Work Coaches in Jobcentres 2022-02-07
2022-02-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Questioner seeks to understand steps being taken to assess, enhance, and disclose the performance metrics of work coaches within employment offices.
What steps she is taking to (a) measure, (b) improve and (c) publish the performance of work coaches in jobcentres?
We often hear about the excellent work of work coaches in jobcentres, seen by the number of people getting back into work. We aim to constantly improve their performance in terms of outcomes for individuals and will continue efforts to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
Publication of specific performance metrics and improvement measures
We Often Hear About The Excellent Work
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
MP seeks to discuss an external review process for assessing the comparative effectiveness of work coaches, referencing his report 'Poverty Trapped'.
I completely agree that good work coaches can level up opportunities by breaking glass ceilings that hold people back, but inevitably some will be better than others, as we have seen in schools and other public services. If we publish those findings, every jobseeker and their MP will want to know how their local service compares and how it might be improved, so will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss this as outlined in my recently published work, “Poverty Trapped”?
I do not agree with the suggestion about an external assessment. However, I have asked my team to look into the report and we can arrange a suitable meeting, but I want to assure him that all new work coaches are undertaking a level 4 City & Guilds qualification in service delivery.
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Assessment & feedback
External assessment of work coaches' performance
I Do Not Agree With The Suggestion About An External Assessment
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
MP raises concerns over proposed cuts in fixed-term contract work coaches at EO level, questioning the impact on lower-paid AO grade staff and those losing their positions.
The DWP is looking to cut thousands of fixed-term contract work coaches at EO level from jobcentres but reportedly will retain almost all staff at the lower-paid AO grade. Have the Government considered how this will impact on lower-grade staff in terms of workload and stress and how those losing their jobs will afford their living costs until they can secure a new role?
The hon. Lady is incorrect; I am conscious that she may have been given different information. The permanent secretary outlined last week a process potentially for people on fixed-term contracts, ensuring work coaches are in the right parts of the country where they are most needed.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific impacts on lower-grade staff and jobseekers losing positions
The Hon. Lady Is Incorrect
Response accuracy