Back-to-work schemes are best in Scotland
The future is bright as Renfrewshire tops the lot
Schemes to get people into work in Renfrewshire have been hailed as the best performing in the country.
More people in Renfrewshire are helped into work by the council’s employability schemes than any other local authority, according to the latest Local Government Benchmarking Framework report.
The report looked at a range of council services across Scotland, including education, housing and adult social care, as well as service costs, their effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
Renfrewshire has improved in more than 60 per cent of the 64 performance indicators in the 2016/17 report.
School attainment is up, with more pupils achieving five or more National 5 and Higher awards, while there is also strong customer satisfaction for schools and leisure facilities.
The report found that: ● 85 per cent of adults are satisfied with local schools, placing Renfrewshire sixth best in Scotland ● More than half of the highest-paid council employees are women ● More pupils from areas of multiple deprivation achieved five or more National 5 and Higher awards than in 2015/16 ● 82 per cent of adults are satisfied with leisure facilities, making Renfrewshire the fifth best in Scotland ● 98 per cent of council properties are energy efficient
Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “This is a positive report that highlights a number of areas where investment has made a real difference to the lives of communities across Renfrewshire.
“We can be very proud in particular of the continuous improvements being achieved in our schools, giving children in Renfrewshire every opportunity to achieve their potential, no matter their background.
“And for our employability programmes to be the best performing in Scotland in helping people into work is highly commendable.
“We have just invested a further £4.5 million to lever in more European funding over the next five years to carry on this great work. We want to make the most of the employment opportunities being created here in Renfrewshire through key projects, like early years’ expansion and the construction of Scotland’s national manufacturing institute.”
Economic development assistant Joan Ferguson works at Paisley’s Russell Institute, the council’s skills and employability hub. She has helped university graduate Robert Allan with mock interview training and Tina Perrie, into a paid traineeship after committing her time to caring for her late mother.
She said: “Every day is different. We get to work closely with local businesses, all pulling together to help people progress onto the job ladder.
“And the help we offer doesn’t stop when someone gains employment as we know that’s only the beginning of the journey.
“People might not realise the support that’s out there, but I would encourage them, no matter what their circumstances are, to visit us at the Russell Institute and find out how we can help them.”
The report also raises a number of areas for improvement, including customer satisfaction, with street cleaning and maintaining Renfrewshire roads.
“There are areas we know Renfrewshire can and must improve upon,” added Councillor Nicolson. “We recognise the challenges facing our communities and that’s why our budget provided additional funding to target these elements as a priority.
“By listening to our residents and by working closely with our community partners, Renfrewshire can and will thrive.”
Sandra Black, Renfrewshire Council Chief Executive said: “The data presented in this report is an important tool in monitoring and comparing our progress and enables local authorities to share best practice with one another for the benefit of local communities.
“We have a clear focus on i improvement and this report c complements the detailed performance monitoring by our management team and scrutiny by our elected members and the public.
“We will consider the report’s findings very carefully as we continue to develop innovative new ways of working which meet our communities’ changing needs.”
Findings from the Local Government Benchmarking Framework Indicator Profile will be considered by councillors in a report to the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board on Monday, March 19.