Frequently asked questions
- What is workforce development?
- Who will be included in this project?
- Do you have to work for the council to take part?
- How will it work?
- How will it affect me?
- Yes, but what's in it for me?
- What will you do with the information?
- Can I have some more information?
- Is this linked to the council's Job Evaluation programme?
- Is this linked to funding?
- I'm not very good with computers, can I still take part?
- I want to take part, what should I do?
1. What is workforce development?
The Workforce Development Project is part of the wider Change for Children Programme, which aims for the activities of all the different people involved with children and young people to become more joined up and share information. This project is trying to gather information about the skills and qualifications of those who work with children and young people.
2. Who will be included in this project?
Everyone who works with children and young people – regardless of whether this work is paid or unpaid.
3. Do you have to work for the council to take part?
No, you just have to work with children and young people in Knowsley.
4. How will it work?
Individuals will be asked to complete a questionnaire. You will be able to change the information in the questionnaire as many times as you like (within the project lifespan) and you can enter the data in one go or you can update it whenever you choose. The questionnaire will be available online and there will also be a paper based option if access to the internet is not possible or difficult. We will be holding computer sessions at a variety of locations over different days and times - including the weekend and evenings - to help individuals complete their questionnaire.
5. How will it affect me?
We are asking all individuals and organisations who work with children and young people to be part of this project and to complete a questionnaire about their skills and qualifications. Organisations will need to allow time for individuals to complete the questionnaire.
6. Yes, but what's in it for me?
Individuals will benefit from the opportunity to have a personalised overview of their skills and help them identify their strengths and weaknesses. It will help organisations to identify any skills gaps by providing a summary of their staff and therefore allow them to plan for the development of the workforce. This will fit in with current performance reviews and also allow for more targeted training.
7. What will you do with the information?
The information will be used for planning where more people are needed with specific skills and helping to fill these gaps. While your employer may be asked to verify some of the details, they won’t be able to access your questionnaire unless you want them to. The information you provide to us will be confidential and anonymous; your name and your details will not appear in any report or be based within the council.
8. Can I have more information?
Yes, please give our workforce development team (0151 443 3247) a call to discuss any concerns or questions that you have.
9. Is this linked to the council's Job Evaluation programme?
No, it’s not. The information will not be linked together and this project will have no affect on your job evaluation.
10. Is this linked to funding?
No, it will not affect whether or not you receive funding. However, the organisational and individual plans could be used to support applications when applying for funding.
11. I'm not very good with computers. Can I still take part?
Yes, one of our team can come out and help you with the computer side of the questionnaire or we can send you a paper based one. If you don’t have access to computers we can arrange a session in your local area.
12. I want to take part, what should I do?
Please contact Nicola Ronan or Alastair Child to arrange for this to happen and a member of the team will come out and demonstrate the tool to you. (nicola.ronan@knowsley.gov.uk or 0151 443 3247).