Publications

Activity and Learning Agreement Pilots - Programme Theory Evaluation (Working Paper 1)

Incentivising Participation in Activity Agreements

This study investigated the theory that ‘If the net additional value of the incentive was sufficiently appealing, certain young people would sign up to the Activity Agreement (AA), or at least attend an initial discussion where the wider benefits of the AA could be promoted'.

Recruitment and Training Among Large National Employers

This research aimed to inform the Learning and Skills Council's understanding of large national employers' attitudes and practices in terms of recruitment and training.

Activity and Learning Agreement Pilots - Programme Theory Evaluation (Working Paper 2)

Signing Up to a Learning Agreement

The Activity and Learning Agreements Pilots were launched in April 2006 in 12 areas of England. Activity Agreements (AA) are for 16 and 17 year olds not in education, employment or training (NEET), who are offered a weekly allowance in return for committing to a plan and completing agreed activities to re-integrate them back in to learning. Learning Agreements (LA) are for 16-17 year olds in jobs with no accredited training (JWT), to support and encourage them back into learning. This study investigated the theory that ‘In LA pilot areas where there is no financial incentive, it is the support, advice and guidance provided by the Connexions worker that will be enough to ‘kick-start’ the young person’s interest in learning and induce them to sign up to a learning agreement.’

Impact of Care to Learn - Tracking the destinations of young parents funded in 2003/04

Care to Learn is a UK government initiative that provides financial support for teenage parents who want to continue in, or return to learning. It helps with the cost of their childcare and travel. As part of the national evaluation of Care to Learn, a self-completion postal survey was conducted of young parents who received Care to Learn funding during the 2003/04 academic year. The survey was conducted during the winter of 2006.

Evaluation of Year 2 of the Skills Coaching Trials and Skills Passports

In partnership with the Centre for Social and Economic Inclusion, IES evaluated Skills Coaching, a careers and coaching service for out of work adults. The evaluation involved: case-studies in nine of the areas running Skills Coaching trials; a review of literature on employability and employment and skills policy; an analysis of the pilots’ management information; and an assessment of the cost of delivering the service.

Paying for Performance

New trends in performance-related pay

This paper examines how performance-related pay (PRP) has evolved in recent years. It uses real-life case studies to demonstrate how new techniques, closely linked to the organisation's unique characteristics and needs, can successfully act as a lever to improve individual performance and organisational effectiveness.

Managing an Age Diverse Workforce

Research and Practice in the Run-Up to the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations

This report reviews and summarises the employment literature on age discrimination and diversity that existed at the time the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations came into force on 1 October 2006. This is substantiated by IES research findings on age diversity and discussions with company representatives at an IES HR Network Event in the lead-up to October 2006.