Our recent policy development event brought together NEET prevention professionals and researchers at the University of Bath to identify priority actions to prevent NEEThood across the region.
Professionals from each of the Southwest’s 11 Unitary Authorities reviewed the findings of a 3.5 year study into NEEThood. Working in cross regional roundtables, organised by area of service provision, attendees identified priority challenges for our region.
Discussion endorsed the study findings and enriched them with valuable examples of the ways in which key barriers are negatively impacting outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. The commonality of experiences and insights within the room highlighted the value of a coordinated regional response.
The group then explored the policy commitments and directions signalled in the Youth Guarantee, considering the extent to which these reflected regional priorities. Having such a wealth of experience in the room enabled lively, productive discussion and the formulation of a number of policy recommendations to improve the NEET prevention landscape in the Southwest and make an impact on this persistent issue.
The recommendations developed on the day will be disseminated in two stages. Firstly, this spring, an initial brief will be circulated. Following this a second event to explore findings and priorities with a panel of young people from across the Southwest will lead to a second report containing multi-stakeholder recommendations.
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