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Description
The project contributed to improve decent working conditions in the social services sector, which is an important sector with a high number of employees, including many women. The Covid pandemic revealed more than ever the crucial role of these workers, and amplified the need for improving working conditions in the sector.
Together with the Norwegian partner SINTEF, the project promoter analysed the social sector system with regard to social dialogue and the level of decent work conditions (labour legislation, gender and equal opportunities, reconciliation of private and working life, employment benefits, safety and working conditions), based on Norwegian know-how and good practice.
Key activities included:
- an analysis of the Czech system, working conditions and environment to identify the needs of social partners and workers in the social sector system, in cooperation with SINTEF.
- a study visit of 3 representatives of social partners organised by SINTEF to study good practice of decent work in the social sector in Norway.
- develop and test a one-day training programme for Czech employers , which will support the enforcement of national decent work regulations and include awareness raising activities for 20 participants.
- a final conference for 100+ participants and SINTEF experts will be held in Prague in early 2024 to present outputs and the training programme.
- awareness-raising activities (website, info videos, interviews, print publications, etc.) for the target group (social service professionals, employers, public administration) and the wider public.
In addition to the formal partner SINTEF, two other organisations, Association of Social Services Providers of the Czech Republic and European Ageing Network, were involved in the development and implementation of the project.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the need for improving decent working conditions in the social services sector in the Czech Republic, a sector employing a significant number of people, particularly women. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of these workers and the extent to which societies rely on their services, amplifying the need for better working conditions. The project sought to enhance the capacity and knowledge about decent work in this sector, focusing on social dialogue, labour legislation, gender and equal opportunities, work-life balance, employment benefits, safety, and working conditions.
The project began with an analysis of the social service delivery systems in both Norway and the Czech Republic, identifying the needs in the working environment of social services in the Czech Republic and proposing examples of good practice from Norway. This analysis was conducted through visits by Norwegian experts to the Czech Republic and Czech experts to Norway. Based on these findings, a qualitative and quantitative survey was conducted to explore the use of part-time jobs in social services. A training curriculum for managers in social services was developed, piloted, and reviewed by project partners. The curriculum''s accreditation will be discussed with relevant Czech authorities. The project also included dissemination activities such as promotional materials, leaflets, brochures, interviews, and educational videos. A final conference was held to present the project''s outputs, including the training programme.
The project achieved significant results, benefiting social service workers in the Czech Republic. It successfully raised awareness and built capacity regarding decent work conditions in the social services sector. The training programme developed through the project provided valuable insights and practical knowledge to managers in social services, supporting the enforcement of national regulations related to decent work. The dissemination activities ensured that the project''s findings and recommendations reached a wide audience, including social service professionals, employers, public administration, and the general public. Overall, the project was fully successful in achieving its desired results, contributing to improved working conditions and social dialogue in the Czech social services sector.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral cooperation focused on analysis of the social sector system as regards social dialogue and the level of decent work conditions and transfer of Norwegian best practice on this topic. Together with the Norwegian partner SINTEF, the project promoter prepared a series of recommendations and examples of good practice for the Czech system.