27 October 2009 – Publication of DWP research report 595: Provider-led Pathways: Experiences and Views of Early Implementation
A DWP research report, Provider-led Pathways: Experiences and Views of Early Implementation, is published today. Provider-led Pathways is the final phase of the national roll-out of the Pathways to Work initiative that was first introduced in 2003. It provides information, advice and practical help to people receiving incapacity benefits to help them take up paid employment. Pathways to Work is delivered by Jobcentre Plus in 40% of the country and providers (private and third sector) in the other 60%.
The report presents findings from qualitative research carried out in late 2008 to explore experiences of the early implementation of the Provider-led Pathways programme from the perspectives of incapacity benefits recipients, staff of provider organisations, and staff of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Jobcentre Plus.
Main Findings
The following findings demonstrated ways in which the programme was working well:
- finding provider staff pleasant and helpful
- feeling that the environment within provider premises was hospitable, and a more inviting place than Jobcentre Plus
- meeting needs, where people felt the support received was beneficial and appropriate
- challenging people to think differently about their employment prospects
- contributing to people’s progress and movements into work, by providing encouragement, financial support and access to other helpful provision.
Some problems were identified that could be considered as ‘teething problems’ because they were likely to diminish with increased knowledge and experience. These included:
- a variety of procedural and technical problems regarding referrals and contacting clients
- a lack of knowledge among Jobcentre Plus advisers (of provider services) and provider staff (of certain forms of in-house and external provision).
In addition to the above ‘teething problems’ the research suggested there were others that could require changes to policy or guidance. In particular:
- the way that provider staff are incentivised to focus on people who are considered job ready and leave those furthest from work inadequately supported, because of the way providers are contracted to deliver job outcomes and are paid according to the number achieved
- uncertainty about divisions between roles and responsibilities regarding the use of waivers and deferrals, service provision and case management
- a perceived lack of guidance for providers in operating day-to-day procedures and for delivering particular interventions such as the Condition Management Programme
- the loss of support to people who may still need it to re-enter the labour market because they lose entitlement to incapacity benefits
- unmet needs, where the support offered was not tailored to suit the individual
- a lack of choice for clients regarding who provides support and the burden on Jobcentre Plus staff when people return for assistance.
Notes to editors
- 1. DWP Research Report No 595, Provider-led Pathways: Experiences and Views of Early Implementation, is published today on DWP’s website.
- 2. The study was commissioned by DWP and led by the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York in collaboration with the National Centre for Social Research and the Policy Studies Institute. The authors are Katharine Nice, Jacqueline Davidson and Roy Sainsbury
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