Executive Mayor’s Employment Fund (MEF)

Croydon continues to experience above-average unemployment and persistent economic inactivity, despite being home to one of the largest working-age populations in London. The borough’s labour market is characterised by high youth unemployment in certain wards, concentrations of low-paid and insecure work, a significant proportion of residents with long-term health conditions, and marked inequalities in access to opportunity by geography, ethnicity, gender and disability. The MEF has been designed to respond to these challenges by investing in programmes that help residents to move into, remain in and progress within good work. The Fund is aligned with the Council’s emerging Employment and Skills Plan and Adult Education Skills Plan, which set out a long-term strategy for mapping the journey from learning to earning, identifying gaps in progression, and strengthening cross-sector partnerships to reduce economic inactivity and improve access to training, qualifications and meaningful work. The MEF also supports the Mayor’s Business Plan Outcome 2, which is that Croydon should be a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning. The purpose of the MEF is to support Croydon residents into work, apprenticeships, training or progression opportunities; to provide targeted, culturally competent, evidence-based interventions for residents facing multiple barriers; to strengthen the role of voluntary and community sector partners and specialist providers in employment support; to build collaborative, place-based delivery models; and to ensure that resources reach those most in need, driving measurable improvements in employability, stability and progression. The Fund will be procured across 4 lots: youth provision for 16–24-year-olds; specialist support for care experienced young people; tailored employment support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness; targeted provision for veterans and their families; and a small grants and community events strand to