Salford CVS: Learning, Skills and Work Initiative

Salford CVS represents the city-wide voluntary, community and social enterprise programmes of Salford. Their goal is “to promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the public principally but not exclusively in the local government area of Salford”, and to do so by encouraging and facilitating “co-operation and partnership”.

These goals are captured brilliantly by their Learning, Skills, and Work Initiative, the delivery of which will be undertaken by 5 ‘core’ charity partners (Salford CVS; Mustard Tree; Groundwork; Salford Loaves and Fishes; The Broughton Trust), augmented by spot-purchased specialist provision. In addition, a small grants fund for charities that can deliver in support of this programme will be developed and managed by Salford CVS – this will help the programme remain responsive and flexible to those who most need support.

The project is designed to reach those furthest from employment in Salford, aiming to tackle generational unemployment and provide wrap-around support to participants. Their commitment is to invest in a place, and in so doing affect real social change.

Individuals requiring a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card are referred to the Broughton Trust; Mustard Tree and Salford Loaves and Fishes are able to provide for participants in need of either food-bank or social support; Groundwork and Salford CVS are each involved in employability skills and social activation.

Furthermore, as a part of AGCF’s grant, Salford CVS are able to fund small grants to community-based charity initiatives focussed on improving social agency and activating the population.

By the end of October 2023, Salford CVS’ Learning, Skills, and Work Initiative had recorded 430 participants join the programme; 180 participants completing at least 1 training course, 92 of these being accredited; and supported 54 individuals to secure paid work – 29 of those roles being permanent and 48 paying the real living wage.

Salford CVS