12 April 2006 - Publication of DWP research reports 345 & 346: Incapacity Benefit Reforms Pilot - Findings from the second cohort in a longitudinal panel of clients: Pathways to Work - Qualitative research on the Condition Management Programme
Two qualitative research reports are published today by the DWP on the Pathways to Work Incapacity Benefit Reform pilots. The first report examines customer views and experiences of the pilot over a period of nine months. The second report focuses on the experiences of Condition Management Programme (CMP) managers and practitioners in setting up and delivering the CMP. The reports form part of a comprehensive programme of evaluation of Pathways to Work.
The main findings of the published research from the client report are:
- Amongst the respondents, there were people focused on working, people hopeful about working sometime in the future and people not interested in working. There was evidence to suggest that by taking part in Pathways, people in these groupings can be helped to take suitable jobs, to see paid work as a more immediate possibility, or to become more focused on work.
- Health conditions were critical in customers’ thinking about work. However most of those already strongly focused on work tried work again even when their health had deteriorated.
- Use of pilot services was linked to motivation to work. Decision making about the Choices package was sometimes influenced by perceived ‘gate-keeping’ in accessing services, problems in understanding elements of services, and feeling pressure to take part.
- Financial support appeared to be of key importance to some customers, particularly the Return to Work Credit and Permitted Work.
- Ongoing contact with the pilot could be fragile, for example, when accessing Condition Management Programmes, and there was some loss of momentum where customers were reluctant to take the initiative and regain contact with the pilot.
- Not all customers who returned to work could sustain it. However where the transition back to IB was smooth customers remained focused in trying working again when they felt better. There was a negative effect on customers’ motivation to retry work where they had difficulty regaining benefits or applying for financial incentives.
The main findings of the published research on the Condition Management Programme (CMP) are:
- CMP managers and practitioners reported high job satisfaction and displayed enthusiasm and commitment to their role. They particular value: the variety of work, having enough time to devote to customers and delivering a tailor-made and preventative service.
- CMP practitioners understand the aim of helping people return to paid employment but they also acknowledge the importance of key health and social outcomes as indicators of progress. These include: reduced need for medication, increased functioning and improved quality of life.
- Relationships with Jobcentre Plus were good. Informal contact through placement in Jobcentre Plus offices aided a joint understanding of Pathways. Referrals were broadly in line with expectations although some reported higher levels of people with mental health conditions being referred than anticipated.
- CMP practitioners commented that networking with other agencies, e.g. Job Brokers, GPs and health professionals and voluntary sector agencies was an important element of their role.
Notes to editors:
- The DWP research reports Incapacity Benefit Reforms Pilot: Findings from the second cohort in a longitudinal panel of clients and Pathways to Work: Qualitative research on the Condition Management Programme are published on 11th April 2006.
- The client report consists of findings from a series of three interviews over nine months with a second panel of incapacity benefit customers starting in September 2004. Findings from the first cohort of customers were reported in Incapacity Benefit Reforms Pilot: Findings from a longitudinal panel of clients, DWP Research Report 259, published in July 2005. The research was conducted by the Policy Studies Institute (PSI), the National Centre for Social Research (Natcen) and the Social Policy Research Unit at York University (SPRU). The reports authors were Anne Corden and Katherine Nice from SPRU. The CMP report consists of findings with CMP practitioners and managers in the first seven Pathways areas. Interviews took place in summer 2005. The research was undertaken by PSI, Natcen and SPRU as above. The reports authors were Helen Barnes and Maria Hudson from PSI.
- This research is part of a comprehensive evaluation of the IB Reforms, ‘Pathways to Work’ pilots being conducted by a consortium led by the Policy Studies Institute. Other evaluation reports published on the pilots are:
Incapacity Benefit Reforms – the Personal Adviser Role & Practices: Stage Two, National Centre for Social Research, DWP report no. 268, Sept 2005
IB Reforms Pilot: Findings from a longitudinal panel of clients, Social Policy Research Unit, DWP report no. 259, July 05
Incapacity Benefit Reforms - The Personal Adviser Role & Practices, National Centre for Social Research, DWP report no 212, Nov 04
Incapacity Benefit Reforms - Early findings from qualitative research, National Centre for Social Research, DWP report no 202, Sept 04
- Details about the Pathways to Work pilots are available in the DWP Press Release dated 11th October 2004: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/2004/oct/pathways-111004.asp
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