Partnership

EBCF is a subcontractor for Prospects in the delivery of its National Careers Service contract, delivering the second largest NCS contract in the West Midlands. In November 2017 it achieved prime contractor status for delivery of adult learning provision with AEB funding, having previously worked as a sub-contractor with Profound Services.

EBCF has been able to achieve prime contractor status with the encouragement and active support of both Prospects and Profound and the assessment teams of its three key awarding bodies and maintains strong relationships with all. The development of EBCF’s current Functional Skills programme has been greatly enhanced by its on-going relationship with Profound Services.

EBCF sees itself as an important cog in a wider mechanism of support, focusing on improving the basic employability skills its local population need to enter the job market. Other providers support people and employers with higher level needs.
EBCF has strong working and cross referral relationships with many other local partners and stakeholders, including:

• Birmingham City Jobcentre Plus, Handsworth Jobcentre, Perry Barr Jobcentre, Washwood Heath Jobcentre, Jobcentre Plus Smethwick – EBCF receive referrals from, and make referrals to these Jobcentres, including a large cohort of claimants using EBCF for ‘Jobclub’ activities such as support with CVs, online jobsearch activities, and using its free IT services.
  These referrals provide an important opportunity for advisors to work with jobseekers to identify learning needs and barriers to employment, and to enrol leaners on employability courses, literacy and numeracy qualifications and ESOL.
• Birmingham City Council Youth Services Team are also based out of the Summerfield Centre – EBCF work with them to provide volunteering and work experience opportunities for young people;
• Tesco, Summerfield – use of training room, employment and work experience opportunities;