FLOR@WORK, 2nd Edition
Florence is pioneering a new model to support individuals transitioning from social services to employment. At its core, it involves employability assessment, personalized planning, timely interventions, collaboration with local organizations, and, ultimately, innovative governance.
Now in its second year, the Flor@Work project—a Hub for Job Placement—focuses on these key aspects. Funded by the FIS of the Department of Civil Service, the project is led by the City of Florence Social Services Directorate in partnership with Consorzio Mestieri Toscana, Cooperjob ApL, the University of Florence (DISEI), and Proteina SCS.
Flor@Work introduced innovation by engaging new public and private stakeholders, testing a savings accounting mechanism, and laying the groundwork for a progressive impact finance system linked to this model.
A key aspect of the project was engaging stakeholders in a cultural and organizational learning process focused on measuring the impact of active policy interventions. This shift in perspective—from output to outcome—meant moving beyond simply assessing the direct results of actions to evaluating the actual changes they produced.
Cooperjob, through its Florence branch, initially concentrated on promotional efforts among local businesses and stakeholders. This was followed by strategic networking with Social Cooperatives and Third Sector Parties. By acquiring and analyzing partner databases, along with those from the Mestieri Toscana Consortium, Cooperjob developed a structured plan for outreach and company visits across the Florence province. These visits allowed for a firsthand assessment of direct and indirect job placement opportunities while also facilitating the presentation of the most suitable candidate profiles.
The innovative governance model tested within the Flor@Work project has opened new avenues for collaboration. However, to ensure long-term impact, it remains crucial to establish a centralized structure within the City of Florence with dedicated resources. This would be key to fostering a cohesive and sustainable approach to work inclusion policies, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of these initiatives.
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