Hectic start for new service

At the time of writing it is now just four months since Connexions Nottinghamshire was launched across the county. No big initial launch as befits an embryonic organisation aware that much is expected, with much to do. Nevertheless April saw the corporate purple and orange logos blossom as careers centres converted to Connexions Centres and staff began the long haul to providing a wider focussed service for young people 13-19.

"Launching Connexions Nottinghamshire" – Gemma Roberts, Bilborough College; Jean Pardoe, Chief Executive; Tim Richmond, Chairman

The first four months have been hectic for the Board, staff and partner organisations. The Business Plan was approved by GO-EM; the process of recruiting new staff commenced; young people, parents, schools, college, employers and training providers have been informed of the changes. Partnership dialogue and formal agreements are progressing positively. There is no room for complacency, no time to sit on laurels but a sound base is being prepared for the development of a professional service to support all young people at a key time in their lives.

Some of the services that can be highlighted for the first quarter are:

• Positive partnerships developing with key agencies including LEAs, Youth Services, Social Services, Youth Offending Teams, Health Services, Police and the Voluntary sector
  
  
• 95% of the first quarter Business Plan objectives have been achieved
  
  
• Strong support received from many Head Teachers and College Chief Executives
  
  
• New Connexions Access Centres being developed, particularly in collaboration with the Youth Services in Mansfield, Kirkby, Newark and Nottingham
  
  
• We are on schedule to recruit around 100 new staff in the next year. The first new Personal Advisers have started. New Operations Directors Tony Graham and Jo Baker, both from the Voluntary and Community Sector respectively, are now in post
  
  
• Funding successfully acquired to provide out of school activities for young people in the summer holidays
  
  
• A new project to look at sport as a vehicle for engaging young people in learning. The company has sponsored two young people, a track athlete and a footballer
  
  
• Full engagement of young people in developing and delivering the service, including governance, recruitment & selection, focus groups and learning programme design.