Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) evaluation
Research and analysis
This final report presents findings from an independent evaluation of the Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) programme, carried out by IES in partnership with IPSOS. The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative research with stakeholders, providers, participants and employers with quantitative survey data collected from programme participants. The survey was conducted across three waves: baseline, interim and final. The evaluation employed a theory-driven approach, and data was analysed in line with the programme Theory of Change (ToC) and hypotheses.
The evaluation has found evidence that the IPSPC programme has led to positive outcomes for programme participants, including increases in employment and high levels of satisfaction with the programme overall. Participants reported particularly high satisfaction with the interpersonal aspects of the programme, including the support provided by Employment Specialists, high levels of trust between Employment Specialists and participants, and the flexibility of meeting times and locations.
Despite these positive outcomes, it should be noted that similar increases in employment were observed among participants who had disengaged from the programme, meaning changes cannot necessarily be attributed solely to IPSPC participation. There were also no significant increases from the baseline to final surveys on Job Search and Self-Efficacy (JSSE) measures and most health and well-being measures. Further impact work will be needed to understand the extent to which the programme contributes to employment outcomes and the pathway in which it does so.