9 November 2009 – Publication of DWP research report 612: A scoping study on the added value of a longitudinal survey of working age customers of jobcentre plus and the pensions disability and carers service

New research published today by the DWP presents the findings from a scoping study which assesses the feasibility and potential added value of a quantitative longitudinal survey of DWP working age client groups from Jobcentre Plus (JCP) and the Pensions, Disability and Carers Service (PDCS). The commissioning of this project acknowledges the fact that while the Department’s administrative processes collect comprehensive data on its clients, there are certain limitations to the data. Using other data sources or commissioned survey research DWP can address some of these limitations some of the time. The main aim of this study was to establish whether a longitudinal survey of all JCP and PDCS customers could address these limitations in a more comprehensive, efficient and sophisticated manner.

Main Findings:

• DWP has developed a comprehensive approach to compiling knowledge of its various client groups using a range of data sources. There remain limitations in using this data for providing the Department with a fuller understanding of the various client groups.
• This study aimed to scope the potential added value of a quantitative longitudinal survey to gain additional understanding of working age customers of JCP and PDCS. This was explored in terms of increasing understanding of what happens to customers while interacting with DWP services, what happens to individuals that move off benefit and into work and vice versa, and what factors influence these transitions?
• The study identified four potential strategic aims of the proposed survey. These are:

1. Replacing existing programme evaluation surveys (to enable comparative and sub-sample analysis and provide a standardised set of question for use across DWP);
2. Filling knowledge gaps in existing data sources (to provide longitudinal data on destinations/outcomes, health, attitudes, motivation and aspirations);
3. Improving the usability of existing data (to provide a greater understanding of working-age client groups; enable comparative analysis of the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Survey WPLS and to promote wider use of WPLS across the Department);
4. Understanding of the customer base (to provide a greater understanding of the relationship between multiple disadvantages, the interaction between programmes, and the Department’s impact on wider social issues, e.g. social exclusion and child poverty).

• There are potential risks and factors that may affect the feasibility of any proposed longitudinal survey. These include: synchronising longitudinal data collection to align with new policy interventions; duplicating ground covered by other large-scale surveys; complexity of data linking and data security procedures.
• The focus of the report is at a general level and highlights that further developmental work is needed to address key issues and to quantify the extent of any potential net cost savings.  
• Further areas for work include: the availability of financial and research resource; what bespoke surveys a potential longitudinal survey could realistically replace; the structure and placement of a project management team and survey design challenges, e.g. size and composition of sample and analysis and reporting issues.

Notes to Editors

1. The DWP Research Report ‘A scoping study on the added value of a longitudinal survey of working age customers of Jobcentre Plus and Pensions Disability and Carers Service’.
2. The National Centre for Social Research was commissioned by DWP to undertake this literature review. The research was undertaken by Gareth Morrell, Jon Hales, Matt Barnard, Clare Tait, and Sarah Tipping.

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