Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 135
Apply lessons from Kickstart evaluation to inform the design of future similar schemes
Recommendation
We have heard numerous positive reports about Kickstart, however, without a comprehensive analysis of Kickstart or any publication of data on employment outcome, it is not possible to say with any assurance how successful the scheme has been or what value it delivered for participants. We look forward to the statistical release which DWP has said it will publish “before the end of term”. DWP should apply the lessons of its forthcoming evaluation in considering possible future schemes along the lines of Kickstart.
Government Response Summary
The government states that its employment support programmes, including the 'Plan for Jobs' package, undergo comprehensive analysis and evaluation, with outcomes measured and reported externally. However, it does not specifically confirm how lessons from the Kickstart evaluation will be applied to future schemes along Kickstart's lines.
Paragraph Reference:
135
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Plan for Jobs package of employment support includes comprehensive programmes of analysis and evaluation, in some cases including programme impact analyses. This analysis includes reporting programme impact on longer term employment and benefit outcomes, building on previous evaluations, and cost-benefit analysis. DWP employment programmes have employment outcomes aligned with programme policy intent. These are measured during the programme life and reported externally where there are published statistics for these schemes (for example, for the Work Programme, Work and Health Programme, Restart Scheme, and Work Choice). The longer-term employment outcomes may be assessed through comprehensive programmes of evaluation which, where appropriate and drawing on best practice outlined in the Green and Magenta books, include outcome and impact analysis as well as wider evidence building to inform ongoing delivery and policy development.