research report

Qualitative methods overview: improving the evidence base for adult social care practice

Review that provides an introduction to the different ways in which qualitative research has been used in social care and some of the reasons why it has been successful in identifying under-researched areas, in documenting the experiences of people using services, carers, and practitioners, and in evaluating new types of service or intervention.

Responsible reform: a report on the proposed changes to Disability Living Allowance

A comprehensive presentation of the most relevant evidence available on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and the proposals to replace it with a new benefit, Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

It gathers together existing information and analyses over 500 group responses to the Government’s Response to Disability Living Allowance reform (obtained under FOI request 989).

The report is entirely written, researched, funded and supported by sick and disabled people, who came together through social media to share their experiences, skills and talents.

Survey of child maintenance options outcomes

TNS-BMRB was commissioned by the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission to undertake a survey of clients who had used the CM Options service since its inception in July 2008.

The primary objective of the survey was to measure the following Commission target for 2010: “The number of children, by March 31st 2010, who are benefiting from a private arrangement which has been put in place following contact with the Child Maintenance Options service.”

Attitudes to age in Britain 2010/11

The ageing population presents a real challenge to the UK and indeed internationally. Whilst government policy affects people’s experiences, perceptions and assumptions about ageing and age differences, it is only of late that this area is being researched.

The present report aims to consolidate this research using evidence from the ONS Opinions Survey 29-item attitudes to age module developed by Vauclair et al., (2010). A full review of previous evidence can be found in Abrams et al., (2009).

Promoting positive well-being for children: a report for decision-makers in parliament, central government and local areas

Report that highlights six priorities for improving the subjective well-being of our children. It sets out each priority and explains why they all matter for children and families.

It makes a compelling case for understanding and measuring the subjective well-being of children, and gives advice for decision-makers in formulating and evaluating the impact of policy on children’s well-being.

Performance differences across local authorities

Paper that comes in two parts. First Lesley Sutton shares her experience in looking at (some) data on local authority spend and performance in a few sectors. This is undertaken on the basis of published data, and the annex describes the key data sets that are available and touches upon the significant gaps. Her work does point to a major variation in performance but also emphasises that this is a data and policy minefield; great care should be taken before drawing any conclusions as to relative efficiencies, etc.