Blog

13.09.2022

Supporting the South of Scotland Enterprise Additional Support Needs (ASN) Learning Network

Sally Cavers shares some insight into the work she has been leading with South of Scotland Enterprise bringing people together as a collective to learn and share and create positive change.  

Background to the Network 

The Additional Support Needs (ASN) Learning Network grew from a joint concept between The Usual Place of Dumfries and Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG) in the Scottish Borders, two organisations that work with people with additional support needs in the South of Scotland.  

It was created out of a desire to support knowledge and awareness of good practice and to make connections to improve the employment opportunities for people with additional support needs. Founding members had experienced great work across the region but difficulty in knowing what opportunities are available in employment for people with additional support needs and how these opportunities can be better supported. It is funded by the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and facilitated by Inspiring Scotland. 

The ASN Learning Network helps to share best practice and innovation in employment for people with additional support needs in the South of Scotland region. Collectively network members identify where gaps are in service provision and co-develop solutions which will help to inform the regional economic strategy. Economic recovery is a priority area for SOSE and by funding this work it demonstrates our commitment to Fair Work and Equalities which are vital planks in our strategy. It is key we develop our skills and people in the region and to make sure that we create and sustain new jobs that are fulfilling, well rewarded and secure. The ASN Learning Network will provide the connections and analysis to make this a reality.       
Kathy Cremin, Communities Specialist,  South of Scotland Enterprise

About the Network

The network is made up of almost 40 individuals from local and national third sector organisations, local authority teams, school staff, Skills Development Scotland, and others. Members meet every two months to explore key areas of focus, look at good practice examples and decide how to progress things that hamper improvement. Members are committed to contributing to change for people locally that sees an inclusive approach to work in the region. The Network was established in October 2021 and is a two-year pilot. 

We need the network to help us all to harness the full potential of individuals across the South of Scotland and supports places across the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway that enable people with additional support needs to thrive. Young people with additional support needs have the right to contribute to a society that recognises and provides opportunities for their participation in the labour market. The network is making the connections and enabling the conversations that will make this happen.
Heather Hall, Director Inspired Community Education Trust

What has happened so far? 

Our work initially focused on creating connections across the areas, facilitating meaningful discussion primarily through network sessions.

The network sessions include spotlights highlighting good practice, this has showcased organisations and projects that members were not aware of. The Scottish Borders is one of the 10 local authorities that is trialling the Principles of Good Transitions: Principles into Practice approach developed by ARC Scotland. Members learned about how to improve young people’s experience of preparing to leave school and were given insight into the tools developed that they will be using as the model rolls out. 

The first feedback report summarised network members’ contributions to discussions about what was needed locally and what would make a difference. Members had discussed the barriers to progress for different age groups and the report summarised these for readers. This provides a baseline for evidence of success as the network develops throughout its test period.  

Participation is really deepening my understanding of the connections we need to make for change.
Network member

Part of Inspiring Scotland’s role is to amplify the views and experiences of people with additional support needs in relation to employment. At Inspiring Scotland we place lived experience at the centre of our work and want to engage with people who experience challenges most directly. We can do this by listening and designing services in partnership with those they serve.  

A session with a Borders youth group provided the opportunity for creative engagement and young members to share what would make a difference for them. This evidence will be used to further support the case for change. The network is amplifying the views and experiences of people with additional support needs in relation to employment. 

One of the specific blocks raised by several members and people consulted as a barrier to employment for people with additional support needs across the region was transport. 

A young person with additional support needs sharing their views about employment locally said there is a need for more opportunities – not just saying “no” – even for volunteering and more job opportunities that can be done remotely, so people are not limited if they can’t get around. Funding needs to be available for travel.

The network enables sharing of solutions between cross sectoral members who do not usually have this opportunity and can share ideas for example on funding for transport. 

As the network approaches it’s one year anniversary in October, Sally and the team are looking forward to continuing this work with South of Scotland Enterprise. 

If you are interested in this area of work, contact, Sally Cavers,  sally@inspiringscotland.org.uk   

You can stay up to date with the work of the the network:  

• Follow on  Linkedin
• Report 1
• Report 2