You are invited to take part in a research interview about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in Restart employment services. This information sheet explains what the research is about, what taking part involves and how we will use and protect your information. Please read it before deciding whether you would like to take part. Taking part is entirely your choice, and you can contact us using the details at the end of this sheet if you have any questions.
What is this research about?
The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) is an independent research organisation undertaking an evaluation into the use of AI tools as part of Restart employment services. The aim is to understand how AI tools affect how employment support is delivered, participant engagement and job outcomes.
Why this research matters
AI tools are being used in Restart, but we do not yet know enough about how they affect people’s experience of support or their chances of finding and staying in work. This research will explore what works well, what does not, and whether people have different experiences or face difficulties when these tools are used. Hearing directly from people receiving support is an important part of understanding this. The findings will help the Department for Work and Pensions and employment support providers make informed decisions about whether and how to use AI tools, while keeping support responsive to people’s needs.
Your insights will provide the opportunity to inform further delivery of employment support provision integrated with AI tools on the Restart contract.
What does taking part in the research involve?
Taking part involves a 30–45-minute interview, online or by telephone, with a member of the IES research team.
We will arrange a time that fits your preferences, including whether mornings or afternoons work best for you. We can accommodate needs such as language support or interpretation. Please let us know what support you need when arranging your interview.
You will receive a £40 shopping voucher as a thank-you for taking part in the interview and this will be sent via email.
What will you ask me about in the interview?
We will ask about your experience of Restart support and any AI tools used as part of that support. Depending on the support you have received, we may ask about notetaking and meeting summarisation, interview preparation and practice, translation and communication support, and CV and job application support. Topics will include whether and how the tools have affected communication with your adviser, how well the support meets your needs, what has worked well and any difficulties you have experienced. We are interested in your views, whether positive or negative.
We will not tell your adviser what you say in the interview. However, if you disclose something that requires safeguarding measures, we may need to share relevant information so that appropriate action can be taken.
A report of the research findings will be published in mid-to-late 2027. You can contact Joseph Cook using the details at the end of this document to ask how to access the report.
Will I be named in the research?
You will not be named in this research, and we will remove all identifying characteristics from the report. We may use quotes, but these will not identify the person saying them and no personal or confidential information will be included in the quote.
Do I have to take part in this research?
No, it is completely up to you whether you wish to take part in this research. Your choice will not affect access to support or benefits of any kind.
What will you do with my data?
IES abide by the Market Research Society Code of Conduct and associated regulations and guidelines. Any contact details we hold will be handled securely and used for research purposes only.
We don’t share anything that would identify you (like your name) with anyone outside the research team.
You have the right for your data to be held safely. We make sure there is no way you can be identified, and that your privacy is not compromised.
The personal data we use will be securely deleted from the IES systems three months after the project is complete (currently estimated to be June 2027).
Further information on how your data will be used is available on our privacy notice for the project. Please let us know if you would like a copy.
Where can I get more information?
For more information on the research, or if you have any comments or queries, please contact Joseph Cook, Project Manager: [email protected]