The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Homelessness Taskforce was established in 2017 following the first Mayoral election, with the aim to design out homelessness.

Taskforce membership includes all seven constituent local authorities, representation from non-constituent local authorities, key public sector agencies including Police, Fire, Health, DWP, NHF, Homes England; not for profit sector including West Midlands Housing Association Partnership, Crisis, Women's Aid, YMCA and representation from the Business Community.

Working with Business in the Community and Gowling WLG we have compiled some practical steps within a dedicated toolkit that businesses can take to help prevent and tackle homelessness.

The toolkit aims to support employers to consider how they can implement actions as part of their day-to-day activities, to prevent homelessness within their workforce, give practical help to employees when issues arise, and create pathways to employment for people who have experienced homelessness.

We are seeking to appoint a suitable experienced single provider (consultant, collaboration of consultants or single organisation) to work with businesses across the WMCA region to make the most of the tools and approach, and to raise their awareness about homelessness in all its forms e.g. that it isn't just about rough sleeping.