Research and evaluation

Case studies

A needs assessment of those not in education, employment and training (NEET) was commissioned by Career Wales, Vale of Glamorgan Young Peoples' Partnership and the Cardiff Young People's Partnership. This research in turn is informing the policy development of the Welsh Assembly Government in this area.

This award-winning (Institute of Career Guidance, 2008) research project entailed a mixed-methods approach including extensive involvement of young people who are not in education, employment and training. Cordis Bright:

• Conducted geographical mapping of the NEET population
• Analysed a highly complex secondary dataset, involving both cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis
• Conducted focus groups, questionnaires and on-line surveys
• Interviewed key practitioners and stakeholders

We are conducting a follow-up in-depth qualitative study of two cohorts of young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET.

A hard-hitting report, 'A fair contract with older people?' released by the Commission for Social Care Inspection, highlighted the difficulties older people have in finding suitable care homes and the lack of support available to them. The widely-reported findings has led to calls for greater improvements and funding to be made in this area.

Cordis Bright worked with the Commission to design, manage, conduct, analyse and interpret the qualitative and quantitative research for this major CSCI publication into people's experiences moving into care homes. This report is available to download in pdf format here.

Early Years Professional Status is a professional accreditation for graduate early years practitioners in England. It was introduced in response to findings identifying staff qualifications as a key indicator for the quality of childcare provision. It is the Government's aim to have an EYP in every Children's Centre by 2010, and in every full day care setting by 2015. The Full Pathway is designed for candidates already holding a degree, but with limited experience of working with children aged 0-5 years. It is the most intensive route to Early Years Professional Status, and combines at least 18 weeks of work placements with training and learning modules delivered in the classroom.

Cordis Bright completed an evaluation of the Full Pathway to Early Years Professional Status on behalf of the Children's Workforce Development Council. The project included a consultation with candidates, their employers and their work placements as well as training providers. An options appraisal process was also conducted to address the areas of improvement arising from the evaluation. This included consultation with a key stakeholder reference group and partners from the DCSF.

Children and Young People's Plans (CYPP) were introduced as part of the Government's Every Child Matters agenda aimed at improving outcomes. All Children's Trusts are expected to establish regular plans to improve outcomes for children and young people in their local area.

Cordis Bright has undertaken Needs Assessments for Children and Young People's Plans for a range of Children's Trusts. This has included:

• Collation and analysis of data relating to each of the Every Child Matters outcomes
• Presentation to a group of stakeholders and support for prioritisation and action planning
• Specific consultations on the effectiveness of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
• Review and incorporation of consultations undertaken with children and young people about outcomes improvement and their requirements