The third Chief Inspectors report published yesterday (24 November) by the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI), has confirmed national charity Shaw Trusts' belief that the framework for learning as inspected by ALI is inappropriate for the Government funded Workstep programme.
The report pays special mention to the 'inadequate' provision for people with learning difficulties and disabilities, naming a key area as Workstep, funded by Jobcentre Plus. In addition, throughout the report it states that improvement was marked, except for Workstep and out of the 18 poor Jobcentre Plus providers, no less than 10 offered this particular programme.
Shaw Trust is committed to delivering sustainable employment for disabled and disadvantaged people across the
UK
, and currently supports over 4,000 people on Workstep.
Ian Charlesworth
, Shaw Trust's Managing Director, welcomes ALI's principle aims in the provision of lifelong learning for all, however feels that as Workstep is an employment programme to help disabled people who need extra support in work, the inspection framework, based on learning, is not wholly appropriate for this client group:
"Whilst we welcome advice from any party to assist the continual improvement of our services, it is disappointing that ALI continues to misunderstand the purpose of the Workstep programme and not test it against contractual requirements. The recent comments of the National Employment Panel bear witness to the need of ALI to review its understanding of the Workstep programme."
For further information please call Evelyn O'Keefe on 07974 224938.
Notes to Editors:
- Workstep is a national programme, funded by Jobcentre Plus. Shaw Trustcurrently supports over 4,000 disabled people on Workstep across the
UK - Shaw Trust is a national charity that provides training and work opportunities for people disadvantaged in the labour market through disability, long term ill health or other social circumstances. With a network of over 1100 staff and 120 projects throughout the
UK - For general media enquiries please contact: Evelyn O'Keefe, Regional
PR Manager 07974 224938. Email evelyn.o'keefe@shaw-trust.org.uk
