Extension of Fair Start Scotland employability contract: FOI release

Information requested

1. Will the Scottish Government be extending the Fair Start Scotland employability contract which is due to end in March 2023? If so, for how long will the extension be?
2. Do the Scottish Government have any strategic plans in place to replace Fair Start Scotland with a new service? If so, will this be procured nationally or through Local Authorities?
3. Are the Scottish Government working with DWP to develop a new service to replace the Scotland JETS programme which is due to end in March 2023?
4. Will the Scottish Employability DPS delivered through Local Authorities replace Fair Start Scotland?
5. When is the Scottish Prison Services prison education contract due to expire and when will this come back out to market?

 

Response

1. Will the Scottish Government be extending the Fair Start Scotland employability contract which is due to end in March 2023? If so, for how long will the extension be?
   The Scottish Government is currently pursuing routes to ensure continuity of employability provision beyond March 2023, subject to internal approvals including commercial and legal.
2. Do the Scottish Government have any strategic plans in place to replace Fair Start Scotland with a new service? If so, will this be procured nationally or through Local Authorities?
   Through implementation of No One Left Behind, we are working with partners from across the public, third and private sectors to design and deliver the person-centred employability services that people need to move towards and into work.
   
   No One Left Behind will see a move to a more localised commissioning approach, supporting local service delivery and a holistic package of support tailored to individual needs to drive better outcomes for individual.
3. Are the Scottish Government working with DWP to develop a new service to replace the Scotland JETS programme which is due to end in March 2023?
   Replacement of the JETS service would be a matter for DWP given the reserved nature of this programme, we will continue to work in partnership with DWP to shape the future of employability services in Scotland.
4. Will the Scottish Employability DPS delivered through Local Authorities replace Fair Start Scotland?
   As per answer for question 2.
5. When is the Scottish Prison Services prison education contract due to expire and when will this come back out to market?
   The learning and Skills contract Expires in August 2023, with the option to extend until August 2024. The market engagement process for the retender will begin in spring/summer of 2023.

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