Pathways to Work from incapacity benefits: A study of referral practices and liaison between Jobcentre Plus advisers and service providers

This report presents findings from a qualitative research project carried out as part of a wider evaluation of Jobcentre Plus Pathways to Work. The study was conducted in 2007 and 2008 to explore referral practices and liaison amongst Jobcentre Plus staff and service providers involved in helping incapacity benefits recipients move towards, and into, paid employment. The study was led by the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York in collaboration with the Policy Studies Institute and the National Centre for Social Research. The main stage of the research design comprised qualitative interviews with Incapacity Benefit Personal Advisers (IBPAs) and Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) who work in Jobcentre Plus offices, and frontline staff of organisations providing services to incapacity benefits recipients. The study focused on the key areas of: * IBPAs' and DEAs' knowledge of external (and internal) services * influences on advisers' referral decisions and practices * differences and overlaps in the roles of IBPAs and DEAs * working relationships between Jobcentre Plus staff and external providers * the understanding and practice of the 'case management' of Pathways to Work clients.