Knowledge Base

Supported Internships should be given a higher profile and equal status to Apprenticeships , argues this joint report by Mencap and Remploy. The main points of the report can be summarised as

• Supported Internships are an effective route into paid employment for young people with SEND who are otherwise at a greatly increased risk of becoming NEET and subsequently dependent on adult social care services.
• Supported Internships are a key vehicle to achieving Government’s aspiration to halve the

Procuring for Good - a new report published by Social Enterprise UK paints the most comprehensive picture yet about how councils in England are using the Public Services (Social Value) Act. Findings from Freedom of Information requests [1] sent to all local authorities in England show that more councils than ever are considering social value when commissioning services: 1 in 3 (33%) now routinely consider social value in their procurement and commissioning, and 1 in 4 (24%) have a social value policy.

The 2010 Government embarked on a major programme of welfare reforms, some of which will not be implemented fully for a number of years. Major elements include the introduction of Universal Credit, which is replacing means-tested benefits and tax credits for working age families, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is replacing Disability Living Allowance for people of working age.