Council Help Centre

GPOD helps reduce NEET numbers through a multi-faceted approach:

• Digital-First Engagement: Reaching young people on their preferred platforms
• QR Code Poster Campaigns: Location-specific engagement in high NEET areas
• Mobile App Access: Low-barrier entry to work opportunities
• Instant Pay Features: Immediate financial incentive to maintain engagement
• Behavioral Nudging: AI-powered motivation to keep young people engaged
• Skills Matching: Connecting NEETs with appropriate opportunities
• Progress Tracking: Monitoring individual journeys from NEET to employment

Councils using GPOD have achieved an average 47% reduction in NEET numbers within 12 months of implementation.

The QR code poster system is a key component of GPOD's engagement strategy:

1. Creation: Generate unique QR codes for specific locations within your borough
2. Deployment: Place posters in strategic locations with high NEET populations
3. Engagement: NEETs scan the code with their phones, directing them to the GPOD app
4. Onboarding: Simple sign-up process collects basic information and ID verification
5. Matching: Immediate display of nearby work opportunities
6. Analytics: Track which locations generate the most engagements

The system includes location intelligence to identify which areas are most effective for engagement, allowing councils to optimize poster placement for maximum impact.

Yes, GPOD provides powerful targeting capabilities:

• Postcode-Level Targeting: Focus resources on specific neighborhoods or estates
• Demographic Filters: Target by age, gender, education level, and other factors
• Barrier-Based Segmentation: Create campaigns for NEETs with specific barriers (e.g., transportation issues)
• Interest Matching: Connect NEETs with opportunities aligned with their interests
• Multi-language Support: Engage non-English speaking communities

The targeting system allows you to create custom campaigns for different segments, ensuring resources are directed where they'll have the greatest impact. Data from your campaigns helps refine targeting over time.

Our success-based pricing model aligns our interests with your outcomes:

• Activation Fee: £25 per NEET successfully onboarded and engaged
• Shift Completion Fee: £5 per additional shift completed after initial engagement
• No Outcome, No Fee: You only pay for successful activations
• Volume Discounts: Tiered pricing for larger-scale implementations
• Capped Billing: Monthly caps ensure budget predictability

This model ensures you only pay for results, making it easy to demonstrate value for money in your NEET reduction efforts. The system includes detailed tracking of activations and shift completions for transparent billing.

GPOD connects NEETs with a diverse range of employers:

• Local Businesses: Retailers, hospitality, service providers
• Public Sector: Council departments, NHS, schools
• Social Enterprises: Community organizations and social businesses
• National Employers: Large companies with local presence
• Gig Economy Platforms: Delivery, task-based work

Councils can also bring their own employer partners into the platform. All employers are vetted to ensure they provide fair wages and appropriate working conditions. The platform prioritizes opportunities that offer progression pathways and skills development.

GPOD offers comprehensive analytics capabilities for councils:

• Real-time Dashboards: Live tracking of engagement and outcomes
• Geographic Visualization: Heatmaps and location-based insights
• Demographic Analysis: Breakdown by age, gender, education, and other factors
• Engagement Metrics: App usage, shift applications, completion rates
• Outcome Tracking: Employment secured, training started, sustained engagement
• Trend Analysis: Historical patterns and future projections
• Comparative Analysis: Benchmark against similar council areas

All analytics are accessible through user-friendly dashboards with export capabilities for reporting. Enterprise tier includes predictive analytics for forecasting future trends.

GPOD's borough-level visualization provides detailed geographical insights:

• Interactive Maps: Click-and-explore visualizations of your borough
• Ward-level Breakdowns: Detailed metrics for each ward or neighborhood
• Heat Maps: Visual representation of NEET density and engagement levels
• Postcode Targeting: Drill down to specific postcode areas for micro-targeting
• Comparative Views: Compare performance across different areas
• Time-lapse Analysis: View changes in engagement over time

The system integrates with standard GIS formats and can import council boundary data. Maps can be customized with additional data layers (e.g., deprivation indices, transportation routes) for richer analysis.

Yes, GPOD provides flexible data export options:

• Multiple Formats: Export as CSV, Excel, PDF, or JSON
• Scheduled Exports: Set up automatic exports on daily, weekly, or monthly schedules
• Custom Queries: Create and save specific data queries for regular exports
• API Access: Direct integration with your own analytics tools (Enterprise tier)
• Data Warehouse Connection: Connect to your council's data warehouse (Enterprise tier)

All exported data is anonymized by default, with options to include personally identifiable information where appropriate and with proper consent. Exports include detailed field descriptions and metadata for easy integration with your analysis tools.

GPOD takes data privacy and GDPR compliance seriously:

• UK Data Storage: All data is stored on secure UK-based servers
• Explicit Consent: Clear consent processes for NEET data collection
• Data Minimization: Only collecting necessary information
• Access Controls: Role-based access to ensure data is only accessible to authorized users
• Data Processing Agreements: Compliant contracts with all councils
• Right to be Forgotten: Simple processes for data deletion requests
• Data Protection Impact Assessments: Completed for all core functions

GPOD is registered with the ICO and undergoes regular security audits. We provide councils with all necessary documentation to satisfy their own GDPR compliance requirements.

Yes, GPOD offers several integration options:

• API Integration: Connect with your existing BI tools and dashboards
• Data Export Pipelines: Automated data flows to your systems
• SSO Integration: Single sign-on with your council's authentication system
• NEET Database Synchronization: Two-way sync with existing NEET databases
• Custom Connectors: Bespoke integrations for specialized systems

Standard tier includes basic integrations, while Enterprise tier offers advanced custom integration options. Our technical team works with your IT department to establish secure and efficient data flows.

GPOD's grant mapping feature helps councils align platform activities with funding requirements:

1. Grant Import: Enter your grant requirements and KPIs into the system
2. Metric Mapping: Link GPOD metrics to specific grant requirements
3. Data Collection: Automatically collect the right data for grant reporting
4. Reporting Templates: Create custom templates aligned with funder requirements
5. Automated Reporting: Generate grant-ready reports with the click of a button
6. Progress Tracking: Monitor progress toward grant targets in real-time

The system includes pre-configured templates for common UK funding streams like the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Youth Investment Fund, and Levelling Up Fund.

GPOD supports reporting for numerous UK government and charitable funding streams:

• UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
• Youth Investment Fund
• Levelling Up Fund
• European Social Fund (ESF) Legacy Programs
• DWP Work and Health Programme
• National Lottery Community Fund
• Youth Futures Foundation
• Local Skills Improvement Plans

The system is flexible and can be configured for any funding stream with defined metrics and outcomes. We regularly update templates when new funding programs are announced.

Yes, GPOD helps councils secure new funding in several ways:

• Evidence Base: Detailed data on NEET populations and interventions
• Outcome Tracking: Clear metrics to demonstrate past success
• Impact Visualization: Compelling visuals for funding applications
• ROI Projections: Data-driven forecasts of expected returns
• Template Library: Application templates and case studies from successful bids
• Funding Alerts: Notifications about relevant funding opportunities

Councils using GPOD have an 87% success rate when applying for youth employment and skills funding. Our team can also provide guidance on funding strategies and application development.

GPOD provides comprehensive outcome tracking for grant reporting:

• Individual Journeys: Track each NEET's progress from engagement to outcome
• Outcome Definitions: Configure what constitutes a successful outcome based on grant requirements
• Evidence Collection: Gather verification for outcomes (e.g., employment contracts, attendance records)
• Sustained Outcomes: Monitor long-term success at 3, 6, and 12-month intervals
• Outcome Attribution: Clear reporting on which interventions led to specific outcomes
• Multiple Outcome Types: Track employment, education, training, and wellbeing outcomes

The system includes verification processes to ensure reported outcomes meet funder requirements. All outcome data can be exported in grant-ready formats with appropriate evidence attached.

Yes, GPOD offers extensive report customization:

• Multiple Templates: Create and save different report templates for various audiences
• Visual Customization: Brand reports with your council logos and styling
• Content Selection: Choose which metrics and data points to include
• Narrative Sections: Add context and qualitative information to quantitative data
• Access Controls: Determine who can view and export different report types
• Scheduled Distribution: Automate report delivery to stakeholders

Standard and Enterprise tiers include the Report Builder tool, which allows you to create custom reports through a drag-and-drop interface. These can be saved as templates for future use.

The 362% ROI figure is calculated using a comprehensive model that includes:

• Benefit Savings: Reduced payments for JSA, Universal Credit, and other benefits
• Increased Tax Revenue: Income tax and NI contributions from employed former NEETs
• Reduced Service Demand: Decreased need for support services
• Health Cost Savings: Reduced healthcare utilization (especially mental health)
• Crime Reduction: Lower criminal justice costs
• Long-term Economic Impact: Improved lifetime earnings and economic contribution

The calculation follows HM Treasury Green Book methodology and is based on actual outcomes from councils using GPOD. The ROI is measured over a 3-year period, with costs including platform fees and council staff time.

GPOD measures social impact through multiple dimensions:

• Wellbeing Metrics: Improvements in self-reported wellbeing
• Community Engagement: Increased civic participation
• Skills Development: New capabilities and qualifications gained
• Housing Stability: Improvements in housing security
• Social Inclusion: Reduced isolation and increased social connections
• Aspirations: Changes in future goals and ambitions

These metrics are collected through regular check-ins with NEET participants and can be customized based on your council's specific priorities and strategies. The system includes a Social Value Calculator that monetizes these impacts using the HACT Social Value Bank methodology.

Yes, GPOD allows detailed impact tracking for specific demographics:

• Age Groups: Track impact by different age ranges
• Gender: Compare outcomes across genders
• Ethnicity: Monitor impact on different ethnic communities
• Educational Background: Compare results based on previous education
• Location: Analyze impact by ward, neighborhood, or postcode
• Specific Barriers: Track outcomes for those with particular challenges (e.g., disabilities, care leavers)

This segmentation helps identify which strategies work best for different groups, allowing for targeted approaches. The system supports intersectional analysis to understand complex patterns across multiple demographic factors.

Impact timelines vary by metric, but typical timelines include:

• Initial Engagement: 2-4 weeks from launch
• First Employment Outcomes: 4-8 weeks from launch
• NEET Reduction: Measurable changes at 3 months
• Significant ROI: Clear financial returns at 6-12 months
• Sustained Change: Long-term impact measurable at 12+ months

Factors affecting timelines include starting NEET levels, local economic conditions, and implementation approach. The dashboard provides real-time indicators from day one, allowing you to monitor progress and make adjustments.

GPOD outperforms traditional interventions in several key areas:

• Cost-Effectiveness: 60-70% lower cost per outcome compared to traditional programs
• Engagement Rate: 3-4x higher engagement rates, especially with hard-to-reach groups
• Speed of Impact: Outcomes achieved in weeks rather than months
• Scale: Ability to reach significantly more NEETs with the same resources
• Data Quality: Real-time, comprehensive data versus periodic manual reporting
• Sustained Outcomes: Higher retention rates in employment and training

GPOD works best as part of an integrated strategy, complementing face-to-face interventions for those with complex needs while efficiently supporting the broader NEET population.

GPOD provides comprehensive technical support:

• Gabriel AI Assistant: 24/7 AI-powered support for common questions
• Help Desk: Live support during business hours (8am-6pm Mon-Fri)
• Technical Account Manager: Dedicated support for Standard and Enterprise tiers
• Implementation Support: Guided setup and configuration
• Training Sessions: Regular online training for council staff
• Knowledge Base: Comprehensive documentation and tutorials
• System Status Page: Real-time updates on platform performance

Support is provided through multiple channels including chat, email, phone, and video calls. Enterprise tier includes on-site support sessions and priority ticket handling.

Gabriel AI provides intelligent support for council users:

• Instant Answers: Immediate responses to common questions
• Platform Navigation: Guidance on finding and using features
• Data Analysis: Help interpreting analytics and metrics
• Report Generation: Assistance creating custom reports
• Troubleshooting: Identification and resolution of common issues
• Best Practice Advice: Recommendations based on successful implementations

Gabriel is continuously trained on the latest GPOD features and council-specific use cases. For complex issues beyond AI capabilities, Gabriel seamlessly escalates to human support agents while preserving the conversation context.

GPOD is a cloud-based SaaS solution with minimal IT requirements:

• Modern Web Browser: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari
• Internet Connection: Standard broadband (1Mbps+)
• Email Access: For notifications and reports
• Mobile Devices: iOS 12+ or Android 8+ for mobile access

No server infrastructure, software installation, or special hardware is required. All data is hosted securely in UK-based data centers. The platform is accessible through council networks and firewalls with standard HTTPS protocols.

GPOD maintains robust security measures:

• ISO 27001 Certification: Adherence to international security standards
• End-to-End Encryption: All data encrypted in transit and at rest
• Regular Penetration Testing: Third-party security assessments
• Multi-factor Authentication: Additional security layer for all users
• Role-Based Access Control: Granular permissions system
• Audit Logging: Comprehensive tracking of all system activities
• NCSC Cloud Security Principles: Alignment with government security guidelines

GPOD has successfully completed security reviews for numerous local authorities and complies with PSN/HSCN connection requirements where needed. We provide comprehensive security documentation for council IT and security teams.

GPOD has robust business continuity measures:

• 99.9% Uptime SLA: Guaranteed platform availability
• Real-time Status Page: System status notifications
• Redundant Infrastructure: Multiple data centers with failover capability
• 24/7 Monitoring: Continuous system performance tracking
• Incident Response Team: Dedicated team for rapid issue resolution
• Data Backups: Regular backups with point-in-time recovery

In the rare event of an outage, our team provides regular updates on resolution progress and estimated recovery time. Critical functions like wage access have additional redundancy to ensure continuous operation even during maintenance or partial outages.