Ingeus

In Scotland, we are actively engaged in an employability and financial inclusion project with West Lothian Council's Locality Planning Team. The multi-agency project aims to raise awareness of the employability and financial inclusion services available to socially excluded local residents.

The project targets people who may face a number of constraints - including geographical location, lack of information and low confidence - that would normally have prevented them from accessing local support services. Ingeus advisors undertake outreach alongside representatives from partner agencies, aiming to engage individuals face-to-face within their local community.

Advisors engage with individuals, identify their issues and then refer them to relevant partner agencies, providing a seamless route for clients to access local services. We work in conjunction with the Council, The Advice Shop, Further Education colleges, Skills Development Scotland and voluntary sector organisations.

Clare Summers, Locality Planning Officer at West Lothian Council, says, "I am delighted by the commitment of Ingeus and other partners to this project. We have been able to bring services to the doorsteps of individuals who we would not normally be able to reach, in some of our more challenging communities. The project has also enabled all involved to get a better understanding of the complementary services delivered in the area. This has had a positive impact on both clients' employment opportunities and partnership-working in West Lothian."