Connexions is the Government's support service for all young people aged 13 to 19 in England. It ensures that young people have the support needed to help them make a smooth transition to adulthood and to working life. Government Offices currently monitor the Connexions Service to ensure it delivers effectively.
More information on the national picture
Within the universal service, a connexion has a key target to reduce the number of 16-18 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Connexions is delivered through local Partnerships working to national planning guidance. The Partnerships in London cover the same geographical areas as the Learning and Skills Councils.
Connexions offers differential and integrated support to young people. All young people will have access to a personal adviser. For some young people this may be just for careers advice, for others it may involve some more in-depth support to help identify barriers to learning and find solutions brokering access to more specialist support. The personal adviser will work in a range of settings such as schools, colleges, one-stop shops, community centres and on an out-reach basis.
Across London there are five Connexions Partnerships each covering a number of London boroughs. The Partnerships are run by a Chief Executive, reporting to a management board including representatives from Local Authorities, schools colleges, voluntary & community sector, youth service, careers companies, Learning & Skills Councils, health services and local police. Connexions staff in Government Office for London (GOL) support and facilitates the development of Connexions Partnerships and monitor their performance against their Business Plans and agreed targets. This work includes:
- Contract management of the five London Partnerships on behalf of the Department for Education and Skill
- Ensure data and management information is submitted by Partnerships on time.
- Facilitate links with all key partners to contribute to the Connexions agenda.
- Organising the sharing of information, experiences and good practice across London. This includes running cross partnership events, meetings, and producing a Bi-monthly Connexions London Newsletter.
The Connexions Service in London Annual budget for 2004-05 was £70,655,841.00.
In London Connexions Partnerships are also the Lead Delivery Agents for Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP). PAYP provides young people age 8-19 years who are not in education, employment or training with all year round activities and offers one to one support to assist them in accessing education, training and employment. The budget for PAYP in 2004/05 was £7,799,723 for Main Activities and £6,001,536 for Key Workers.
