Extension of the New Deal Plus for Lone Parents pilot to Scotland and Wales: Qualitative evaluation
by Dr. Sarah Jenkins
The New Deal Plus for Lone Parents pilot was launched in England in April 2005. It builds on the voluntary New Deal for Lone Parents programme that has been in place since 1998. In October 2006, the pilot was extended to two Jobcentre Plus districts: one in Scotland and one in Wales. Initially expected to run until 2008, the pilot has now been extended in all areas until 2011. The new intervention regime reflects a move towards a more persuasive effort to draw out lone parents' aspirations and provide the support and capabilities they need to overcome their individual constraints and return to work. The range of support offered through the pilot comprises pre- and post-employment support. This includes engaging lone parents, working to identify aspirations and barriers to employment, building confidence, updating and enhancing skills, job search assistance, financial support and support to identify and organise suitable childcare.
This report presents the findings from the qualitative evaluation of the New Deal Plus for Lone Parents pilot in Jobcentre Plus districts in Scotland and Wales. The evaluation observed the set up and running of the pilot in the two districts through its first year of delivery. The aim of the evaluation was to observe the live running of the pilot over time, in order to identify and feed back promptly on the development of the pilot, focusing on the effectiveness of the pilot as a whole - to what extent is it a comprehensive and coherent portfolio offer to lone parents?
June 2008 222 pages 297x210mm
ISBN 978 1 84712 381 7
(1.45MB)