100. How Kada Helped Sheffield City Council Evaluate the UKSPF Skills and Employability South Yorkshire Programme to Strengthen Pathways into the Labour Market

Sheffield City Council, on behalf of the four South Yorkshire local authorities, commissioned Kada Research to evaluate their UKSPF-funded Skills and Employability South Yorkshire (SESY) programme. SESY drew on learning from previous local employment support programmes and evolved delivery to respond to increasing economic inactivity. Strand 1 supported those furthest from the labour market, Strand 2 supported those ready for work, and Strand 3 supported those in work to progress, supporting increased prosperity and opening up entry level positions.

To assess the effectiveness of SESY, Kada undertook a thorough review of delivery, context and overall performance, supplemented by discussions with Strand leads, accountable bodies and the programme management team. Following this, Kada engaged with the delivery teams including Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise providers and consulted beneficiaries through an online survey, one-to-one interviews and group discussions. The evidence was triangulated and thematic analysis used to assess areas of strength, weakness, impact and additionality. Additional data analysis including a Monitoring Information review and economic impact modelling was used to provide a robust overview of who the programme reached and how it has impacted the local area.

Almost 900 people were supported to progress into employment, a figure that exceed targets by 23%. Tackling barriers, improving confidence and wellbeing and providing the foundations for success were each highlighted as softer outcomes of the support, indicating long-term impacts. SESY delivered significant economic benefits, with £35m of social, financial and wellbeing benefits generated.