Connect to Work Programme Evaluation

NatCen, with Frontier Economics, Sheffield Hallam University, and IFS, is independently evaluating the UK Government’s Connect to Work Programme.

About the study

Connect to Work is a new voluntary Supported Employment programme funded by the UK Government and designed to support disabled people, people with long-term health conditions, and those facing barriers to employment to start, stay, and succeed in work. The programme is being delivered across local authorities in England and Wales. The evaluation aims to assess how the programme is being delivered, including what is working well and less well, and assess whether the programme is making a difference.    To explore these areas of interest, the evaluation team will carry out:

  • Interviews and surveys with people involved in the delivery of the programme and of those who have applied to access, or have accessed the programme.
  • Interviews and workshops with wider stakeholders who interact with the programme.
  • Analysis of DWP and HMRC administrative data to assess the impact of taking part in the programme on participants’ employment, earnings, health, wellbeing, and use of benefits.
  • Case studies in a select number of local areas to explore how the programme is working in specific local contexts.

Why take part?

We want to understand how delivery of the Connect to Work programme is happening, and what is working well and less well. Taking part in the evaluation will provide us with important information to contribute to its ongoing improvement, and to support the designing of future programmes to support those facing barriers to employment. Participation in the evaluation is entirely voluntary, and your decision to not take part in any of the research activities will not have any effect on your relationship with the Connect to Work programme.

What will taking part involve?

If you have been invited to take part in an interview, focus group, workshop, or survey, we will provide you with a written information sheet about your participation ahead of time. This will include details about the evaluation activity, such as the different topics we would like to cover and when the activity will take place.

Why have I been selected to take part? 

You have been selected because you applied to access the Connect to Work programme, are involved in the delivery of the programme, or as a wider stakeholder.

Who is carrying out the research?

NatCen is the UK’s largest independent social research agency. For 50 years, we have been working with charities and government to find out what people really think about the big issues. NatCen is independent of all government departments and political parties.

NatCen, in partnership with Frontier Economics, the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University, and the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) are conducting this evaluation and will write reports outlining the findings.

How do I know this research is genuine?

You can check the authenticity of this research by contacting DWP at: ctw.evaluation@dwp.gov.uk

You can find out more about DWP’s research programme here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions/about/research 

You can also contact NatCen’s research team to ask any questions about the study.

Contact us

For any wider queries you can also contact the DWP team responsible for the evaluation: ctw.evaluation@dwp.gov.uk

Support

We are aware that some of the topics in the evaluation may raise issues which you might like further advice and support about. Please see the below contact details of organisations who you can talk to if you feel you need support:

Citizen’s Advice

Advice on debt, benefits, employment, housing, and discrimination. 

  • Advice line (England): 0800 144 8848 
  • Advice line (Wales): 0800 702 2020 
  • Advice line (Scotland): 0800 028 1456  
  • Web address: Citizens Advice

Mind

Advice and support to anyone experiencing mental health problems.

Samaritans

Free and confidential emotional support if you need to talk.

Scope

Free, independent information and support for people with a physical impairment, learning disability or any other condition.

Disability rights UK

Support, information, and advice for people with disabilities to ensure equal opportunities and inclusion.

Money and Pensions Service

An independent service set up by the government to help people manage their money by offering free and impartial advice and information.