Primary Care Wirral (PCW) has successfully gained Kickstart Scheme gateway employer status after securing funding to create new job placements for 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit at risk of long term unemployment.
PCW will facilitate the recruitment and training of staff, via its partner One Wirral, on behalf of general practices which are open to benefitting from this programme by acting as final employers.
Practices will gain access to newly skilled young employees at no additional cost, with Kickstart funding covering 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage dependent on the age of the participant) based on 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months.
Local surgeries joining the programme as work placement providers will also receive £50 per month for each employee to cover maintenance costs and additional support, and will be exempt from paying any associated employer National Insurance contributions or employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.
The government’s Kickstart Scheme allows employers to decide the number of Kickstart staff needed and spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021.
Tailored employability training for Primary Care
PCW and One Wirral have created a tailored training programme aimed at providing Kickstart staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in Primary Care settings.
Staff will receive essential employability training, as well as Primary Care specific modules, including Care Navigation and EMIS, and will gain access to further Blue Stream training prior to going into practices.
The training is aimed at preparing staff for work placements in new General Practice administrative roles, including Assistant Care Navigators, with added value for practices and the potential to increase the employee’s prospects of finding future work.
Primary Care Wirral Chief Officer, Natalie Young-Calvert, is confident the programme will help to address the present needs of practices and provide prospective employees with a vital first step on the Primary Care ladder.
“The programme allows surgeries to utilise a fantastic resource via Kickstart with access to trained staff to cover a variety of positions,” she said.
“The core roles include Surgery Receptionists and Assistant Care Navigators with the former focused on the day-to-day administrative support of practices and the latter playing a crucial role in ensuring patients receive the right support.
“The timely assistance of Assistant Care Navigators offers a crucial support line to patients with help on who to speak to regarding practical issues, including financial support, advice on long term conditions and signposting for additional services.
“The Kickstart Scheme is a unique opportunity to reinforce existing General Practice teams with staff specifically trained to understand and take advantage of the new cross-practice multidisciplinary teams.”
How to apply
Any local GP practices interested in collaborating with PCW as work placement providers can apply by simply filling the Employer Agreement Form and submitting it to PCW Administrative Assistant, Katie Joynson, on katie.joynson1@nhs.net.
To find out more about the details of this programme, please contact us or visit our Kickstart Scheme page.