Step Up adding social value to the Wakefield district
Thursday, November 07, 2024
Wakefield Council’s flagship employment and skills programme, Step-Up, has been recognised nationally for the social value it provides for residents.
The programme has been shortlisted for an ERSA Award (Employment Related Services Association) and is the only Local Authority to be included in the ‘Adding Social Value’ category.
Social Value is about the positive impact an organisation has on society beyond its financial bottom line. It is measured by the actions an organisation takes to improve the world around it.
“We are incredibly proud of everything Step-Up has achieved. This shortlisting recognises not just the value created by the programme, but also the team’s constant innovations. This includes working with Public Health to help residents stop smoking and acting as Blood Pressure monitoring champions – making sure our residents are fit for work.”
Cllr Michael Graham
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth
Step-Up was launched in 2019 and was the subject of a recent Social Value report carried out by independent company ‘More Than Outputs’. It found the total social value of the programme had exceeded £39million in the two years to 31 March 2023.
This means for every £1 invested in the Step-Up programme a return of £7.38 was achieved.
By helping people get into work or return to work, Step-Up continues to improve residents’ financial stability, confidence and resilience whilst reducing anxiety and isolation. It also generates increased income tax; employer and employees National Insurance Contributions, indirect tax; and Tax Credits – all of which help support the economy.
The study measured the social value of the programme using the UK Government, Cabinet Office sponsored guide to Social Return on Investment (Social Value UK, 2009) and found that Step-Up delivered a total return of £39.4million in just two years.
The programme is available to all residents regardless of employment status, age or geographical location and aims to ensure that ‘no resident is left behind’.
For more information about Wakefield Council’s Step-Up programme, please visit: www.wakefield.gov.uk/stepup
Step-Up’s holistic approach to employment support resulted in:
• 47% of residents being in work more than a year after leaving the programme and telling researchers they feel valued, respected and listened to.
• 66% said regardless of whether they gained employment, they felt valued respected and listened to by Step-Up
• 53% said they have greater optimism for their future employment
• 48% are confident when it comes to exploring new options
• 45% felt more motivated and resilient
• 42% are now financially more stable
• 32% having experienced a reduction in anxiety or isolation.
In financial terms the report estimates that the programme has provided:
• Over £10million reduction in: Job Seekers Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance payments; Housing Benefit payments; and operational costs.
• More than £4.6million increased spend in the local Wakefield economy.
• A £471k reduction in Council Tax Benefit payments, Free School Meals payments, Local Authority health and social care costs.
• A £123k saving to the NHS