South Tyneside Training & Enterprise Network (TEN) is the leading independent agency in the Borough of South Tyneside providing job search and related vocational and "employability" skills to unemployed people. It is a not-for-profit organization, a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. TEN receives referrals from a number of partners including Jobcentre Plus, South Tyneside College, Voluntary agencies, training providers as well as recommendations from existing and previous clients.

Providing support from the first day of unemployment, South Tyneside TEN provides an extensive and effective "safety net" of provision for unemployed people who are unable or unwilling to access provision that requires people to have either a qualifying period of unemployment or meet other specific criteria, before becoming eligible for support from public agencies. TEN is also a delivery agency in the Tyne & Wear Nextstep Information, Advice and Guidance Network.

Quality Standards and Competence

South Tyneside TEN was originally established by a group of churches with the support of the South Tyneside Council, The Tyneside Training and Enterprise Council, the Employment Service and the Council for Voluntary Service and their representatives on local business forums and groups.  TEN had its Investor in People status reviewed and renewed in 2004 and holds the Matrix Quality Standard for the provision of Information, Advice & Guidance as well as the PQASSO Quality Standard for voluntary organisations.

TEN Management

South Tyneside TEN's Management Committee has representatives from the major relevant public, private and voluntary agencies within the Borough, e.g. Officers and Members of South Tyneside MBC, Job Centre Plus, the Local Strategic Partnership, South Tyneside CVS and Community and voluntary organisations. Client group representation is through elected representatives of South Tyneside TEN's Unemployed Forum.

The Management Committee is responsible for the overall strategic decision and policy-making of the organisation, with a Director responsible for the day-to-day management of activities, supported by the Finance & Quality Systems Manager and two Business & Operations Managers.

TEN - Delivering high-quality Information Advice & Guidance Services to the people of South Tyneside