Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

FÁS contracts with Partnership Companies (and one non Partnership organisation) for the delivery of the Local Employment Service (LES). The LES currently operates through a network of offices and outreach clinic locations in 24 designated disadvantaged areas (23 Partnership areas and Kildare County).

The services provided are delivered under contract and the evaluation process is based on the targets set out in the contract, in conjunction with the financial and operational procedures that underpin the delivery and administration of the service. Within the contract each of the client groups have a specific target in relation to placement into employment and progression into training. The following are the agreed outcomes against which the LESN are measured:

Placement

· Into employment

· Into Self Employment

Progression

· On to a FÁS Employment Programme

· On to a FÁS Training Programme

· On to a Non FÁS Education/Training Programme

· On to a (long term) Education programme

FÁS has provided the LESN with a Client Services System (CSS) which allows for the recording of client interactions and outcomes. These interactions are reviewed at regular meetings between FÁS regional management and the LES within their particular region. In addition, outcomes are formally reported to FÁS for consideration on a bi-monthly basis.

As at 4th December 2009 activity for the year to date can be summarised as follows:

A total of 28,079 new clients registered for services with the LESN.

2,905 clients have been placed into employment/self employment.

8,533 clients have progressed into training, education etc (as detailed above)

The total number of clients on Active Caseload with the LESN is 25,781.

Please note: Active Caseload refers to those clients who are actively working with a Mediator who is supporting them in the process of moving back into the open labour market.