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Choose your own article! (still open)
The weather was far too lovely to think about the next article over the weekend, but I feel a bit guilty about not putting something together now the newsletter time's come round. More importantly, I'm not actually sure what you want to hear about anyway.
So now's your chance. What floats your boat? Gets your wick? What would you like to know more about? What dark and murky corners would you like a light to shine on? I promise to write articles about the first five responses, and any we like after that.
Oh go on then. Tell us whats going on with a4e and working links.
oooh - what's the gossip on a4e and working links then?
Hmm. I guess it's about time I wrote an article on this. Most people in the industry are aware of the rumours anyway, and a properly researched article would clarify their authenticity and give A4e and Working Links a right of reply. Gossip can be more dangerous than news.
For those who haven't heard, A4e are facing financial issues, possibly related to delivery of an OLASS contract, and Working Links have been having some operational issues in London and the South East. There's no evidence to suggest that either company is in serious trouble.
4 more to go!
Quick update on the A4e / Working Links story. I'm looking to write this article next week after speaking to a few people at the W2W conference. In the meantime, rumours are circulating that A4e has successfully dropped its OLASS albatross.
I didn't get to go to W2W :( Can you write something about that?
Sure thing - w2w articles coming up!
Daniel
I am a new member and I would be grateful if you would expand on your comments on the OLASS "Albatross" comment.
Is it true that A4E have relinquished their OLASS contracts and if so have they done this ain all areas?
I have heard so many conflicting stories about OLASS, I would be greatful if you would provide an informed opinion on it's viability and the obvious pitfalls which would appear to be around every corner.
Kind regards
Tom
Hi Tom,
The OLASS issue affected a particular contract in the South East or East (I forget which). They were losing £1m a year on the contract, and were therefore understandably unhappy to continue delivering it. They were allowed to relinquish that contract, but I believe they're still running another 2 or 3 that were agreed under different conditions.
More generally, I've heard that OLASS has had issues because it was overlaid on top of existing local practices, and the various stakeholders were given very little incentive or flexibility to co-operate and find ways around the obvious barriers. I haven't been directly involved in OLASS programme design or management, so can only go by other people's experiences.
I mentioned a bit more about the A4e issues in this article. I'll see if I can speak to a few more people about OLASS and work up an article for you. Well spotted on the 'choose your own article' still being around!
Hi,
Sorry just came across this while searching. A4e are still operating the contract in the South East and have not relinquished it.
OLASS does work elsewhere but there have been particular problems in the contract for the South East
Oops. Sadly it's not a great indicator of how well information travels in the sector, but my apologies for not understanding this one - I did actually discuss it with senior A4e a year or so ago and obviously got the wrong end of the stick. As a quick upadte, I haven't made any progress on the OLASS article yet. I'm working on another couple of fairly big articles that are more urgent for the sector, but will try to take a look at it soon.
I understand A4e have lost SE prisons'contract, but haven't told anyone yet. No 90day consultation period started yet. How typical of them!
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