27 May 2008 – Publication of DWP research report 494 - The Pathways Advisory Service: Placing employment advisers in GP surgeries

Research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) presents findings from an evaluation to explore the effectiveness of a pilot project to locate employment advisers from Jobcentre Plus in GPs' surgeries. The pilot adopted a 'gateway' model of delivery, where advisers act as a link between patients at a surgery and the range of services and support available through Jobcentre Plus and other organisations.

The overall findings suggest that the pilot aims have been largely met and that the 'gateway' model of delivery is a viable mechanism for connecting people with a range of employment and other support.

The main findings are:

• The principal policy aims of providing help and support to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and Incapacity Benefit recipients, and fostering closer links between health practitioners and Jobcentre Plus were being met.
• The 'gateway' model was practicable as a means of connecting people with employment and other support services.
• GPs in the study were enthusiastic and positive about the Pathways Advisory Service. Having direct and easy access to an employment and social security expert allowed them to support their patients in newer and more constructive ways than previously.
• Patients referred to the personal adviser were overwhelmingly positive when asked if they thought the meeting was helpful. There was evidence that the intervention of the adviser was an essential catalyst for some people in moving them towards or into work.
• Physically locating advisers in GP surgeries was highly valued and considered essential by GPs.
• Advisers dealt with a wide range of people beyond the main target population of SSP and long-term Incapacity Benefit recipients, and provided help and support beyond employment advice.

Notes to editors

1. The DWP research report: The Pathways Advisory Service: Placing employment advisers in GP surgeries is published today on the DWP website.
2. The Pathways Advisory Service (PAS) is a pilot project which located employment advisers in GPs’ surgeries, and commenced in 2006.
3. The report is based on a quantitative survey of 212 people who had used the pilot service, and in-depth qualitative interviews with a subset of the survey sample, as well as key staff involved in the pilot (including advisers, GPs and other surgery staff).
4. The research was carried out by the Social Policy Research Unit and the National Centre for Social Research in 2006 and 2007.  The report authors were Roy Sainsbury, Katharine Nice, Camilla Nevill, Martin Wood, Josie Dixon and Martin Mitchell.
5. The Department has committed to extending and expanding the pilots. The ministerial announcement (made on 27 November 2007) can be found at http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm071127/wmstext/71127m0004.htm

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