We’re pleased to share that VONNE will be working on the North East Combined Authority’s (NECA) Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, a new initiative designed to test innovative approaches to supporting people who are currently out of work.
The North East has some of the highest levels of economic inactivity in the country, with many people unable to access work because of health conditions, caring responsibilities, or barriers linked to skills, confidence, or opportunity. Tackling this challenge is essential not only to help grow our economy, but also for the wellbeing of our communities.
The NECA Economic Inactivity Trailblazer aims to harness untapped human potential to grow our economy as well as raising living standards, reducing child poverty and creating opportunities everyone can benefit from. The trailblazer aims to deliver on three key objectives:
- Strengthen existing services through better local collaboration.
- Test new approaches to engaging and supporting people.
- Lay the foundations for long-term change, creating a more joined-up local system for work, health and skills.
What is VONNE doing?
VONNE has been commissioned to lead the VCSE sector system reform strand of the NECA Economic Inactivity Trailblazer. VONNE’s newly formed Policy Team will be leading on this work, helping to lay strong foundations for system reform and ambitious new ways of working that maximise the skills, capacity and resources of the VCSE sector.
Over the next six months, work will include:
- Mapping existing VCSE provision supporting people along the employment journey, and identify gaps.
- Engaging widely with organisations to ensure their expertise and reach are captured.
- Analysing barriers and opportunities the sector faces in tackling economic inactivity.
- Co-designing solutions and priorities for system change.
- Recommending ways to sustain collaboration between VCSE and the NECA.
How can you be involved in shaping this work?
The first phase of the project is mapping VCSE provision, we want to capture the incredible range of work happening across our region.
Please take a few minutes to complete our form and tell us about the services you provide and the communities you support.
This is a significant opportunity to influence how future support is designed and delivered in the North East. Together, we can ensure the voices of the communities you serve are heard, and that the VCSE sector is recognised as a vital partner in shaping solutions to one of the North East’s biggest challenges.
Tell us about your work by completing this form.
For more information, please contact Siobhan Flynn, Policy Manager, VONNE at Siobhan.Flynn@vonne.org.uk