8 May 2007 - New Deal Plus for Lone Parents Qualitative Evaluation

Publication of DWP Research Report 426.

New research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions (Report 426) presents the qualitative findings on the New Deal Plus for Lone Parents (ND+fLP) pilot, operating in five Jobcentre Plus Districts in England since April 2005. ND+fLP aims to provide a comprehensive package of support for lone parents.

Launched in April 2005, New Deal Plus offers a comprehensive package of measures based around provision available nationally through NDLP, a core set of pilots and a range of additional measures that we believe compliment the NDLP and WFI models. All of this adds up to a single package offering:

• A guarantee about a clear gain from work (IWC, tax credits), and some protection when work breaks down (In-Work Emergencies Fund);
• A guarantee of support in finding appropriate childcare (brokered by childcare partnership managers) and, in some cases, additional financial support for childcare;
• And a guarantee of the ongoing help of professional well trained and properly supported advisers (more adviser contact outside of mandatory work focused interviews, more training, support and tools for lone parent personal advisers).

This qualitative evaluation forms part of a suite of research and evaluation activities around the ND+fLP pilot. Other research activities are focusing on the impact of individual elements of the pilot in addition to the overall impact. The main focus of this qualitative evaluation is to examine the effectiveness of the pilot as a whole, highlighting the extent to which it is a comprehensive and coherent portfolio offer to lone parents.

The main findings are:

• Overall, the package seems to be working well and is popular with both advisers and customers. It also shows that some elements such as In-Work Credit (IWC) are working better than others
• Additional advisory and administrative resources were provided for the pilot – this was seen as pivotal to the effective delivery of the pilot; it enabled advisers to focus on a better quality dialogue with lone parents.
• The financial offer, specifically IWC, was recognised as a strong incentive to enter employment, particularly when presented with of a Better-Off Calculation.
• The benefits of the In-Work Emergency Fund (IWEF) in helping lone parents to stay in employment became clearer once greater flexibility had been provided on how it could be used
• Flexible Provision has been viewed as better suited for those who are more job-ready and had existing skills. It has been used to provide quality training across a range of areas for such customers.
• The conditionality associated with Work Search Premium (WSP) was initially viewed as a deterrent by lone parents though improved promotion by advisers over the course of the evaluation resulted in improved uptake over time
• The childcare barrier is considered critical, yet the childcare elements of the pilot had limited take up and success. Low take up was attributed to the design, lack of relevance and location of the offer. The partnership between Jobcentre Plus and Children’s Centres, through the Additional Childcare Partnership Manager (CPM) was valued by staff. Jobpoints in Children’s Centres were considered a useful promotional tool – particularly so in the context of a strong operational link between the Jobcentre Plus office and the Children’s Centre.

Notes for Editors

This report provides qualitative research findings exploring the New Deal Plus for Lone Parents. The research comprised in-depth interviews with lone parents, observations of Work Focused Interviews and focus groups with lone parent advisers. The report was produced by the independent research organisation - GHK

Research Report 426 - New Deal Plus for Lone Parents Qualitative Evaluation is published on 08 May 2007. The report is available on the DWP website and hard copies can be obtained from Paul Noakes, Room 4-26, The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT.

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