Evaluation of the Skills Conditionality Pilot: final report

Skills Conditionality is a referral mechanism by which individuals claiming unemployment benefits can be mandated onto essential skills training.

The objective of the Skills Conditionality Pilot is to explore the effectiveness of conditionality in encouraging individuals to overcome essential skills barriers to employment. The empirical evidence originating from the Pilot will inform longer-term policy decisions concerning the further implementation of mandation.

Findings from the evaluation include:

mandating participants onto training had a positive effect on their engagement in training if used in appropriate circumstances
that alternatives to mandation should be explored for those identified as having particularly complex issues and who may not be ready for engagement in provision delivered in this format
there was quite widespread confusion over mandation
co-location of training providers with Work Coaches produced a much greater rate of conversion of referrals to starts.

Reports