Highland Employability Partnership strives to lift people out of poverty

28th August 2025

On Wednesday 27 August 2025 the Education Committee of Highland Council received an overview of the role of the Employability Service in progressing the No One Left Behind (NOLB) policy approach and the Highland Employability Partnerships (HEP) aims to lift people out of poverty across the Highlands through enabling access to fair and sustainable work.

Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: "The Council has a strategic employability commitment to tackle poverty, improve community wellbeing and strengthening the economy across the Highlands. It plays a lead role in co-ordinating the work of the Highland Employability Partnership (HEP) and in implementing the No One Left Behind (NOLB) approach to employability services.

"The report presented today, highlights the plight of child poverty and the significant impact on wellbeing and attainment. The root causes of poverty, particularly child poverty, across the Highlands remain persistent and complex. Addressing them requires a collaborative, cross-sector approach where employment is key to supporting families, whether through securing a job or advancements in current work to increase household income, in turn giving families a sustainable route out of poverty."

Cllr Finlayson added: "I'd like to thank our employability team and all our HEP partners for their ongoing commitment to support as many Highland residents as possible out of poverty through sustainable and fair work, assisting both individuals and employers to unlock their work potential."

Work.Life.Highland https://worklifehighland.co.uk/ is a driven place-based approach, which empowers local areas to tailor services to their specific needs, offering a person-centred, integrated service which presents opportunities to address current and emerging job opportunities. It provides a simple and clear "front door" point of entry to encourage potential clients and employers to get in touch and find out more about the help and support on offer.

The website is structured around three key themes, aimed at guiding people to find out more in relation to their circumstances.

I want a job - covering starting work for the first time, getting back into work after a career break, enhanced support for people with extra barriers e.g. disability, long-term health conditions, long-term unemployment.

I have a job and want to progress - support for people already in work and in receipt of universal credit to gain skills which will potentially help raise their household income. Supporting working parents on universal credit is a high priority under this theme.

I am an employer - connecting with employers to support our work by creating valuable opportunities for our clients (e.g. employment, work experience, volunteering and workplace tasters), whilst at the same time helping businesses connect with people who have the potential to become valued members of staff.

The full report can be read at Item 9.
https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5221/education_committee