Title Page
Contents
Summary 9
1. Background 13
1.1. Pathways to Work 13
1.2. Evaluation of Pathways to Work 14
2. Research aims, design and methodology 15
2.1. Aims and objectives of this study 15
2.2. Selection of fieldwork areas 15
2.3. Stage one: Research with customers 15
2.4. Stage two: Research with providers 16
2.5. Structure of the report 17
3. The research areas 19
3.1. Area 1 19
3.2. Area 2 20
3.3. Area 3 20
3.4. Area 4 21
4. Referrals 23
4.1. Routes onto Pathways IWS and NDDP after-care 23
4.2. Lower than expected levels of referrals 24
4.3. Evidence of inconsistent referral practices 24
4.4. Reasons given for low and uneven referrals 25
4.4.1. Low awareness and marketing challenges 25
4.4.2. Pressure on Jobcentre Plus staff time 26
4.4.3. Confusion about the fit with NDDP provision 26
4.5. Late referrals 29
4.6. Referrals and access to sub-contracted specialistservices 29
4.6.1. Lower than expected levels of referrals 29
4.6.2. Reasons for lower than expected referral levels 31
5. Funding arrangements 33
5.1. Views about models of funding 33
5.2. Views about the adequacy of funding 34
6. Customers' experiences 37
6.1. Reasons for wanting to return to work 37
6.1.1. Improvement in health 37
6.1.2. Financial pressures 37
6.1.3. Boredom and dissatisfaction 38
6.2. Concerns about returning to work 38
6.2.1. Coping physically and emotionally 38
6.2.2. Employers' perceptions 38
6.2.3. Financial concerns 38
6.3. Help received from Jobcentre Plus to returnto work 39
6.3.1. Confidence boosting and coping skills 39
6.3.2. Liaison with employers 39
6.3.3. Financial support 39
6.3.4. No help from Jobcentre Plus 40
6.4. Awareness of Pathways IWS 40
6.5. Customer experiences of Pathways IWS provision 40
6.5.1. Responsive and potentially intensive after-care support 40
6.5.2. Limited use of sub-contracted specialist services 41
6.5.3. Limited direct contact with employers 41
6.6. Perceived impacts of Pathways IWS 41
6.6.1. Positive impacts 42
6.6.2. No or negative impact 42
6.7. Other support for staying in work 42
6.7.1. NDDP Job Broker, IBPA and other Jobcentre Plus support 43
6.7.3. Voluntary sector and other organisations 43
6.7.4. Supportive employers and colleagues 44
6.7.5. Family and friends 44
7. Providers' experiences ofworking with customers 45
7.1. Customers' perceived support needs 45
7.1.1. Support with mental health/confidence issues 45
7.1.2. Support with physical conditions 46
7.1.3. Issues arising with employers and colleagues 47
7.1.4. Financial issues 47
7.2. Support offered to customers throughPathways IWS 48
7.2.1. After-care service 48
7.2.2. Specialist provision 50
7.3. Perceived success factors and barriers 53
7.3.1. Perceived success factors 53
7.3.2. Perceived barriers and obstacles 55
7.3.3. Other factors affecting whether customers sustainedemployment 56
8. Conclusion 59
Appendix A. Stage one: Research withcustomers - topic guide 61
Appendix B. Stage two: Research withproviders - topic guide 69
Table 2.1. Achieved sample of respondents from provider organisations 17