Skills Development Scotland: PACE service development
Because of our work: Frontline staff understood the changing funding landscape and could work effectively to support people facing redundancy.
The Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) is the Scottish Government’s initiative to support people facing redundancy. PACE is delivered by public sector partners including SDS and DWP. Its approach addresses the needs of individuals who are facing redundancy, helps employers who are making redundancies, and links with companies who may be recruiting.
SDS needed to develop practical, coherent support for frontline staff at a time of changes in the complex funding available for training redundant employees.
Stage one: understanding funding options. Three funds were available to support the training of redundant staff: the Employability Fund, the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund (TTF), and the Rapid Response Service (RRS). We reviewed each fund’s rules and guidance and consulted with practitioners and other key personnel in SDS and DWP to develop a detailed understanding of the provisions and their application.
Stage two: developing guides. We developed guides, FAQs sheets and customer journey flowcharts for each funding option. These make it easy for partners to access resources and clear information on PACE. It also clarified internal processes to improve the delivery of PACE.
Stage three: Reporting and resources. Our final report identified the resources required to support front line staff in implementing changes to the training funds available for redundant employees.
“Hall Aitken’s thorough work and clear insight produced comprehensive guidance that has helped our frontline staff to navigate a complex funding landscape and deliver efficient services to people facing redundancy, their employers and their potential employers.”