Analyses the rationale for, and assumptions ('theory of change') behind, the NDCs' strategies to address worklessness. Analyses the approach adopted by the NDC partnerships in designing and implementing these strategies. Assesses the way in which the strategies and their component initiatives relate to other strategies and provision at local, district and sub-regional levels. Investigates the range of employment interventions introduced (and planned) by the partnerships. Reviews changes made to strategies over time and the reasons for such changes. Assesses the impact of the strategies and their overall effectiveness in addressing problems of worklessness in the NDCs.

Presents the second report in a series on NDC employment strategies, as part of the 2002-2005 national evaluation of the NDC programme.

The case studies on which this report is based draw on a variety of data and information sources. These included NDC Delivery Plans and other documentation on employment strategies, qualitative discussions with NDC staff and board members; staff, beneficiaries and employers involved with projects; representatives of mainstream agencies and other area based initiatives; existing labour market statistics; and documentary information and evidence about district, subregional and regional-level employment issues and activities.

Finds that both NDCs provide examples of how processes of strategy formation and development must accommodate a wide range of influencing factors. States that the evidence from these NDC case studies supports the view that what is important is the capacity to blend together local knowledge, evidence and the interests of various stakeholders into informed judgements about what is appropriate for the locality. Both NDCs were found to illustrate the importance of a capacity to review the ongoing relevance of the strategy and to adapt in response to changing circumstances. The available evidence to date on outcomes and impact was found to be inconclusive.

Sheffield Hallam University
Professor Ian Sanderson (Director, Policy Research Institute), tel. +44 113 283 2600

07/03/2006

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Sheffield Hallam University

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Employment