research methods

This case study describes how Solihull's high unit costs for placements for children in care were reduced; increasing resources available to improve the quality of care and delivering outcomes that better met the needs of children. It sets out the steps that Solihull took to address the situation and achieve 11% savings on the placements budget. These improvements were achieved through a combination of developing the authority's foster care service, redefining the commissioning and contracting team into a professional procurement service, and improving management of the external market.

The research was carried out by Stephen McKay and Harriet Clarke at the University of Birmingham on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Office for Disability Issues (ODI). The report provides evidence on the effect that being a disabled adult, or having a disabled child, has on rates of family break-up, on repartnering or having children.

The Scottish Recovery Indicator (SRI) is a tool designed to allow an assessment of how far organisations providing mental health services are meeting their users needs in terms of their rights to equality, social inclusion and support to recover.

This paper summarises the methodology and findings of an SRI pilot project.

The Scottish Recovery Indicator (SRI) is a tool designed to allow an assessment of how far organisations providing mental health services are meeting their users needs in terms of their rights to equality, social inclusion and support to recover.

This paper details the methodology and findings of an SRI pilot project.

Report investigating social networks as a factor in labour market proximity and likelihood of gaining sustained employment. Qualitative methods were used to explore these networks and glean new knowledge of processes underpinning people's participation in employment. The principal aim of the research was to provide employability agencies with a better understanding of how to support and advise clients in a holistic manner.

Research briefing paper looking at the effects on children and young people of domestic violence between those adults who hold or have held a parental role towards them.

This guidance is Communities and Local Government's first attempt to set out what we know about meaningful interaction, based on research findings and the views of expert practitioners. It is aimed at local cohesion practitioners and policy planners and includes some good practice.

Report of a study which assessed the quality and accessibility of greenspaces and community facilities such as halls and leisure centres across two socially contrasting areas of the city of Glasgow.

New research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions explores possible explanations for the relatively high levels of worklessness among tenants in social housing. A separate, forthcoming, report will present the detailed research findings.

Summary of a practitioner research study which examined how child protection concerns and allegations were being managed in one sport, and the extent to which they adhered to the Scottish Governing Bodies of sport's (SGB) child protection procedures.