how the internet could assist them in securing a desirable progression route. Secondly, in LES many clients who had previously completed a job clubs intervention still did not have the advanced skills to conduct advanced internet searches or had the expertise of how to upload their CV onto progressive employment websites. Having identified these two gaps in service provision a specific tailored training initiative titled the Proactive Progression Programme was initiated.

In order to activate this initiative numerous meetings were held with the Tús and LES Co-ordinators. The core outcome of these meetings resulted in the formation and agreement of a structured referral process onto the Proactive Progressive Programme. Filling the training groups involved daily collaboration with Tús placement officers and LES mediators in Drogheda and Dundalk. Recruitment into each training group adhered to strict guidelines. As a result of the intensive scheduling strategy 31 training groups were formed across the county.

In order to place 260 clients on this programme in excess of 600 individual calls were required to be made. A critical success factor in attaining 98% attendance was that on the day before training commenced each client received a personal call to remind them of their commitment to the training programme. Extra training locations were set up in Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee.

The age profile of Tús and LES client referrals was between 20 – 65 years of age. The challenges and barriers presented were:

Fear.

Lack of confidence.

Poor motivation.

Long term unemployment.

Low educational attainment.

Low levels of ICT skills.

At the outset, the majority of referrals presented as fearful and resistant to this new learning opportunity but by Day 2 under the guidance of motivational tutors they embraced the opportunity and their confidence increased. This is demonstrated in the comments collated on the evaluation sheets.

Over two days clients were assisted to:

Explore fields and subfields of employment and further education that interested them.

Review their existing digital imprint.

Exploit powerful search tools to find the most effective employment websites

Upload a revised CV onto the most effective employment websites.

Use effective keywords and tags to locate employment vacancies.

Mange their time on-line.

Explore off-line networking techniques that further promote progression.

Revise their existing preparation routines for interview.

Use top interview techniques in person and on the telephone.

Case Study 2

Proactive Progression

17

At the end of each training programme the learning was evaluated using individual evaluations sheets and group feedback. Overall, the evaluations scoring ranged between excellent or very good ratings.

Evaluation Attribute % who rated excellent

% who rated Very Good

Overall satisfaction with the course 72% 28%

Suitability of the premises 60% 40%

Satisfaction with the training input 84% 16%

Satisfaction with the standard of presentation

86% 14%

Satisfaction with how the topics were explained

84% 16%

Individual comments attained were:

The initiative’s relevance is demonstrated in the views of the participants who stated on their evaluations that they were now more confident in using advanced search tools on the internet to secure a progression route and could now upload their CV onto relevant websites. Prior to training this task could not have been achieved without assistance.

An increase in confidence as a result of completing the programme and the level of support and motivation received from the tutors were also highlighted in the comment below:

“The training was very informative, I got great ideas on filling in my CV and about other training programmes and courses available to me.”

“We got good guidance with a focus on how to look for employment. We were encouraged not to be afraid about asking for work – to keep going after it. It was very empowering and very productive time spent. At the time I did it I was not in a good place – I was living in Homeless Aid and was feeling very low. The course spurred me on.”

“The course was very motivational and good to interact with other job seekers. Learned new skills. Both tutors were interested, kind and personable....they knew their stuff!”

18

On completion of the programme participants returned to either their respective Tús programmes or were referred back for further guidance to their LES mediator.

Outcomes

Number of clients who started

Number of clients who finished

Number of clients who dropped out

Progressions

259 93 Female 166 Male

259 0 10 Clients – Full-time Employment 12 Clients – Took up CE Scheme 9 Clients – Took up a Tús Scheme 228 Clients – Returned to referral Source Tús or LES

Client Profile:

Primary Education Junior Cert Only Leaving Certificate

Higher Level

24 65 113 57

Non-accredited Learning Outcomes:

Advanced Employability Internet Skills 259

Intensive Interview Preparation 259

CV and Cover Letter Compilation 259

19

Case Study 3 - Goal 2 Action 6 Adult Education – Caseload. Communiversity Programme Background: Having networked with

other Education Officers in a number of Partnerships and consulted

with Derek Barter, Continuing Education Coordinator, Maynooth

University it was decided that we would work in collaboration with

Maynooth Universitys’ Department of Adult and Community

Education, to deliver this education programme.

The Communiversity programme is a 10 week educational programme designed to provide

adults with an opportunity to sample the discussions and debates at Third Level Education,

in the familiar surrounds of their local community. This programme was designed with the

following type of adult in mind:

Early school leavers who are now thinking about Third Level Education but lacking

the confidence to progress

Those who have been removed from the educational system for quite some time to

reengage in the education system therefore strengthening their employment

opportunities.

The Communiversity Programme is a programme whereby sessions are discussion based

and very much directed by the interests of participants, without the added pressure of exams

and assignments.

Through consultation with the following community groups/organisations it was evident that one of the barriers to clients, particularly those mentioned above, entering education was the lack of self belief and confidence. This was particularly evident when they became consumed with the thoughts of exams and assignments therefore it was extremely important that this was taken into consideration when designing the Louth Based Communiversity Programme. This consultation process also assisted with our subject selection.

Dundalk Local Employment Service Community House Network

Dundalk Jobs Club Connect Family Resource Centre

Muirhevnamor Community Youth Project Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre

Muirhevnamor Garda Diversion Project Lourdes Community & Recreation Centre

The House, Cox’s Demesne Drogheda Resource Centre for the Unemployed

Redeemer Garda Diversion Project Drogheda Men’s Shed

Redeemer Family Resource Centre Drogheda Local Employment Service

Redeemer Creche and Family Support Drogheda Jobs Club

Toberona Community Centre Youthreach

Outreach Centre Muirhevnamor Lifestyle Development Group

Muirhevnamor Community Centre Co. Louth Volunteer Centre

Chudigh Linn Dún Dealgan School Completion Programme

Muirhevnamor Springboard Initiative School Completion Continuation Programme

Craobh Rua The Magnet

Dundalk Pastoral Care Centre

Our recruitment process consisted of delivering two Programme Information Sessions, in Dundalk and Drogheda. These information sessions enabled us to provide 50 potential participants with a general overview of the programme and 20 minute taster sessions of each subject area (Local History, Psychology & Community Development and Youth Work).

Case Study 3

Communiversity

20

To conclude the information sessions, LLP development staff conducted one-to-one assessment interviews with those interested in progressing on to each of our programmes. The purpose of these interviews was to ensure that the participants who commenced this programme were committed to giving full participation through to its completion. Target Group(s): A total of 42 adults participated in the Communiversity Programme, 21 in Dundalk, comprised of 16 female and 5 male, and a further 21 in Drogheda, comprised of 16 female and 5 male. The profile of participants we engaged was those who had left school early and were lacking the confidence to engage in addition to those who were removed from the education system for quite some time and looking to reengage to broaden their employment opportunities. All participants were from areas of disadvantage where educational achievement would not have been experienced for most at Third Level. Profile of the Dundalk participants is as follows: The Employment and Education Status of the 21 Dundalk Participants is as follows: 10 were long-term unemployed, 7 short-term unemployed, 1 was participating on a Community Employment Scheme, 2 were currently working part time and 1 was self employed. 1 had completed lower Second level, 9 has completed upper second level, 1 had completed technical/vocational college, 1 had completed a higher certificate, 3 had completed an ordinary degree, 2 had completed an honours degree and 4 had completed a post graduate degree. 3 participants were aged 25-36yrs, 4 were 36-45yrs, 3 were 46-55yrs and the remaining 11 were aged over 55yrs. Profile of the Drogheda participants is as follows: The Employment and Education Status of the 21 Drogheda Participants is as follows: 9 were long-term unemployed, 3 short-term unemployed, 5 were currently working part time, 2 were currently working full-time and 2 were self employed. 1 had completed primary education, 10 has completed upper second level, 2 had completed a higher certificate, 2 had completed an advanced certificate, 3 had completed an ordinary degree, 1 had completed an honours degree and 2 had completed a post graduate degree. 7 participants were 36-45yrs, 7 were 46-55yrs and the remaining 7 were aged over 55yrs. Course Details: The Communiversity Programme is an innovative adult education programme delivered by Louth Leader Partnership in conjunction with Maynooth University. This programme also provided us with the opportunity to partner with LMETB (Louth Meath Education Training Board), who delivered a session on Career Guidance Support.This programme was delivered in Louth County Library, Dundalk and Louth County Library, Drogheda, one morning per week over a period of 10 weeks. This programme offers participants who are thinking about entering Third Level Education the opportunity to experience facilitated discussions and debates of higher education in the familiar surrounds of their local community. Programme Aims:

Break down barriers and open people’s minds to the idea of continuing lifelong learning education.

Instil confidence in participants to continue their education journey.

De-mystify the idea of higher education in the mind of people who may feel alienated from universities and academics.

As part of the Communiversity Programme, students explored the following subject areas over a period of three weeks each:

Local History

Psychology

Community Development and Youth Work

21

Session Breakdown:

Sessions 1 – 3 (Local History)

Session 4 - 6 (Community Development & Youth Work)

Sessions 7 – 9 (Psychology)

Sessions 10 (Career Guidance Support)

On completion of the programme, participants were invited to attend a Presentation Ceremony in NUI Maynooth. This ceremony took place on June 15th 2016, 36 adults graduated from our 2016 Communiversity Programmes in Maynooth University. Course Outcomes: 86% of participants completed the programme and graduated in Maynooth University. Of the 86% who had complete the programme 18 were from our Dundalk Programme, 14 female and 4 male, 18 were from our Drogheda Programme, 14 female and 4 male. Of the 36 participants who graduated from our two Communiversity Programmes, 33 participants took part in our evaluation of the programme. Findings are as follows:

85% of participants were satisfied/extremely satisfied with the Local History lectures

91% of participants were satisfied/extremely satisfied with the Community Development & Youth Work lectures

91% of participants were satisfied/extremely satisfied with the Psychology lectures

55% reported that they had learned new skills

91% reported that their knowledge base had been increased

67% now feel that they are better prepared for further education & training

79% are now thinking about progressing to Third Level Education

2 participants have commenced Third Level Education o 1 participating in a 1 year Certificate course, Applied Psychology and Social

Studies, in O’Fiaich College, Dundalk o 1 participating in a 3year Degree course, Multimedia in Dundalk Institute of

Technology. o 1 participant is currently registered to commence a 20 week Community

Addiction Studies Course in January 2017 Challenges/Barriers: Childcare for some participants proved to be a barrier, impacting on

their participation/attendance, particularly around times of school holidays. This was quickly

identified and discussed with the various lecturers who worked together enabling us to adjust

certain dates to accommodate leave during school holidays.

Venue noise – noise levels in our Dundalk venue proved disturbing for a number of

participants. 3 reported that would change venue completely as they did not find it to be a

suitable learning environment. The remaining 17 felt that it was a suitable learning

environment however 4 of which did feel that there were quite a level of distraction due to

noise levels of other library users and staff. These 4 felt that a private room would have

worked better. This is something that we will need to address moving forward.

22

Learning: We had one particular participant on our Programme in

Drogheda and unknown to us was Bi-Polar and off her

medication. During one particular session, she became quite

aggressive and agitated and upset quite a number of others in the

room. This incident really highlighted the importance of LLP development staff being present

during all classes to assist with addressing behavioural issues. It also highlighted the

importance for training to be provided to enable PI’s to address such sensitive issues.

By working closely with the lecturers we were able to address the concerns of participants in

a timely fashion and implement additional supports for individuals as necessary.

The success of the programme included the following factors:

Lecturers were flexible with the delivery of their session, they considered the

interests of individuals in the room and adapted their sessions to suit.

Some participants had never been to a Third Level Institute before commencing this

programme. Bringing participants to a college setting for their graduation, reinforced

the learning that college is for everyone.

Worked closely with lecturers and supported individuals on an on-going weekly basis,

enabling us to implement additional supports for particular individuals as necessary.

Feedback from Programme Participants: “The entire course was a most enjoyable

experience. Through the skills of our local coordinator and lecturers I felt our group

interacted well and were put at ease. At our weekly session the discussions were lively,

informative and inclusive of all.”

Learning

“This programme has given me the confidence to start back at training to upskill and try to get back into the workforce.”

“I enjoyed the course and meeting new people. The relaxed format and no “homework” was a good introduction to more serious learning.”

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Case Study 4 Goal 2 Action 6 Adult Education – Non-Caseload My Future My Business Background : This programme enabled 104 students from five second level schools in Louth to complete a bespoke, dynamic and innovative programme, allowing them to acquire and deploy significant life skills, as well as opportunities to consider career planning and subject choices with an eye to the real world and post school life. Working closely with the School Completion Coordinators in a number of DEIS schools a need had been identified for the delivery of a programme aimed at enabling students at risk of early school leaving to see the importance of completing school and progressing to third level education and enhanced employment opportunities. Following consultation with a number of education providers such as, LMETB, Foroige, Youthreach and Junior Achievement Ireland, it was decided that we would work in collaboration with Junior Achievement Ireland to design and deliver a unique piece of training that would enable students to link potential career opportunities to specific areas of study. This programme would complement the work already being done in schools through School Completion and Career Guidance Support. Once elements of the programme had been decided and designed, volunteers from Louth Leader Partnership, Dundalk Local Employment Service and Prometric were recruited and trained in the delivery of this programme. Target Group: We engaged with over 100 students at risk of early school leaving from the following DEIS schools across County Louth:

O’Fiaich College, Dundalk – 25 6th year Leaving Certificate Applied Students

Ardee Community School, Ardee – 35 5th year Leaving Certificate Applied Students

St. Oliver’s Community College, Drogheda – 26 5th year Leaving Certificate Applied Students

We also engaged a further 24 students who are not currently attending DEIS schools but are receiving support through Dún Dealgan School Completion Continuation Programme. A programme that was developed to provide support to students attending St. Mary’s College, Dundalk and St. Louis Secondary School, Dundalk, who would have received support through School Completion Programmes at national level but who had gone on to attend secondary schools with no School Completion support. The breakdown of which is as follows:

St. Louis Secondary School Dundalk – 10 5th year Leaving Certificate Applied Students

St. Mary’s College – 3 2nd years students, 3 4th year students & 2 5th year Students Course: Working in conjucntion with Junior Achievement Ireland we were able to deliver an eight week innovative programme that has helped us to motivate students, at risk of leaving school early, helping them to see the relevance of completing second level education by linking their studies to the real world of work.

Case Study 4

My Future My Business

24

This programme comprised of the following three elements and was delivered over one

school term, September – December 2016:

1. Success Skills: 6 week in-class programme that looked at the personal attributes that help or hinder reaching personal and professional goals, business communication and presentation skills. Sessions also included CV writing and how to conduct a good interview. Business volunteers from Prometric, Dundalk Local Employment Service and Louth Leader Partnership visitied the classes over a 6 week peiord to facilitate the Success Skills Programme. Students underwent individual interpersonal skills assessments and benchmarks were set. They then developed these skills as business volunteers worked with them to reinforce their relevnace to school, work and life in general.

This element of the programme was delivered over 6 x 1hr sessions, 1 session per week for 6 consecutive weeks. Activities were all designed to enable the students to acquire and practice critical interpersonal skills like building rapport, influencing others and teamwork.

2. DKIT Visit: Full day of activity-based careers and communications workshops on campus allowed students to get a taste of college life.

Phase two commenced on 23rd November when Dundalk Institute of Technology facilited all 104 students on a visit to the campus. During the much anticipated day on campus, the students completed employability/interview skills workshops, which were facilitated by volunteer from Human Resource in State Street, Drogheda.

Access officers and lecturers conducted campus tours and provided a wide range of information to the students on courses, life on campus, financial assistance, scholarships and accomodation.

3. Company Visit: Students participated in one of the following facilitated visits to a local company over two days.

1. National Pen 2. Prometric 3. Horseware

During these company visits, students gained an understanding of the organisational

culture and working life, hearing directly from those already in the world of work.

Visits also involved small group work around CV’s and interview skills, expanding on

the in-classroom work completed during the Success Skills module. Each

organisation also released volunteers to speak to the students about their own

educational background and career path.

Aims

Complete an employability skills in class programme with a local volunteer

Enjoy a facilitated workplace visit to reinforce the connection/relevance of classroom based learning to the real world of work

Participate in employability workshops at Third Level.

25

Programme Outcomes:To ensure consistency of delivery and check students learning goals were achieved, post-programme questionnaires were administered to each students on completion of their last module. 68% of participants completed a post questionnaire.

100% of students enjoyed the programme

76% reported that they would like to complete their Leaving Certificate and progress

to Third Level Education.

44% of students responded that having participated in this programme they now

thought differently about the world of work.

26% plan to sit the Leaving Certificate.

74% plan to sit the Leaving Certificate and go on to Third Level Educatuion

This programme enabled us to movitate over 100 students to see the relevance of completing second level education by linking their studies to the real world of work. It offered opportunities to consider post leaving certificate plans including attending Third Level college. Having equipped students with skills for life, it also encouraged students to set SMART goals to realise their full potential. Challenges/Barriers: Lack of continuity in communication between the three programme coordinators that I was working with at various stages, during the planning phase of this programme. The first two coordinators that I was working with, both went off on maternity leave prior to the summer break without providing a comprehensive update to either myself or their colleague who was taking over the programme, this proved very frustrating. Learning: Getting the young people to engage and fully participate in the initial sessions; this was particularly evident in St. Marys College where we had a mixed group of students from different years who wouldn’t have engaged with one another prior to this programme. This highlighted the importance of implementing a teambuilding day as an introduction to the programme, this will also enable us to develop good rapport with students from the offset Session time was limited to 35 minutes in some schools. Going forward it would be vital to stress the importance in schools of providing 6 x 1hr sessions, in order to ensure volunteers are provided with enough time to link the learning in sessions back to real life situations, as this is when volunteers can reinforce key points of learning for students. School Feedback: “It has been a fabulous experience for all of our students, their knowledge of the world of work, business and enterprise has greatly increased. Their self-esteem and personal sense of value has recieved a huge boost. I’m teaching almost thirty years and I’m astounded at the positive impact of this programme in such a short space of time.” Rosie Reynolds, School Chaplain, St. Mary’s College, Dundalk. Feedback from Students: “The trip to DKIT changed my mind about going to college.” “It encouraged me making me more aware of the importance of education for the future. It also encouraged me to move on to Third Level Education.”

Learning

26

Case Study 5 Goal 3 Action 9 Employment Activation Moneymore Community Healthcare Course: In 2016, LLP collaborated with Connect Family Resource Centre. The centre is a community house in Moneymore estate which is a designated RAPID area. This outreach facility provides a range of services to individuals and families. Operating on community development principles individuals, families and groups identify their own needs and are supported to respond positively to those needs. With many of the interested residents having their families reared it was perceived that the attainment of this qualification would enable them to secure part-time and full-time employment. While mainstream healthcare programmes were being delivered the barrier of transport, long waiting lists and the financial cost were challenges many could not overcome. LLP set out to address this gap in service provision. Meetings were held and it was agreed to strategically reach out to the residents through their Community House Facebook page. This enabled LLP to establish the actual level of interest. Within one hour 30 people had signed up to attend the information briefing.

At the information briefing all the attendees were in receipt of a social welfare payment. The age range that presented at the briefing was 20 – 57 years of age. All who presented were highly motivated to secure employment in this area. The following barriers and challenges were prevalent:

Long term unemployment.

Low self confidence.

Depression.

Fear.

Low education attainment & Literacy Issues.

Transport.

Following this information briefing a literacy assessment was implemented to ensure that prospective participants had the necessary literacy skills to undertake QQI level 5.

The Moneymore Healthcare Programme commenced on 8th August 2016. In addition to following QQI Level 5 in HealthCare an intensive mentoring programme offering additional support to individuals was initiated. This mentoring enabled each participant to discuss any daily barriers and challenges that arose. Under the guidance of the mentor participants identified their own working solutions. In addition each mentor compiled professional CVs and covering letters for each participant which was used in assisting them to secure their work placement.

Case Study 5

Community Health Care

Participants on Health Care Programme

27

Outcomes:

The outcomes of this programme were excellent. Eleven participants secured employment in a caring capacity, some examples are listed below:

Participant A: Female: Age 53, Junior Certificate. Secured employment in Homecare. Participant B: Male: Age 53, Leaving Certificate. Unemployed 2 years. Secured employment in Homecare. Participant C: Male Age 43, Junior Certificate. Unemployed 4 years. Secured employment in Moorehall. Participant D: Female Age 35, Junior Certificate. Unemployed 7 years. Secured employment in Homecare. Alongside the employment outcomes the personal impact of the programme on participants is captured below:

Number of clients who started

Number of clients who finished

Number of clients who dropped out

Progressions

27 Female 21 Male 6

27 0 11 Clients – Full-Time Employment 2 Clients – On voluntary work employment. 1 - Client on further education.

Primary Education Junior Cert Only Leaving Certificate Higher Level

1 9 14 3

Accredited Learning Outcomes:

Fetac QQI Level 5 Care Skills 24

Fetac QQI Level 5 Care of the Older Person

24

Fetac QQI Level 5 Palliative Care 24

Fetac QQI Level 5 Infection Control 23

Fetac QQI Level 5 Safety & Health 23

Fetac QQI Level 5 Communications 19

Non-accredited Learning Outcomes:

Continence Management 23

Dementia Care 24

Hand Hygiene 24

End of Life Care 23

Basic Fire Training 23

Patient Handling 24

Recognising Elder Abuse 23

Proactive Progression Programme 27

Intensive Interview Preparation 27

CV and Cover Letter Compilation 27

“I was out of work for two years and had done one year on a CE scheme. A lot of companies are not willing to take on someone of my age – 55, but now with a job and qualifications I am much happier , even the atmosphere in the house has changed.”

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Case Study 6 Goal 3 Action 10 Self Employment

To examine the performance of the Back to Work Enterprise scheme

To examine the performance of the Back to Work Enterprise

scheme Louth Performance versus National performance

Background/Context: We discussed anticipated Caseload

numbers for Enterprise Supports in 2017 at our SICAP Planning

Meeting. As the Live Register has been dropping steadily over

the past few years, there was general consensus that applications for the Back to Work

Enterprise scheme would be reduced in 2017.

The Enterprise Officers decided to further investigate what linkages there might be between

the numbers on the Live Register and the numbers of participants going on to the BTW

scheme each year, both nationally and in Louth. We considered that there was a link

between the live register figures and number of participants on the BTW scheme. We

thought that if we could establish this link we might be better able to predict the number of

participants in the coming year.

We decided to take a 10 year range so that the data would be more robust and that the

longer period would give rise to more meaningful result.

The data is set out in the Table below: It is important to reflect that other changes were

happening in the background, and we have listed some of these below.

National Louth

Number on Live Register

Number going on BTWEA or STEA

Scheme Participants per 1,000 on L.R.

Number on Live Register

Number going on BTWEA or STEA

Scheme Participants per 1,000 on L.R.

2007 161,700 2,200 13.6 6,600 73 11.1

2008 267,200 3,090 11.6 10,700 79 7.4

2009 413,500 3,070 7.4 16,300 127 7.8

2010 425,000 5,150 12.1 16,900 233 13.8

2011 430,000 6,820 15.9 17,300 293 16.9

2012 417,000 7,090 17.0 16,600 272 16.4

2013 392,000 6,560 16.7 15,400 287 18.6

2014 353,000 6,700 19.0 14,100 350 24.8

2015 317,000 7,200 22.8 12,700 370 29.1

2016 273,000 6,750 24.7 10,900 358 32.8

Notes: 1). BTWEA was a four year scheme up to Budget 2009, from May 1st 2009 it became

a two year scheme. 2). STEA was introduced on 1st May 2008 for those on Job Seekers

Benefit (JSB). 3). Duration on Job Seekers Benefit was reduced from 12 months to 9 months

in Budget 2104, November 2013. 4). Louth Leader Partnership processed a significant

number of ‘Meath Residents who signed on at Drogheda Local Office of the Department of

Social Protection from June 2015 to date. 5). Budget 2014, announced on 13th October

2103, introduced ‘SYOB Tax Relief ‘whereby any person starting a business after a year

being unemployed could earn up to €40,000 per year, without having to pay income tax on

that in the first two years of trading. 6). From January 1st 2017 participants will be able to

Case Study 6

Back to Work Enterprise

Scheme

29

access the BTWEA scheme after 9 months on JSA, and this will make more people ‘eligible

to apply’ for BTWEA, as of January 1st 2017. 7). The Louth Live Register contains Meath

residents who ‘sign on’ in Drogheda or Ardee.

Target Groups: By far the largest target group is ‘Unemployed’; the much greater number of

which are the Long Term Unemployed, (LTU), 12 months or more. In addition, we would also

have Lone Parents, persons with a disability, and Carers, who can separately access

BTWEA / STEA. Within all of these we estimate 15% of these would be from New

Communities.

Key Achievement/Findings: The key achievement of compiling the data and then reflecting

on it was that it was not a straight forward case of the number of participants on BTW

following the same percentage as the Live Register.

It would appear that at the higher levels of unemployment such as those experienced

between 2011 to 2016 we can expect 16% to 18% participation onto the BTW scheme, and

at the low levels of unemployment such as those experienced between 2007 to 2009 we can

expect a more modest 8%.

The data also showed that the situation in Louth was consistent with the national figures.

The number of participants per thousand on BTW when compared with the number on the

Live Register has doubled at the national level in the past ten years, and more than doubled

on the Louth data. (The number is artificially higher as we supported Meath residents in

2015 & 2016).

Challenges/Barriers: The question highlighted by the study is ‘Why is there a higher

participation rate in the County than the National rate?’. The figures above show that the

local participation on the scheme is above the National average. However this is only a few

percentage points since 2013 and this can largely be explained by the additional numbers

coming from County Meath.

Learning: In compiling the data as in the Table above, we

reflected on the ‘Areas of Self-Employment’ for our 2016

participants, and classified them by Sector.

Learning

30

On further reflection, of the Construction Sector clients in particular, it was noticed that a

trend was emerging during 2015 and 2016 by individuals seeking construction work

employment. There is clearly a push from the Construction Industry itself to outsource not

just all the trades but also the traditional manual jobs. It maybe that we need to become

aware that we may be approving some individuals for self-employment who are at least

unsuited to it, and would prefer to be employed not self employed.

114 112 55 39 24 5

349

0 50

100 150 200 250 300 350 400

2016 SICAP Self-Emplolyment by Sector