Title
Contents
Acknowledgements 5
The Authors 6
Abbreviations 7
Summary 8
1. Introduction 14
1.1 Background 14
1.2 Aims and objectives of the evaluation 14
1.3 Method 15
1.4 Structure of the report 16
2. Programme design 17
2.1 The origins of the JMA 17
2.2 Key features of the programme 17
2.3 Programme rationale 18
2.4 The influence of previous programmes 19
2.5 The role played by practitioners 19
2.6 Objectives 20
2.7 The current policy context 20
3. The Jobseeker Mandatory Activity Pilot 22
3.1 Introduction 22
3.2 Course origins 22
3.3 Course content and duration 23
3.4. Course changes 25
3.5 Approaches taken to improving confidence and motivation 26
3.6 Strengths and weaknesses of provision 26
3.7 Staffing issues 28
3.8 The conduct of follow-up interviews 29
4. Key evaluation findings 33
4.1 Introduction 33
4.2 Meeting individual needs 33
4.3 Dealing with challenging behaviour 35
4.4 Sanctioning activities 37
4.5 Action planning 38
4.6 Partnership working 41
4.7 Beneficiaries 44
4.8 Messages from personal adviser interviews 45
4.9 Participant interviews 47
4.10 Impact of the pilot 49
5. Conclusions and recommendations 51
5.1 Introduction 51
5.2 When to intervene 51
5.3 Action plans 52
5.4 What works 52
5.5 Implications for the Flexible New Deal 53
Appendix: Discussion guides 55
References 73
Table 3.1 JMA course content and delivery 24
Table 3.2 Key changes to course content 26
Table 3.3 Key strengths and weaknesses of course provision 27
Table 3.4 Key emerging staffing issues 29
Table 4.1 Two approaches to action planning 38