Talent Match Middlesbrough Legacy Event

Speakers Key MessagesLinda Smith, Talent Match Middlesbrough, Programme ManagerTalent Match Middlesbrough has supported young people furthest from the labour market. Our successes have come from interventions and partnership work to address barriers as a key priority. Additionally, we have empowered young people to make informed choices about their own future. This has been key to ensuring sustainable engagement. Our project has been co designed and co led by young people which has enabled us to reach out to long term and hidden NEETS. Through continuous feedback we have been able to tailor provision, accordingly.

Mark Davis, Chief Executive, Middlesbrough Voluntary Development AgencyThe power of partnership working to make a difference to the lives of young people

Adam Jeffrey, Chimera Consulting CEO & Founder “Having evaluated 7 of the 21 Talent Match Partnerships across England, I would say Middlesbrough has done more than any other to put young people at the heart of the decision-making process. The strength of the Young People’s Panel and its influence in shaping project design and implementation, is clearly evidenced in Middlesbrough. It is a credit to the partners for sticking with this approach throughout and for supporting young people in becoming influencers, not just beneficiaries”.  Stella SpencerTalent Match Middlesbrough Youth Advocate, The Junction  Building the friendship, rapport and trust is key to unlocking a young

person’s potential. Choosing the right people as staff who can act as the bridge between

the young people and professional is key. Talent Match Middlesbrough Young People’s Panel

Having a voice and influencing Middlesbrough is the most important aspect of the panel.

Young people value bringing people together from similar situations in a none judgemental way.

Young people need information to be involved in making informed decisions and value being involved in consultation processes to influence matters that concern them.

Leading on commissioning has empowered the panel to influence young people’s services. Work trials have been most useful.

Young people should be involved in recruiting as they are best placed to judge if a person can relate to them and the issues they face.

Paul Wales, Operations Director, ACTES Approach with the right attitude – positive Be prepared to invest time Have patience Work with the young people Make them feel part of the organisation Mentor

Polly Wright, Middlesbrough Borough Council Support tailored to the individual Ensure staff understand how to respond and support the individual Be patient Enjoy it.

Lisa Bosomworth, Community Engagement Team Leader, MVDA Long term Advocacy Young People in the lead Partnership working Utilise Talent Match Middlesbrough learning Creative recruitment People are individuals