Update on REF Progress

Since its launch in December 2006, significant progress has been made in putting the REF into action.

A REF Strategy Group has been formed with representatives from:

• One NorthEast
• Jobcentre Plus
• Learning and Skills Council
• Government Office for the North East
• The Department for Health
• The North East Employer Coalition
• The TUC
• Sector Skills Councils
• Tyne & Wear City Region
• Tees Valley Unlimited
• Durham LSP
• Northumberland LSP
• Local Authorities

This group is currently Chaired by Jobcentre Plus (Dave Wright, External Partnerships Manager)

In October 2007, Sue Hannan took up post as REF Regional Co-ordinator. Sue is responsible for pulling together the activities of the REF Partnership and for supporting partners as they drive forward implementation plans.

In addition to the REF Strategic Group there is also a small REF Implementation Team, primarily with representatives from One NorthEast, Jobcentre Plus, LSC, NE Employer Coalition and Tyne & Wear City Region.  However, membership of this group will alter depending upon activities being taken forward:

Certain partner organisations /individuals are leading specific activity strands:

• Employer Engagement –NE Employer Coalition (Les Howard)
• Data Management Systems – Tyne & Wear City Region ( Mark Barrett)
• Rural Issues – Northumberland LSP (Sandra Brydon)
• Funding – One NorthEast (Robin Beveridge)
• Health  – Dept of Health (Tracey Sharp /Denise Orange)
• Customer Diagnostics – One NorthEast (Suzzanne Henderson)