Delivery of the Gateway to Choices Service

The Gateway to Choices service/contract will: - create a database of employability and skills provision, ensuring support for Belfast residents through a Gateway to Choices service. - deliver employability and skills focused independent information, advice and guidance(IAG) to help those living in Belfast, who are furthest from the labour market, make informed choices about their employability and skills pathway and to support those living in Belfast and currently in work (in Belfast or elsewhere) who are seeking better/more sustainable jobs to identify the requisite supports that are available to them. - target those furthest from the labour market are (a) the long-term unemployed (LTU), (b)non-work ready claimants as referred by JBO Work Coaches, or (c) those economically inactive. - support individuals seeking better/more sustainable jobs including those wishing to move on from entry level jobs, or from jobs on minimum wage, or from jobs with zero-hour contracts, or from jobs with short-term contracts. - provide specialist triage support resource which will support individuals through referrals to appropriate provision and utilise all existing funding mechanisms and interventions, including those in health. The ultimate goal is getting more of those further back in the labour market to engage in the existing provision that will support their employability and skills journey. The awarded Contractor will work closely with the NI Careers Service, Jobs & Benefits Office(JBO) Work Coaches, relevant health service providers and local VCSE organisations for quality, up to date, impartial and independent advice tailored to individual needs and career aspirations.