Move Forward lands £2.6 million to help jobseekers

A North East employment initiative is expanding with fresh investment to support more people into work.

The Move Forward programme, run by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and delivered through partners including Thirteen Group, Groundwork and local councils, has secured £2.6 million to continue its work in 2025/26.

Support for long-term economically inactive people is delivered by the Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE), led by Thirteen Group, while Groundwork and a consortium of the region’s five local authorities, led by Hartlepool Borough Council, support those out of work in the short term.

Officials say the scheme provides tailored employment and skills support in familiar community settings such as housing associations. 

They add that services include mentoring, CV help, interview preparation and confidence-building activities.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “Sometimes people just need a little bit of extra support and confidence to get back into work, and the Move Forward programme is doing exactly that. 

“It’s already helped hundreds of people – many who’ve faced real challenges – to take control of their futures.

“We’re not interested in one-size-fits-all solutions. 

“This is about targeted support, delivered where it matters most, and tweaked and tailored to the people who need it.

“The scheme has been a huge success to date, smashing its targets and helping people become HGV drivers, carers, machine operators, welders, mechanics, teaching assistants and more.

“It has delivered real personal success stories along the way – it’s no stretch to say that for some, its impact has been truly life changing.”

In 2024/25, Move Forward supported more than 2100 individuals, helping 482 people move into employment.

As part of its career support, environmental charity Groundwork also hosts “Community Heroes Days” to help boost participants’ confidence and social skills.

One of those to benefit was Bailey Doyle, who built his confidence and secured a work placement at Normanby-based plumbing and joinery firm Full Spec after working with Thirteen Group through the “New Start” strand of Move Forward.

He said: “I lost confidence and motivation. 

“Working with Full Spec has boosted my confidence and made me realise there are more opportunities out there.”

The new funding, provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aims to help at least 1250 more residents across Tees Valley over the next year.

Councillor Lisa Evans, leader of Stockton Borough Council and TVCA cabinet member for education, employment and skills, added: “Hearing from some of the people that Move Forward has helped has demonstrated how important this programme is.

“By working together with our great providers, we can really give people the help that they need to get back into work – or to gain that little bit of extra confidence and support that can lead to new opportunities.

“It’s great to see that this will continue and I’m looking forward to hearing from the people taking part – and to see how it has helped them progress.”

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