FAQ's
Applications
Who can apply to be a host organisation?
Any third sector organisation, regardless of size can apply to be a host organisation.
Can non third sector organisations apply?
We will consider applications from public sector organisations where the placement is deemed to offer an opportunity not already covered by a third sector organisation. Private sector organisations cannot apply.
Do you have to be a Argyll and Bute TSI member to be a host organisation?
No. We will endeavour to support any third sector organisations who have meaningful placements to offer.
What is the application process?
We welcome all enquiries but we recommend you follow the first step which is to register your interest in becoming a host organisation via the application.
Organisations must give sufficient detail to satisfy that a valuable placement is being offered. If your placement is considered valuable, your application will progress to stage 2 where we will screen your organisation to ensure that the minimum conditions are met. All organisations must complete the YPG training session which lasts approximately one hour.
Placements
How many placements can I apply for?
There is no set limit and the first round of applications can be made any time up to 31st July 2021. The second round of applications opens on the 1st of August and can be made anytime up to Friday the 17th of September. However, you should think about the number of placements you could reasonably support.
What sort of roles are the placements suitable for?
This programme is suitable for all sectors, but the placements must be based within Argyll and Bute Local Authority area and structured in such a way that the participant gets the opportunity to further their job skills and long-term employment prospects. We are flexible as to what that looks like and we will discuss your proposal with you to ensure a quality standard.
What is a bespoke placement?
A bespoke placement is basically a placement which is not already included in your application. It is entirely optional if you wish to offer this. We will only contact those organisations which have indicated that they can accommodate a bespoke placement to discuss the specific requirements and find out if they can be accommodated. If you have not indicated that you can accommodate a bespoke placement, you will not be contacted for this purpose.
How long will the placements last?
As a general guide the placement should be for a maximum of 25 hours per week for a period of 6- 10 months. However, in practice this will be highly dependent on the individual. They may not be able to commit to a lot of hours each week or they may be ready to access work, education or training before the 6-month period is over. Once a placement has commenced, both volunteer and host organisation will have regular reviews to ensure both parties are supported and that the placements are going well. The outcome of the reviews will determine the length of placement needed.
Can the young person be deployed to other organisations as part of their placement?
Yes, you can deploy the young person to other projects or organisations so long as these are also other third sector organisations and based in Argyll and Bute Local Authority. You should state this in the role description at the application stage.
Given the current situation, can the participant work from home?
Yes, they can work from home, but you should consider how you will support your young person appropriately in this setting.
Process
What is the timeline from applying to the young person starting?
Applications will be processed as they are received up until 31st July 2021. Once your placement has been approved, your volunteering opportunity will be held in bank until a young person is matched to your opportunity. The start date will be any time between approval of your placement and September 2021.
***Please note that start dates for placements will also depend on current government guidelines. Remote placements are not affected
Do all placements have to be ready to start immediately?
No. Placements can start at any time up until September 2021.
How will the placements be advertised?
The Young Person’s Guarantee Programme is not an open programme for young people to access directly. The recruitment of young people will be by referral process through employability partners – schools, DWP, Argyll and Bute Council, Skills Development Scotland, colleges and relevant third sector organisations – and referrals will be of young people who:
– are not currently in or ready for, employment, education or training,
– are interested and willing to volunteer but unlikely to secure or retain a volunteering role without additional support
Once a young person has been referred, Argyll and Bute TSI will assess whether any existing placements would be suitable or whether a bespoke placement is required.
I already have a young person in mind for my placement. How can I get them on the programme?
If you have a young person you believe meets the criteria for the programme, you can refer them at any time by emailing ypg@argylltsi.org.uk.
Argyll and Bute TSI will be in touch to register the young person and agree the terms and arrangements.
Payments
When is the grant released?
The grant for each placement is released in full to the organisation when a young person is matched with your opportunity.
What can the grant payment for each placement be used for?
The grant payment is for the host organisation to make reasonable adjustments to the working environment to accommodate the young person’s needs e.g. software for visual impairment/ ergonomic keyboard etc, additional mentoring etc.,
Will there be any additional resources?
We are exploring with partners whether other support can be allocated to each young person to help them fully engage in the placement and will support their longer-term prospects. The young person’s needs will be discussed with along with the volunteering opportunity.
