PbR and the employment sector

In 2011 the UK Government launched a new welfare-to-work scheme called the Work Programme. The Work Programme provides personalised support for claimants who need more help looking for and staying in work. Providers have freedom to decide how best to support Work Programme participants, while meeting minimum standards for delivering the service.

Using a PbR-based system of payment, the Work Programme sets demanding targets for contractors around the length of time unemployed individuals stay in work. This means there is a strong element of financial risk and uncertainty for those providers who miss their PbR objectives.

Helping employment agencies measure and demonstrate value

Inspire2Enterprise is committed to helping employment agencies and organisations understand PbR and demonstrate the social value of their services. This includes dedicated support for those providers entering new employability contracts.

We start with an in-depth consultation to ascertain an organisation’s readiness for PbR. We also explore a range of measures intended to simplify the PbR process, minimise the risks, and help with contractual negotiations. Such measures include:

  • Sourcing extra funding or investment
  • Fitting an organisation into a larger supply chain
  • Reassessing an organisation’s business model to help improve cash flow – for example, through operational efficiencies
  • Using research to help measure and show social impact and value

If you’re thinking about entering a PbR employability or training contract, or simply want to find out more about how PbR works, get in touch to see how we could help.