Payment-by-results model for “JobPath” programme
Using the payment-by-results model, external partners are to provide new and additional capacity to complement existing employment activation services provided by the Department and Local Employment Service (LES). According to the December 2013 Contract Notice, JobPath contracted services may include “the provision of job search assistance, job matching services, advice on employment and career options, advice on the development and design of curriculum vitae, advice on training and education options, the development and monitoring of personal action plans, personal skills training, personal advisory and coaching services, referral to work experience, referral to training/further education, the provision of recruitment services to employers and the provision of ‘in-work’ advice and coaching to jobseekers who secure employment”.
The UK-based Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (CESI) was contracted in November 2012 to provide expert advice and assistance with the design and delivery of a commercial model for the programme. Based on international experience in Austria, Australia, the Netherlands and in the UK, there was a clear argument for partnering with the private sector in the successful delivery of employment activation programmes (e.g. case management of clients, employer engagement and job matching/placement etc). JobPath will be based on the lessons learnt from these programmes.
An outcomes based approach to JobPath opens up an innovative financing option because there will be a significant transfer of risk to the external contractors where payment is based on performance. Payment-by-results is a “high-stakes” form of performance contracting because providers are paid on the basis of outcomes rather than effort expended. Partners are rewarded on the basis of their successful performance, which in turn ensures that the service meets Government’s desired outcome.
Two sets of information sessions were held by the Department on 26 July 2013 and in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland on 7 November 2013 at which potential contractors were briefed on the JobPath initiative. The presentations can be accessed here.
Saturday, 21 December 2013