Purpose

This report seeks approval to accept Greater Manchester’s Integrated Settlement Grant (GMIS) for Skills and Employment Support for the period 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027. The GMIS grant is to continue the delivery of two existing programmes the Work Well Vanguard Programme and the Trail Blazer supporting people that are economically inactive.

Decision

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place, which sought approval to accept Greater Manchester's Integrated Settlement Grant (GMIS) for Skills and Employment Support for the period 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027. The GMIS grant would support the continued delivery of two existing programmes, the Work Well Vanguard Programme and the Trailblazer Programme, which provide support to economically inactive residents.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth introduced the report.

The Head of Work and Skills attended the meeting, presented the report, and responded to questions and comments from Cabinet Members.

The Officer advised that the GMIS Single Settlement was intended to enable the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), working in collaboration with the Greater Manchester local authorities, to take greater control over the delivery of a range of functional responsibilities, including Skills and Employment Support across Greater Manchester.

The GMCA and the Greater Manchester local authorities were committed to ensuring that funding provided under the GMIS arrangements was utilised effectively and in accordance with the requirements of the GMIS Allocation Document and the GMIS Framework.

Cabinet noted that local authorities were often best placed to lead the delivery of programmes within their respective areas, including initiatives relating to skills and employment support. Rochdale's GMIS allocation to continue delivery of the Work Well Programme and the Trailblazer Programme totalled £892,127 for the 2026/27 financial year.

Resolved:

1. That Rochdale Borough Council accept the £892,127 GMIS Grant for the period 2026/2027 so it can continue to deliver the two employment support programmes the: Work Well Vanguard Programme and the Economically Inactive Trail Blazer;
2. That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Assistant Director, Legal, Governance and Coroners to enter into the necessary legal agreement with the GM Combined Authority to secure this grant funding;
3. That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Assistant Director, Legal, Governance & Coroner and with the Portfolio Holder for Finance to enter into relevant agreements with key partners to deliver proposed activities.

Reason for decision:

The Work Well Vanguard Programme would continue to support individuals who are at risk of losing their job due to ill health, as well as those who are newly unemployed, to return to employment. This is a preventative programme designed to support residents at the earliest opportunity, helping to prevent people from becoming long-term unemployed or economically inactive. The programme also provides employers with advice and guidance on reasonable adjustments, enabling them to better support and retain their workforce. Clear referral pathways are in place for health professionals to refer individuals into the programme, and all participants receive support focused on improving their mental health and overall wellbeing. In addition, the programme has a designated mental health practitioner linked to the service, and residents can access a range of interventions based on identified need.

The Economically Inactive Trail Blazer would continue to support residents who are economically inactive due to long-term health conditions and caring responsibilities. The programme would continue to adopt the Live Well Journey to Employment framework, which forms part of the wider Live Well agenda. This approach ensures that individuals can access a range of complementary services, with employment support delivered in Live Well community spaces and settings. The model of support focuses on addressing individual barriers, building confidence through targeted activities and learning opportunities, and providing practical employment support tailored to identified needs. The Trail Blazer would be extended to additional neighbourhoods across the borough, making use of existing assets and community spaces aligned with the Live Well agenda to support the programme outcomes.

The next twelve months would also be used to lay the foundations for future investment form Employment Support programmes that the local authority would have greater control over.

The ambition is to ensure every resident has the resources and connections to Live Well and secure, meaningful work is central to that goal. This would be achieved through community-led approaches, backed by a system that enables people to thrive.

Alternatives considered and rejected:

The alternative option would be not to accept the GMIS funding allocation. This option was not recommended as it would result in the cessation of the Work Well and Economic Inactivity Trailblazer programmes from April 2026, loss of external funding of £892,127 and reduced support for residents seeking to enter, remain in or return to employment.