Cornwall’s Yep! Project Wins National Award for Social Mobility Quality Improvement Initiative of the Year

CSW Group is celebrating a significant achievement, having secured the national “Social Mobility Quality Improvement Initiative of the Year” award at this year’s Quality Professionals Awards.

The prestigious accolade highlights the exceptional work done by the Yep! project, a frontline initiative supporting young people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The Quality Professionals Awards commend quality improvement practitioners and leaders in further education and employability. This year, the judges were particularly impressed with the Yep! programme, citing its passionate commitment to social mobility and evidence-based approach. Emma Cook, Managing Director of Cognisoft and the award’s sponsor, presented the honour to the CSW Group.

Impact of the Yep! Project

Launched in January 2024, the Yep! project has already made a notable impact. Over 450 young people who are economically inactive, unemployed, or at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) have engaged with the programme. Yep! primarily supports young people aged 16-24, with a specific focus on the 16-18 age group facing significant challenges, including those with special educational needs or from other vulnerable groups.

Chris Saxby, Managing Director of CSW Group, expressed pride in the project’s accomplishments, stating, “This unique, integrated, and collaborative project exploits the very best of locally available support across the county, and builds confidence, resilience, and competence within less privileged young people in Cornwall as they seek to determine their way in the world after secondary education.”

Photo: The image shows the areas in Cornwall we have engaged with young people on Yep! so far.

Structured Support for Youth

The Yep! project is a staged initiative that allows NEET young people to join at a level that suits their individual needs. The greater the distance from the labour market, the more intensive the support provided. This structured approach ensures that each participant receives the tailored assistance necessary to navigate their journey towards employment or further education.

The programme is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with Cornwall Council acting as the Lead Authority for the fund regionally. This collaboration ensures rigorous monitoring and progress tracking of the Yep! project.

Award Ceremony and Future Prospects

Ian Exworthy and Michael Anderton from CSW collected the award during a ceremony in Leeds on 26 June 2024. They expressed their surprise and delight at the recognition, noting the challenge of competing against larger institutions from the sector.

The Yep! project will continue to run until 31 March 2025, aiming to extend its positive impact on the youth of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Referrals to the programme can be made with the young person’s consent via the referral form available on the CSW Group’s website.

For more information on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and its objectives, visit the UK Government website.

CSW Group remains committed to supporting young people through key transition points, building aspiration, unlocking potential, and driving achievement across the region.