Staff working in Somerset Council’s Education Service have been recognised for their exceptional work in reducing the number of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).
A research report was presented at the House of Lords Social Mobility Policy Committee, who were so impressed by the Somerset team’s findings – its structured, collaborative approach and strong outcomes – that they recommended sharing it across the UK as an example of national best practice.
Report authors Dr Julie Young, Deanne Mahoney and Richard Lucas, who work in the Council’s careers team, detailed how they set up an evidence‑based NEET prevention pilot in Mendip. The pilot supported 368 young people and was delivered in partnership with the University of Bath.
The report recommended a number of actions that local authorities could take to strengthen NEET prevention, including appointing a lead professional to coordinate multi‑agency support, and creating regional panels to share ideas and drive innovation.
In addition to the successful pilot a new ‘Risk of NEET Indicator (RONI) tool’ and intervention frameworks were developed, to improve early identification and support for young people. This work is being prepared for a national rollout too.
Finally, the House of Lords Policy Committee also commended Somerset’s Post‑16 SEET (Seeking Education, Employment or Training) Programme, funded through the Shared Prosperity Fund. This provides sustained support through trained advocates across seven local partner organisations.
Lead Member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, Cllr Heather Shearer, said: “These are great examples of innovative thinking, smart research and shared learning that have real policy influence, and legacy.
“Congratulations to all involved in this trailblazing prevention programme. The team has shone a spotlight on the important work taking place in Somerset and should be rightly proud of the difference they are making to young people’s lives in this county, and beyond.”
House of Lords Social Mobility Policy Committee report is published here: Social Mobility: Local Roots, Lasting Change
The Somerset RONI tool, funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) is being developed for national rollout: NEET Risk Tool
The NEET Pilot Evaluation Report containing case studies, data and analysis is available by emailing: ad879@bath.ac.uk
