In this issue
Job opportunitiesJobOpps
for you and your clients
Third sector vacancies here in Fife. 
Trainee Careers Adviser, Skills Development Scotland, closing date 07.08.16
MA Hairdressing, Copper Blossom, closing date 12.08.16
Trainee Shop Assistant, Fife Wholesale Butchers LLP, closing date 20.08.16
Trainee Butcher, Fife Wholesale Butchers LLP, closing date 20.08.16
Business Advisor
/Mentor
 , BRAG Enterprises Ltd, closing date 02.09.16
 
Well, you must have had fantastic holidays and be feeling refreshed and ready to get back into work - we can tell because we have an absolutely packed August e-bulletin for you  including a number of k ey items highlighted below!
  • Book your place at Know Your Network 2016 -  and see updates on key speakers and table hosts;
  • We have loads of employability skills courses so make sure to check these out for your clients;
  • The Scottish Government have issued an update on the devolution of Social Security and Employability to Scotland;
  • The DWP have issued a call for evidence for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) assessments;
  • Employers are being asked their opinions as part of a consultation on the proposed Apprenticeship Levy;
  • The national Third Sector Employability Forum is hosting a workshop on apprenticeships in the third sector; 
  • The Fife Business Diversity Awards and the SURF Awards are both open for nominations;
  • The Fife Health Improvement Training Programme has been launched for 2016/17;
  • West Fife Enterprise and the One Stop Shop for Autism have released key updates on their organisations.
  • and finally, Opportunities Fife Partnership is proud to have hosted the launch of Disability Confident in Scotland. 
Finally there are always plenty of jobs on offer - we recommend checking out the Trainee Careers Adviser opportunities with SDS and the Business Advisor/Mentor post with BRAG Enterprises Ltd.

The deadline for content to include in the next e-bulletin is Monday 29 August 2016. 

All the best,
Christine Davison
Project Support Officer
Fife Employability ForumFEF15
Fife Employability Forum - Save the date

Save the date of the next Fife Employability Forum:

Date: Wednesday 23 November 2016
Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm (9.00am registration)
Venue: TBC
Dates for Your DiaryDatesDiary
 

Date: Wednesday 24 August 2016
Time: You can book for the morning, afternoon or all day
Venue: The Bay Hotel, Kinghorn

Participants will:
  • Hear first-hand from a wide range of service providers;
  • Browse a market place of employability provision;
  • Input to discussions on key issues for the sector in Fife.
To give you a flavour of what to expect we've listed below the confirmed speakers and topics we have lined up so far. 

Morning
C onfirmed Speakers Cllr Tony Martin on the OFP Strategy, Adam Dunkerley on Developing Young Workforce in Fife and Clare McIntyre from the Scottish Government on the Devolution of the Work Programme and Work Choice. 
Confirmed table hops: Mental Health Provision, Disabilities Provision, Welfare Reform, Devolution of the Work Programme and Work Choice, Skills Development Scotland Services, Developing Young Workforce in Fife, Fife-ETC, Fife Centre for Equalities, Physical Rehabilitation and Employability, and Fife Council Job Clubs and Community Learning and Development. 
Confirmed discussion topics: Mental Health and Employability, Disadvantaged Families, Disclosure and Criminal Records, Provision for Ethnic Minorities. 

Afternoon
Confirmed Speakers: We'll hear an update on the Developing Young Workforce and DWP will give us an update on Welfare Reform and the roll out of Universal Credit.
Confirmed table hops: Mental Health Provision, Disabilities Provision, Welfare Reform, Skills Development Scotland Services.
Confirmed discussion topics: In-Work Poverty, Addictions Support, Volunteering into Work and Improving Partnership Working.

With over 200 people attending over the day this is once again the employability event that you don't want to miss so make sure you book your place

Date: 07 and 08 September 2016
Venue: 200 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow 
Theme: Better Outcomes from Integration and Alignment 

This convention brings you essential policy updates, big picture thinking and examples of excellent practice from within Scotland and beyond. 

Dates for 2016 - 09 September, 07 October, 07 November, and 09 December.

Recruit with Conviction in partnership with Glasgow Community Justice Authority are delighted to announce the latest dates of development seminars for employers and client-facing services working with people with convictions.

These seminars have been fully funded by Glasgow CJA and are intended to support the increased recruitment and retention of employees who have previously been involved in criminal justice.
Scottish Learning Festival 2016

Dates: 21 and 22 September 2016
Venue: SECC, Glasgow

The Scottish Learning Festival is about teaching and learning and offers a number of opportunities to enhance the education profession by providing:
  • inspiration and new ideas;
  • an opportunity to network with peers;
  • a range of options to enhance the learning and teaching experience for all. 
Funding OpportunitiesFundingopps
Bupa UK Foundation - Projects for Unpaid Carers

The Bupa UK Foundation is looking to fund practical projects that will help unpaid adult carers to support, manage and improve their own health on a day to day basis. 

The closing date for applications is Friday 12 August 2016.
Coalfields Community Investment Programme (Scotland)

The Coalfields Community Investment Programme supports activities delivered by community and voluntary organisations working in Scotland's 'coalfield communities'. Investments can be capital and/or revenue awards for charitable groups, not-for-profit organisations or social enterprises working to support regeneration activity in their areas.

Closing dates for 2016 are 17 August and 23 November.
Voluntary Action Fund Community Grant 2016-17

The grant's focus is on supporting and building the capacity of Scotland's smallest volunteer-led groups, with an income of less than £25,000 per year. Groups can apply for grants of up to £1,000 for a wide range of costs or activities that will help sustain or develop their activities.

The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Thursday 25 August 2016. The grant must be spent before 31 March 2017.

Smart Energy GB have launched their Communities Fund, a grants programme seeking applications from not-for-profit organisations that can reach groups who may face barriers to getting a smart meter as part of the national roll-out. Grants of up to £10,000 are available for groups that work directly with one or more of the priority groups.

The grant money must be used by Saturday 31 December 2016 and the closing date for applications is Friday 30 September 2016.

This fund is being distributed by The Big Lottery Fund and is  for events and activities that will "bring people together and celebrate what makes their local community special".

Applications are awarded on a first come, first serve basis so make sure to get your application in quickly. 
Training and Learning Opportunities
Health Improvement Training Programme 2016/17 LaunchedHITProgramme
The 2016-2017 edition of the Health Improvement Training Programme is now available. It features a wide range of free training courses aimed at helping all those working in Fife to contribute towards building a fairer, healthier Fife.
Safer Lone Working Fife Workshop

Date: Thursday 18 August
Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm
Venue: Fife Voluntary Action, Craig Mitchell House, Flemington Road, Glenrothes, KY7 5QF

This popular partnership workshop will explore the issues of 'Safer Lone Working' and 'Personal Safety at Work'. Through exploration of proactive, practical strategies, help individuals and organisations to reduce their specific risks and improve the safety of their staff.
Workshop on ApprenticeshipsTSEFworkshopappenticeships

Date: Monday 22 August 2016
Time: 10.30am - 3.30pm
Venue: GCVS, 44 Ashley Street, Glasgow, G3 6DS

A principal theme for the National Third Sector Employability Forum is apprenticeships and how they can improve the awareness and capacity around Modern Apprenticeships across Third Sector organisations. This training is for TSEF members and third sector organisations. 
Moving and Handling Principles

Date: Wednesday 24 August 2016
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Venue: Fife Voluntary Action, Craig Mitchell House, Flemington Road, Glenrothes

This course aims to give participants the knowledge of the Principles of Moving and Handling. The course is for anyone who is working or volunteering and have as part of their duties moving and handling objects.
Employability CoursesEmpSkillsCourses

Venture Trust Launch a New Universal Referral Form

From 01 July 2016, Venture Trust will use a new universal referral form for all of their programmes.
This new document, the Venture Trust Referral Form replaces all previous templates and it is a mandatory requirement for all referring agencies to submit a completed signed version of this form for each candidate they wish to refer.
To  find out more about Venture Trust's programmes visit their website or click here to read about Kirsten's experience of their Transitions to Independent Living course and how it was successful in helping to improve her employability, confidence and relationships.

Clued-Up Drop-In

Clued-Up's drop-in is where under 25's can get a cup of tea, help, advice, drug and alcohol support all in a safe and friendly environment. 

Click the title links for the dates and locations of the drop-ins

SAMH Going Forth Service

Going Forth is a Fife wide service supporting individuals to reach their goals in personal development, training, education and employment. To find out more about this service or to contact the team click the title link. 

Link Living's Step-Up programme are recruiting for their next course

Step-Up is a 12 week course, looking at all aspects of employment. The participants gain an SQA award upon completion, the course starts on Thursday 18 August 2016. To find out more, contact stephen.mccabe@linkliving.org.uk

Link Living's girls' group looking for volunteers

Rebecca is recruiting for Link Living's girls' group. The group is for 16-24 year olds who are looking to build confidence, meet new people and learn new skills. To find out more contact Rebecca at rebecca.norman@linkliving.org.uk
 

Works Better and Better Engaged Project

The 'Works Better' and 'Better Engaged' projects are part of the Opportunities For All partnership programme funded through ESIF. Partners included in the programme are Transition keyworkers, Fife Voluntary Action and Apex.
To read more about these projects, and a case study about a young man in Dunfermline who had become isolated with no positive destination click the title link. 

The Princes Trust - Get into Retail Courses

The Princes Trust are holding two 'Get into Retail' Courses starting in August - details below.

Stirling - the selection date for the course is 29 August. The course will last for four weeks and starts on 05 September. 

Fife - the deadline for applications is 02 September and selection for the course is on 06 September. The course will start on 12 September.  A taster day will take place on 6 September 2016 for those interested in finding out more.

Matrix Fife Supported Business

Matrix Fife are proud to be part of the Scottish Government Framework for Supported Employment businesses.

To read more about the service click the title link. You can read some case studies about young people who have benefited from the service here


Prescription  for Work is a Fife wide service. Since its official launch in the end of April 2016, Prescription to Work is now active in all GP surgeries in Fife. The service offers a range of support to people who may be struggling to stay in work due to a health condition or disability. 


Information day:
Date - Tuesday 30 August 2016

WFE are recruiting for their next Employability Academy. The course is for unemployed people aged 16-65 years and offers a wide range of training and support. 

Fife-ETC - Pre-Employability Course

BRAG Enterprises are recruiting for their four week employability course which will run over two and a half days a week. The next course will start on Monday 29 August 2016 and will provide a range of training opportunities to support people in improving their employability. Course content will include:-
  • Clients will be registered with Lifeskills on their first day allowing them to access suitable training where relevant and beneficial;
  • Clients will have a one to one with Fife Works staff at week three to discuss potential work placement opportunities and work place training;
  • All clients will have their CV updated and help with application forms, presentation skills etc.;
  • Employability skills, confidence building and motivation will be the basis of the programme;
  • Those clients not yet ready to progress will continue to be supported.
Contact Connie McCann at BRAG on 01592 860296 for more information.
What's happening in FifeHappninginFife
Nominations are open for the Fife Business Diversity Awards (FBDA) 2016FBDA16

Hosted by Opportunities Fife Partnership, FBDA 2016 will recognise the success of businesses, organisations and individuals in Fife who excel in promoting the employment of people who face disadvantages in the labour market.
People may experience disadvantage in finding and keeping a job due to personal issues, disability or health conditions, lack of work experience, skills or qualifications.  

The deadline for nominations is Thursday 01 September 2016. Click here to make a nomination and return this to sw.ses@fife.gov.uk once completed. 



West Fife Enterprise say farewell to Alan Boyle and welcome Simon Warr as their new General Manager


Alan Boyle has stood down from the role of Chief Executive at West Fife Enterprise (WFE) on 29 April 2016 after over 30 years' of service. WFE welcomed their newly appointed General Manager, Simon Warr in early July and look forward to working with Simon to continue the valued services WFE deliver to the people of Fife.
Employ with ConfidenceEWC2016

With over 90 attendees and 30+ stalls, Employ with Confidence set a high bar as the first Disability Confident event in Scotland. The event was organised through the Health and Disability Delivery Group within Opportunities Fife Partnership. With Healthy Working Lives and DWP taking the lead the event was supported by a range of partners including Fife Voluntary Action, Skills Development Scotland and Fife Council's Supported Employment Service. 

The partners would like to thank our event sponsor Shaw Trust Scotland, Cllr Tony Martin who opened the event, MSP Shirley-Ann Somerville who gave the keynote speech and to MP Rodger Mullen who offered his support to the event. 

Update from the One Stop Shop for Autism

The OSS are delighted to announce that they have secured funding from Fife's Heath and Social Care partnership to enable them to continue to provide a service Fife-wide. The service offers people with autism, their families and professionals information and advice about autism as well information and referrals to support services that are available in the Fife area.

The One Stop Shop have moved from their Dunfermline office and are now based in New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1XT - however while building repairs are ongoing at New Volunteer House all services from OSS can be accessed from up the road at Forth House in Kirkcaldy. 
Other News

Transfer of new powersDevolutionUpdateSG


Regulations laid at Westminster on 14 July 2016 have begun the transfer of powers to enable the Scottish Parliament to start legislating on social security and employability.

The powers will include the ability to implement new arrangements to support people in receipt of benefits to be devolved, and the long term unemployed, including those with disabilities and health conditions.

The timescale for implementation will start from 1 April 2017, when the first employment support schemes will start operating.

We'll update you through this e-bulletin on further developments with the devolution of social security and employability to the Scottish Parliament. 
Call for evidence - Personal Independence Payment AssessmentCfEPIP

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has commissioned Paul Gray to undertake the second Independent Review of how the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment is working, as required by Section 89 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012.

This call for evidence will be one of several methods used to gather information. Evidence submitted will be used to inform a final independent report which will be laid before Parliament.

To find out more including click the title link. 
Update on Universal Credit Roll-OutUCUpdate

Neil Couling, Director General of the Universal Credit Programme has released an update to Chief Executives, Revenue and Benefits Mangers and GB Local Authorities on the future plans for Universal Credit roll-out. To read the full letter click the title link, the annex can be accessed here.
Apprenticeship levy - Consultation open for employers ApprenticeshipsLevyConsl
Employers will now be able to have their say on how Scotland should use its share of the funding from the UK Government's apprenticeship levy, Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn has confirmed.

The Scottish Government has committed to work with employers to develop a "distinctly Scottish approach", which will "do more" to support apprenticeships, widen skills development and drive closer engagement with industry.

The consultation will close on Friday 26 August 2016. Click the links below for more info:

A new guide to help trades recruit more apprentices has also just been launched. The booklet - Your Guide to Hiring an Apprentice - was created by trades supplier Screwfix with the support of Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
Report from Citizens Advice Scotland 'Living at the Sharp End' 

'Living at the Sharp End' looks in detail at the causes of gaps in income, particularly with regards to the benefits system; the impact of gaps in income on CAB clients; and the adequacy of existing crisis assistance provided by statutory agencies.

Based on the findings of this research, the report recommends changes that could increase people's resilience to income shocks, help to prevent gaps in income and improve crisis assistance.
Dignity: Ending Hunger Together in Scotland

The previous Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners' Rights, Alex Neil MSP, invited Martin Johnstone, Secretary of the Church of Scotland's Church & Society Council, to chair an independent short life working group on food poverty to consider the issues and make recommendations to the Scottish Government on future actions.

This report sets out evidence and recommendations from the first six months' work of the Independent Working Group on Food Poverty.


SURF's annual awards process, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government, is open to all community regeneration projects in Scotland that are currently in place or that have been completed within two years' of the closing date. 

The awards offer an opportunity for regeneration projects of all sizes to demonstrate value to funders and partners, support team-building and develop a national profile.

The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Monday 19 September 2016. 
Labour Market Information Update

Increase in employment levels

GDP figures show a 2.1% growth in the economy in 2015.
Employment in Scotland rose by 17,000 over the last quarter, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures published in July. 

New statistics published show that 92.0% of those who left school in 2014/15 were in "positive destinations" in March 2016 - compared with 91.7% the previous year. This is the highest figure on record.

Click the link above to read the latest updates on the labour market from the Learning and Work Institute. Please note that the figures presented in this update relate to March - May 2016. 
Third Sector Employability Forum Summer 2016 Newsletter

Supported by the Scottish Government the Third Sector Employability Forum (TSEF) works to develop the capacity of the sector in relation to both policy development and the delivery of employability services. Click the title link to read their latest newsletter. 
Fife Voluntary Action
Tel: 0800 389 6046
Fife Voluntary Action is the Third Sector Interface for the Fife Council area.
supporting, developing and representing community groups,
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering

Registered Office: Craig Mitchell House, Flemington Road, Glenrothes, KY7 5QF.

Fife Voluntary Action is a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in Scotland No. SC203613 and Registered Scottish Charity No. SCO28457.