The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) Board has approved the Get Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Working Plan. The plan represents collaborative working across the region and responds to long-standing challenges by developing a Youth Offer, launching Connect to Work, creating a Job Quality Charter and co-designing place-based interventions. Pilots will initially be rolled out in Torbay, Ilfracombe and Newton Abbot before being implemented across the region.
It sets out priorities that include helping people with health problems get back into work, supporting young people to find long-term jobs, making jobs better and helping people earn enough money, helping unpaid carers return to work, fixing staff shortages and helping people learn the right skills and making sure all areas across Devon get fair chances.
Cllr David Thomas, Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“The Get Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Working Plan outlines the region’s ambition to work together to improve outcomes for our residents. We know that the current skills offering is extensive but can be disconnected, leaving gaps for those individuals with the most complex barriers. This plan will enable us to align services, funding and governance so that residents experience a seamless journey into good work.
We know that we must work together to produce area-based bids to secure additional investment for digital inclusion, workforce pilots and transport solutions, and this plan provides the framework for this collaboration.”
The Get Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Working Plan has been developed through a multi-agency process led by the DTCCA, involving Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council, the Devon Integrated Care Board, Jobcentre Plus, training providers, employers and the voluntary and community sector. It is in response to the Get Britain Working white paper which sets out the ambitions of Government to mobilise councils to join up local work, health and skills support in ways that meet the needs of their area.
The plan sets out the basis for future programme delivery, funding alignment and potential further devolution of employment and skills functions. It will be submitted to Government as soon as approval has been granted by all partner organisations.