Monitoring Distance Travelled: Findings from the Pilot and the Way Forward James Lowrey and Sarah Culshaw, CPP Janine Pearson, NCC

James Lowrey, Centre for Public Policy Overview and Findings from the Pilot

Distance Travelled Definition The progress customers make in terms of achieving soft outcomes that lead towards sustained employment or associated hard outcomes as a result of participating in the WORKSTEP programme and against an initial baseline set on joining it. (DWP, 2003)

Why WORKSTEP needed a DT Approach 2005 WORKSTEP Programme Evaluation. Found: Range of personal, social and ‘softer’ achievements being experienced but not being recorded. Only formal measure of progress was progression to open employment. Recommended: Development of DT Approach to monitor progression within the Programme.

Why Monitor Distance Travelled? Disadvantaged customers may be less likely to achieve hard outcomes. Monitoring hard outcomes alone may miss more subtle impacts / benefits of a programme. Monitoring soft outcomes better captures progress. Good for customer confidence and self esteem. Good for support worker motivation. Good for programme development. Good evidence for potential employers.

Developing the DT Approach Literature and project review Stakeholder interviews Provider workshops Expert panel and steering group review Pilot and ongoing evaluation

Key Components of the DT Approach Key Behaviours: A framework of 21 key skills and attributes required to secure and sustain employment. Typical Indicators: Help describe the Key Behaviours by offering examples for each of potential associated conduct and activities. Monitoring System: Monitoring levels used for scoring evidence of progress against the Key Behaviours.

Evidence Based Approach Chosen by providers. Opinion based approaches dependent on self- awareness, self-confidence, trust and mood. Evidence based approaches more objective. Customer (and employer) opinions still valued. But need to back up with evidence.

Distance Travelled Pilot Piloted with 10 WORKSTEP providers. 529 customers involved in pilot. Range of customers involved:  disability type  time on programme.

Findings from the Pilot Initial difficulties with concepts. Some resistance from provider staff. Providers had to revisit guidance. Concerns over ‘scoring’ of customers. Some staff felt it was too time consuming. Problems with paperwork.

Findings from the Pilot (cont.) Comprehensive Key Behaviour Framework. Creation of clear baseline. Focuses work. Encourages and adds depth to discussion. Structured process. Motivational tool. Information recorded more systematically. Offers some standardisation. Helps customers become more responsible. Demonstrates ongoing support requirements.

Janine Pearson, Newcastle City Council Provider View of the Pilot

Introduction Brief overview of Newcastle City Council’s involvement in the Distance Travelled Pilot. Why we became involved. The difficulties. Incorporating the Distance Travelled Approach. The benefits. Future use.

Newcastle City Council Newcastle City Council has a 54 place WORKSTEP Contract. The contract includes a Supported Business, Palatine Beds – approximately half of our participants are based in the Business. The WORKSTEP team includes myself and two dedicated WORKSTEP Officers.

Distance Travelled Pilot Identified need to monitor Distance Travelled in 2005, following ALI Inspection. There were a number of tools available at that time but none suitable for our purpose. The opportunity to be involved in the pilot was excellent timing.

Distance Travelled Pilot (cont.) Started the pilot in April All WORKSTEP participants were involved. All stages of the programme were included.

What we had to do Integrate the DT Approach into existing Personal Development Planning process. This involved: Reviewing our Personal Development Plans. Ensuring the DT Approach included everything that we previously monitored. Avoiding duplication. Amending our Personal Development Plan template. Developing a Quality Assurance procedure.

How it Worked Initial Difficulties: Very time consuming. Staff unfamiliar with DT Approach. Participants unfamiliar with DT Approach. Required an introduction session with supervisors. Resistance to change from long term participants.

Distance Travelled Benefits Provides standardisation. Helps to get to know the individual. Keeps all involved focused. Helps staff raise sensitive issues. Potential for expanding use in other employment services. Positive feedback from participants.

Future Plans for Distance Travelled We remain committed to the need to monitor Distance Travelled. Will continue to use the Distance Travelled Approach. Monitor the longer term impact on our Progression data.

Sarah Culshaw, Centre for Public Policy A Demonstration of the DT Approach

The Scenario New customer (John Smith, 25) referred by JCP. Info on Referral Form: Has learning difficulties – problems with reading and writing – so need to avoid roles involving these. Looking for full time food prep/serving work. Had food prep job in 2006 for 12 months. Made redundant as cafe closed – not worked since. Negative mainstream educational experience – no qualifications gained.

The Scenario (cont.) Needs a CV and applications to be completed for him. Needs help with bus routes. Needs a buddy until confident in new role. Info from Former Employer: Needed a lot of initial support but worked well on familiar routine tasks. Was hardworking, smartly dressed and trustworthy. Had good attendance but had issues with arriving late when relying on public transport.

The Scenario (cont.) Info from Parents: Lives with parents. Nervous meeting new people but more confident in familiar situations and recognises need to build on. Determined to get back into work. Your Initial Meeting: Late for meeting as hadn’t checked bus times and journey length but apologises for being late. Smartly dressed and has personal portfolio. Struggling with communication and eye contact.

Distance Travelled Training Package Tailored packages to suit your organisation could include: Consultancy: tailoring and integrating the Approach. Direct Delivery Training: training of staff who will use the Approach. Train the Trainer: training of selected staff in your organisation who can then cascade the training. Distance Travelled User Guide: useful reference tool. Ongoing Support: face to face, telephone and web based options available.

More Information James Lowrey  / 7425  or Sarah Culshaw  / 7425 