Aims of the REF

The REF will provide a single accessible network of support that meets the needs of both employers and individuals.  

The REF will improve the joint planning between all of the key stakeholders, Jobcentre Plus, the Learning & Skills Council, One NorthEast, NE Employer Coalition, Health Services, Local Authorities, Voluntary and Community Organisations and most importantly – Employers.  This will create a more efficient system, allowing individual agencies to focus on their strengths along the customer journey, whilst meeting the collective objective of getting people back into sustainable employment.

It will create an employment ladder that makes it easy for people to access help and it provides a clear path from initial engagement with voluntary groups and other local agencies, through to better support for them once they have started work.  This will in turn ensure people go on to get better quality and high paid jobs. (See REF Stage 1&2 Models)

The creation of a common assessment and tracking system between all agencies, together with a clearer structure, will ensure that once engaged, customers do not slip out of the system.

Employers will benefit from the REF, as they will be offered access to a wider pool of job-ready candidates and will be more involved with the design of training programmes to help meet their specific skills and recruitment needs.