The Pathfinders

Fifteen ‘pathfinder’ areas have been chosen to test this approach and they are developing their plans. Key activities are likely to include:

• using funding committed by partners to fill gaps in existing provision and provide more help to those who are currently furthest from the support of the welfare state
• joining-up local activity more effectively, so there is more clarity and less duplication, with clearer routes for individuals to take up the support they need to get back to work
• ensuring the provision on offer is tuned to the needs of the local labour market, so individuals gain the skills and attributes they need to access the particular jobs that employers need to fill.

Successful pathfinders are:

• Birmingham, Coventry and Black Country
• Blackburn with Darwen
• Dundee
• East London
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Heads of the Valley
• Leicester
• Liverpool
• Greater Manchester
• Nottingham
• Rhyl
• South Yorkshire
• Tyne and Wear
• West London

The first two pathfinders, announced in April 2006, were East and West London. A further 13 successsful cities and towns were granted pathfinder status in July 2006.

To promote innovation and the sharing of ideas and good practice, all the pathfinder areas have agreed for their Expressions of interest to be published on this website.

In December 2006 Pathfinders submitted Business Plans which outlined the challenge facing their area and and what they wanted to achieve.