EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - PATH - Good Practice in Positive Action

PATH - Good Practice in Positive Action

Introduction

The Scottish PATH programme aims to tackle the under-representation of black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in employment in Scottish housing through positive action measures. The scheme operates by offering BME individuals the opportunity of a two- or three-year work placement within housing associations and local authorities throughout Scotland. A recent research project has evaluated the PATH programme in order to find good practice lessons. Overall, PATH appears as an exemplar of good practice, providing the opportunities the trainees need and want, as well as supporting them through some of the difficulties faced in an often unfamiliar field of work and study.

Description

This project extends research on and dissemination of good practice in positive action, both in housing and also in social work and education, identified by PATH (Scotland) as potential areas of public sector employment in which positive action might increase levels of BME employment.

Background information

PATH (Scotland) aims to tackle the under-representation of BME communities in employment in Scottish housing through positive action measures.

The aims of the research were to:

evaluate the current PATH (Scotland) scheme to identify good practice;
explore the need for and practice of positive action in social work, education and the voluntary sector;
to explore the potential of positive action for refugees;
to assess funding options for positive action;
to identify and disseminate good practice lessons from other positive action initiatives.

Methodology

A review of statistical information about BME employment
Interviews with 15 BME workers in social work, education and the voluntary sector
Evaluation of the current PATH (Scotland) scheme through stakeholder interviews with trainees, and ex-trainees, ten placement organisations and three universities and colleges
Exploration of potential positive action for refugees via key informant interviews
Review of potential funding
Exploration of positive action projects across the UK

Conclusions

Continued under-representation of BME groups in employment areas
Many BME employees in Scotland experience discrimination
PATH (Scotland) appears as an exemplar of good practice; there are some issues around communication and racism on placements
Refugee communities are recognised as possessing considerable skills; some programmes provide support to refugees entering employment, notably in the health area
There are a range of funding issues
Continued need for positive action in Scotland, and PATH (Scotland) has a wealth of experience and expertise
Need to extend positive action work into fields such as social work and education

Contact info

Scottish Centre for Regeneration
scr@communitiesscotland.gsi.gov.uk

Publication date

01/06/2003

Researcher

Alison Bowes, Duncan Sim and Maggie Valenti, Department of Applied Social Science, University of Stirling

Links

Visit the Scottish Centre for Regeneration website

Download the 'Good Practice in Positive Action' Report (PDF, Eng, 600 KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy

Keywords

Social inclusion & integration, Urban environment