Yep! Shortlisted for Prestigious National Award

The Yep! project by CSW Group has been shortlisted for the “Social Mobility Quality Improvement Initiative of the Year” at this year’s Quality Professionals Awards.

These awards highlight exceptional contributions from quality improvement practitioners and leaders in further education and employability, celebrating individuals and teams whose dedication to quality and compliance has made a significant impact.

Nominees Announced

The shortlist includes:

• Yep! by CSW Group, Cornwall
• Back to Work and Confidence – Successful Mums Academy, London
• The Clubhouse – FEDCAP Employment, Burnley & Staines
• Kirkley Hall SEND – Northumberland College
• ESOL – Hull College

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Leeds on 26 June 2024.

The Impact of the Yep! Project

CSW Group has expressed its honour at being shortlisted, highlighting the critical work conducted by Yep! partners. The Yep! project, launched in January 2024, supports young people aged 16-24 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, focusing particularly on those who are economically inactive, unemployed, NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), or at risk of becoming NEET. The project also assists those with special educational needs (SEN) and other vulnerable groups who are disadvantaged or marginalised.

Since its inception, the project has already engaged over 450 young people, helping them move towards their goals with tailored support. Managed by CSW Group on behalf of Cornwall Council, the project is scheduled to run until 31 March 2025.

Building Confidence and Resilience

Chris Saxby, Managing Director of CSW Group, expressed pride in the recognition of the Yep! project. He highlighted the project’s integrated and collaborative approach, which leverages the best of local support across Cornwall to build confidence, resilience, and competence in young people as they navigate life after secondary education.

“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,” Chris said.

Comprehensive Support for Young People

The Yep! project adopts a staged approach, allowing NEET young people to join at a stage that best suits their needs based on their proximity to the labour market. The greater the need, the more intensive the support provided. Referrals can be made with the young person’s consent using a referral form available on the CSW Group’s website.

Government and Local Support

Yep! is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a key element of the Levelling Up agenda, which aims to improve life chances and invest in communities across the UK. Cornwall Council, nominated by the government as the Lead Authority for the fund regionally, is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

As the ceremony approaches, the team at CSW Group remains hopeful and proud of the work they have accomplished through Yep!, anticipating the final decision on 27 June 2024.

For more information about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, visit the official government website.

Event Ceremony: Hosted in Leeds on 26 June 2024. Decision on the winner will be announced on 27 June 2024.