Title Page
Contents
The Author 8
Abbreviations 9
Summary 11
1. Introduction 17
1.1. Policy context 17
1.2. Overview of the pilot 18
1.3. Study objectives 20
1.4. Summary of the methodology and approach 20
1.5. Review of report structure 21
2. Management and delivery 23
2.1. Introduction 23
2.2. Summary of main points 23
2.3. Management structures 24
2.3.1. The role of the Project Manager 24
2.3.2. The role of the CPM 25
2.3.3. The management of LPAs 26
2.4. Administration 27
2.4.1. Decentralised model 27
2.4.2. Centralised model 28
2.4.3. Additional administrative support 29
2.5. Training for advisers 29
2.5.1. Before the pilot went live 29
2.5.2. Training since the pilot went live 30
2.5.3. Common administration issues 31
2.6. Conclusion 33
3. Tools for engagement 35
3.1. Introduction 35
3.2. Summary of main points 35
3.3. Engagement with lone parents 36
3.3.1. LPA workload 37
3.3.2. Pressure to meet targets 39
3.4. Marketing 39
3.4.1. Chocolate box leaflets 39
3.4.2. Additional marketing material 41
3.5. Action Plans 42
3.6. More Voluntary Contact 43
3.6.1. Understanding of MVC 44
3.6.2. Time to undertake MVC 45
3.7 Outreach including Jobpoints in Children's Centres 45
3.8 Conclusion 48
4. Training 49
4.1. Introduction 49
4.2. Summary of main points 49
4.3. Discovery Events 50
4.3.1. Common issues between the pilot districts 52
4.4. Flexible Provision 54
4.4.1. Lack of understanding 55
4.4.2. Application procedure 56
4.5. Conclusion 59
5. Financial support 61
5.1. Introduction 61
5.2. Summary of main points 61
5.3. Work Search Premium 62
5.4. In Work Credit 63
5.5. Other non-pilot financial support 65
5.6. Conclusion 68
6. Follow-up support 69
6.1. Introduction 69
6.2. Summary of main points 69
6.3. In Work Support 69
6.4. In Work Emergency Fund 71
6.4.1. Telling customers about the IWEF 72
6.4.2. IWEF guidance 72
6.5. Conclusion 73
7. Childcare 75
7.1. Introduction 75
7.2. Summary of main points 75
7.3. Childcare Assist 75
7.4. Other childcare issues 76
7.4.1. The additional CPM 78
7.5. Conclusion 79
8. Conclusions and recommendations 81
8.1. Introduction 81
8.2. Management, delivery and staff training 81
8.2.1. Recommendations on management, delivery and staff training 83
8.3. Tools for engagement 84
8.3.1. Recommendations on tools for engagement 85
8.4. Improving pilot support 85
8.4.1. Recommendations for improving pilot support 87
8.5. Impact and outcomes 87
8.6. Overall conclusions 88
Appendix 89
Appendix A. Summary of New Deal Plus for Lone Parents Pilot elements 89
Appendix B. Detailed methodology 93
Appendix C. Ideal process for procuring training provision 101
Appendix D. Staff topic guides 103
Appendix E. Observation templates 161
Appendix F. Lone parent topic guides 179
References 221
Table B.1. Summary of interviews with staff 97
Table B.2. Description of focus groups undertaken and the number of attendees 97
Table B.3. Number of observations of lone parent interviews 99
Table B.4. Summary of interviews with lone parents 100
Table B.5. The number of lone parents tracked during the evaluation 100