Briefing and working paper 70
The third sector delivering employment services: research project and evidence review
The policy context surrounding the involvement of third sector organisations (TSOs) in employment services has undergone major change since 1997. In June 2011 the Coalition government launched its flagship employment service, the Work Programme, a scheme designed to help people to find work and leave benefits. The initiative is the largest ever of its kind, and involves service delivery contracts with private and TSOs estimated to be worth £3 to 5 billion in total. TSRC is conducting research to explore the third sector’s involvement in the provision of employment services, how subcontractors are experiencing the Work Programme, and to investigate what, if anything, is distinctive about the approaches to delivery that subcontractors adopt.
Evidence review
Our initial evidence review collates evidence about the sector's experiences and explores the main areas of controversy. The review finds that the current situation can be seen as a major acceleration of the previous government’s policy model. This model is based upon a small number of large government contracts, greater flexibility for providers and payment contingent on results.
It highlights fears that the third sector is being squeezed out of employment services provision, reports of unfair relationships between third sector subcontractors and prime providers, and concerns that the hardest to help individuals are not sufficiently provided for by current policy.
The review questions whether the programme’s framework will allow TSOs to fulfil their potential in this area. It also highlights the need to know more about third sector delivery of employment services, in particular what organisations are involved and what value they provide.
Ongoing research
Using focus groups and case studies of subcontractor organisations, our research will continue to explore questions raised by the review in more detail.
Research contacts
James Rees, Rebecca Taylor, Christopher Damm