ERSA is delighted to announce that phase one of the new Skills, Employment, Training and Help (SETH) directory launches today at https://askseth.org. The site is the only single source, digital platform in the UK which doesn’t require sign up or membership from jobseekers. Ultimately, it will enable any member of the public, or employability professional, to research and retrieve information on local support available via a postcode or topic-specific search.

 
Many ERSA members and funded providers have already contributed details of their services to the site. We now require a push to fully populate the site with the wealth of provision available, including Restart outcomes, in readiness for a full public launch of the site in mid-June. Inclusion on the site is free and guidance on submitting your services and localities is available here.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP says:

“As we progress along the roadmap to recovery and key sectors of the economy reopen, the employability sector is playing a vital role in matching those looking for work with the increasing number of vacancies out there and helping people to progress.

“This Employability Day, I’d encourage everyone to explore the plethora of opportunities available in the sector itself, and help us level up opportunity across the country as we push to build back better.”

 
Steve Hart, Employability CEO at Ingeus, says: “We’re at a pivotal moment in employability. We need the sector pushing every opportunity to encourage, engage and facilitate support around the country. ASK SETH will be the public’s go-to platform and our opportunity to showcase our services. There is no time like the present to get on board and make a difference. Ingeus was an early contributor to the site, and we look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength as more providers submit their services.”
 
Covering England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland coming soon, employability, skills and training experts have also uploaded video content to provide bite-size, targeted support for jobseekers. Reflecting the sector’s commitment to help jobseekers who need additional support, the content will concentrate on a wide range of specific jobseeker needs, such as those who may be finding work after redundancy, older jobseekers, homeless people, ex-offenders, those experiencing mental health issues, people with physical disabilities, migrant jobseekers, carers and first time jobseekers.
 
Elizabeth Taylor, CEO of ERSA says: “The new website is a game changer for those who may lack the experience and expertise to access job search or training help. We have worked closely with software provider Frog Systems to provide a free showcase of specialist support and resources. We’d like to welcome more practitioners and service providers to contribute to the site so our end-users can engage directly with the right services in their area. It is key for us that the information resonates with its users, that they can access the right people and places in their location and find the advice to make a difference to their lives. We are not in competition and we plan to direct end-users to the most appropriate destination for their needs. We are immensely proud of ASK SETH and look forward to extending your help to many more people as well as showcasing those providing the support.”
 
The directory is only as powerful as the information it contains; this is your chance to get on board.
 
Please direct any comments or questions to adam.byrne@ersa.org.uk
 
Links to further information:

What is ASK SETH? (28 second video)
What is the platform trying to achieve? (50 second video)
ASK SETH Information Session, 10 March (47.50 minutes video)
ASK SETH Live Demo Session, 21 April (31.26 minutes video)