Focus of WNF
Given the need to deliver the outcomes agreed within the LAA the main thrust is to commission specific WNF supported interventions in line with the LAA's priorities.
Funding has been allocated in a fair and transparent manner to partnerships who have committed to deliver particular outcomes through innovative projects. Open bidding against a pot of money leaves an element of chance as to what is submitted, therefore to ensure resources are tightly focused on evidence based need, there is not, in the main, an open bidding process. However, in certain areas e.g. Community Chest (which is part funded by WNF) there are opportunities to bid for resources.
Opportunities have been provided for community and third sector organisations to be proactively involved in developing and leading on projects, for example the Birmingham Environmental road map recycling project is being led by charity, Ladywood Furniture Project.
Be Birmingham, as the Local Strategic Partnership, plays a key role in bringing partners together to coordinate action on worklessness through joined-up, innovative solutions particularly focusing on the most deprived neighbourhoods to overcome barriers to employment for the most disadvantaged communities. A multi-agency partnership approach is used to deliver this ambitious programme and ensure sustainable outcomes are achieved for all of Birmingham’s neighbourhoods.
There is a proactive drive to pursue the development of community-led, neighbourhood specific approaches actively engaging those individuals adversely vulnerable to the risk of worklessness and furthest away from the labour market including the long-term unemployed, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
The WNF is allocated to Birmingham on a three-year basis. Thus there are no annual targets for spending. There is, however, a degree of uncertainty relating to the total allocation 2010-11 and, therefore, the figures for this year are recognised as indicative. The main allocations for the three years were initially agreed by the Accountable Body at its meetings in May 2008 and March and July 2009.
Performance management
Performance management of WNF is an integral part of Be Birmingham’s function. There is a clear commitment to ensure all project leads are accountable for achieving agreed outcomes through regular monitoring of financial and output measures.
Monitoring meetings are carried out quarterly with Business Plan leads to track progress and discuss potential issues that may arise.
