16 February 2006 - Publication of DWP research report - Work Focused Interviews and lone parent initiatives: further analysis of policies and pilots
A study published today by the Department for Work and Pensions sets out findings from research which follows up the longitudinal evaluation of Work Focused Interviews (WFIs) for lone parents and presents findings on recent delivery changes as follows: two measures that have been introduced nationally across all Jobcentre Plus districts - mandatory action plans and Childcare Assist; and two measures that have been introduced in the six “Work Works” pilot areas - NVQ level 3 training provision and the In Work Emergency Fund (IWEF).
Insite Research and Consulting were commissioned to carry out the research. The key findings indicate that the WFI programme is working well. They appear to have met a key objective of maintaining progression between meetings and enabling advisers to build on any previous WFIs. The vast majority of advisers had found this aspect of mandatory action plans useful, particularly during mandatory WFI review meetings.
Take up of Childcare Assist was not high, although the IWEF fund had played a crucial role in sustaining lone parents in work. Research suggested that further clarification of when to access the fund was required.
Advisers stated there was a clear customer demand for NVQ level 3 training courses and immediate vacancies were said to exist for lone parents qualified to NVQ level 3 in childcare. Very positive job outcomes were reported to have been achieved amongst lone parents that had undertaken these training courses. A small number of these had included stock lone parents that had come to hear of the provision during their annual review meetings. However, the “Work Works” areas had struggled to secure NVQ level 3 training courses and there was currently a lack of provision in place.
Notes to editors
The research was conducted by Andrew Thomas and Dr Gerwyn Jones from Insite Research and Consulting.
Work Focused Interviews and lone parent initiatives: further analysis of policies and pilots (report series number 319) is published on 16th February 2006. A summary and a copy of the report is available on the DWP website: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/
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Prepared by: Department for Work and Pensions Family Poverty
and Work Division