Jeff Cuthbert, Deputy Minister for Skills
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
In January, I confirmed that, following an internal review of the Genesis Cymru Wales 2 programme, under-performance had been identified in relation to its recruitment, expenditure and performance outputs. The review identified opportunities to improve outcomes through alternative modes of delivery, including integration of the support available through the Genesis programme within other existing employability programmes.
As such, I asked officials to explore the reasons for under-performance and to consider a recommendation for a phased, early closure of Genesis Cymru Wales 2.
As part of the review the potential alternative options for providing the support currently available through the Genesis programme have been explored in detail and discussed with Local Authority delivery partners, WEFO and other key stakeholders.
I have fully considered the recommendation made following the review and have taken the decision to proceed with a phased early closure of the Genesis programme from July 2013.
I recognise that the Genesis programme has helped some people on their pathway to work. However, the review clearly highlighted that performance does not compare favourably with other programmes seeking to support similarly hard to reach groups into employment.
Officials are in active discussions with the relevant Heads of Service in all Local Authorities to take forward available options for the transition of Genesis participants into alternative employability programmes. As Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, my focus has been, and will continue to be, the identification of opportunities to improve outcomes for participants through alternative modes of delivery.