13 May 2004 - Publication of DWP research report 135 evaluating the Community Initiative programme EQUAL 2000 – 2006 Mid-term evaluation of the UK/GB Equal Community Initiative 2000 – 2006
Research is published today by the Department for Work and Pensions which presents findings on the mid-term evaluation of the EQUAL programme. The ““Mid-term Evaluation of the UK/GB EQUAL Community Initiative 2000 – 2006”” assesses how effective EQUAL has been in meeting its objectives up until the mid-term (September 2003). The research ran from April 2002 until September 2003. It was based on a case study approach of 30 Development Partnerships (DPs) which featured interviews with project managers and beneficiaries. These were supported by interviews with the remainder of the DPs as well as other key stakeholders. Multiple contacts were made.
The main findings were:
- The development phase of the programme (Action 1) provided an important opportunity for partnership building (both at a national and transnational level) and for the production of a detailed work plan. While much of this partnership building was intangible, it was crucial. However, in terms of practical activity, it is clear that more could have been undertaken in terms of initial research and engaging disadvantaged groups in shaping the DPs.
- Key activities undertaken by DPs during Action 1 were: the production of the Development Partnership Agreements (DPAs), Transnational Co-operation Agreements (TCAs) and securing match funding commitments. DPs found the process of establishing TCAs relatively straightforward, although the differential adherence to the programme timetable across Member States was a common difficulty.
- The partnerships were robust over the course of the implementation phase (Action 2), with the majority of changes taking place around their peripheries. Key activities for DPs included, for example, the recruitment and training of staff, research activities/development of tools and undertaking initial ‘empowerment’ activities. In some cases the latter would have been better prepared for in Action 1.
- A series of early impacts were identified including the adoption of early models and tools developed by DPs, and early impacts on the recipients of pilot services and products.
- A number of the case study DPs described delays in receiving final approval for their DPAs. These delays led to slippage in implementation of between three and six months. At the time of the last contact many DPs were still not on schedule.
- The conditions for effective mainstreaming of lessons from the programme into the policy process (Action 3) have been established. Key to this are the eight Thematic Network Groups (TNGs), comprising DPs and policy representatives. The main benefit so far is as a forum for communication - rather than a link into national policy.
Notes for editors
- The primary objective of the EQUAL programme is to test and promote new means of combating all forms of discrimination and inequalities in the labour market, both for those in work and those seeking work. EQUAL is based around a model of Development Partnerships (DPs) which range in size from four to forty participating organisations. Activities under EQUAL are structured around three main stages or “actions”. Action 1 is the development stage, Action 2 is the implementation stage and Action 3 focuses on dissemination and mainstreaming of lessons learnt into policy. EQUAL is funded through the European Social Fund, which is an EU fund supporting employment and training projects in the Member States.
- “Mid-term Evaluation of the UK/GB EQUAL Community Initiative 2000 – 2006” by GHK and the Gilfillan Partnership. The report is published in the Department for Work and Pensions In-house Report Series (Report No. 135, ISBN 1 84388 268 X).
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