The Opportunities Fife Partnership (OFP) brings together local organisations to help people across Fife find work, build skills, and improve their lives. In 2024/25, OFP supported over 1,500 people through a wide range of employability programmes, with a strong focus on those facing the biggest challenges, like long-term unemployment, mental health issues, caring responsibilities, or poverty.

This work directly supports the Plan for Fife’s goals, especially around tackling poverty, building community wealth, and improving health and wellbeing. OFP’s programmes help people gain confidence, learn new skills, and move into jobs or self-employment. More than 300 people progressed into work or started their own business, and 82% of participants reported feeling more confident or better prepared for the future.

The support is tailored to each person’s needs. Services include one-to-one coaching, mental health support, help for lone parents, volunteering opportunities, and advice for people who want to start their own business. OFP also works closely with employers and training providers to make sure the support leads to real opportunities.

OFP’s work is a team effort. It brings together Fife Council, NHS Fife, the Department for Work and Pensions, and many third sector organisations like Fife Gingerbread, SAMH, and Brag Enterprises. These partners work together to make sure people get the right help at the right time, and that services are joined up and easy to access.

As OFP continues to grow, it’s taking steps to make its services even more effective and sustainable. One key area is community-led approaches, giving local people more say in shaping services so they better reflect the needs of each area. This is especially important in communities that face the most challenges.

Another focus is making transitions smoother between different types of support. OFP is working to ensure people don’t fall through the cracks when moving from one programme to another, by improving coordination, offering longer-term case management, and providing clearer guidance.

Stronger links with employers are also a priority. OFP plans to work more closely with local businesses to create job opportunities that are suitable for people with additional needs. This could include tailored placements, apprenticeships, or adapting roles to be more inclusive.

Recognising that many people have experienced trauma, OFP is embedding trauma-informed practices across its services. Staff and partners are being trained to understand and respond to trauma in a way that helps people feel safe, respected, and supported.

Finally, OFP is improving how it tracks outcomes and collects data. This will help identify what’s working best and ensure resources are used where they’ll have the biggest impact.

By continuing to improve and adapt, OFP is helping to build a more inclusive, resilient, and thriving Fife, where everyone has the chance to succeed.