Jeff Cuthbert, Deputy Minister for Skills
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
A recent internal review of Genesis Cymru Wales 2 has identified that the Programme is under-performing in relation to key recruitment, expenditure and performance outputs. This follows a previous review of performance undertaken in 2011, which highlighted the need to focus delivery more clearly on identified employment and training outcomes. However, it has become clear through ongoing performance monitoring and review that, whilst Genesis has helped many hard-to-reach individuals to develop their confidence and self-esteem to find work now or in the future, the Programme continues to under-perform against its key outputs.
As such, I have asked my officials to explore fully the reasons for this under-performance and to consider opportunities to improve outcomes through alternative modes of delivery, including integration of the support available through the Genesis Programme within other existing more successful employability programmes. As part of this review of alternative options I have asked officials to consider a recommendation for a phased, early closure of the Genesis Programme.
In exploring the reasons for under-performance and developing recommendations for the future of the Programme, my officials will be holding discussions with Local Authority delivery partners in Genesis, and with other interested stakeholders, to ensure that all potential options are fully considered. These discussions will take place over the course of the next month and I expect officials to report to me in March 2013. Following consideration of this advice I will take a decision on the future of the Programme.