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Contents

social justice: social inclusion, voluntary issues & equalities
chief scientist office (health)
civic participation and consultation
civil law
communities scotland (housing, regeneration & communities)
criminal justice
education: schools; children, young people and social care; tourism, culture and sports
effective interventions: drug misuse
enterprise and lifelong learning
environmental justice
health, community care and mental health
housing and regeneration
rural affairs
transport and planning
scottish household survey
office of chief statistician (OCS)
research contacts

The Scottish Executive's Social Justice and Equality Strategies set out its plans to take forward a vision for a just and inclusive society. This bulletin reports on a range of social research projects carried out in-house or commissioned by the Scottish Executive and Communities Scotland relating to these cross-cutting strategies. It provides an update of ongoing projects, information about recent and forthcoming publications and details of new research likely to be commissioned over the coming months.

The Office of the Chief Researcher and research teams in the various Departments and Communities Scotland provide a social research service to the Scottish Executive and certain allied Departments. Research teams support the formulation, development and evaluation of the Scottish Executive's policies and contribute to better delivery of services through the provision of evidence-based advice.

Social Justice

Ongoing Work

Money Advice Projects for Vulnerable Groups - Consultancy & Evaluation
Contractor: SPIU with MAS
Due: Summer 2006
Contact: Frauke Sinclair [0131 244 7568]
Research to provide consultancy support and to monitor and evaluate the MA projects individually and collectively, in order to inform future initiatives meeting the needs of the target groups and to provide mainstream advice providers with information which will allow them to understand the issues which affect these client groups.

Working for Families Evaluation
Contractor: ERI
Due: 2007
Contact: Julieanne Murphy [0131 244 7371]
Research to monitor and evaluate the Working for Families fund which started in April 2004. To assess the impact of the overall funding; to answer what is effective, for whom, in what circumstances and why; and to show, through cost benefit analysis, the trade offs between such benefits and the economic resources used.

Lone Parent Further Education Research
Contractor: Centre for Research and Development in Adult and Lifelong Learning, Glasgow University
Due: June 2005
Contact: Julieanne Murphy [0131 244 7371]
Research to identify good practice within Further Education colleges in terms of recruiting and retaining lone parent students.

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Scottish Compact: Baseline Results 2004
Contractor: GEN Consulting
Due: Publication March 2005
Contact: Louise Virdee [0131 244 7331]
Research to develop and collect core baseline monitoring data to assess the implementation of the principles of the Scottish Compact .

Minority Ethnic Enterprise: A Scoping Study
Contractor: Paisley Enterprise Research Centre, University of Paisley
Due: 2005
Contact: Louise McAspurren [0131 244 7571]
A scoping study designed to provide baseline data about the extent of minority ethnic enterprises across Scotland and to obtain more detailed information about their access to and experience of business services and products.

Ethnic Identity Research
Contractor: BMRB, CERES, Inverness College & Mukami McMcCrum
Due: March 2005
Contact: Nicola Edge [0131 244 0427]
Initial research to inform the Executive's planned consultation work on ethnic identity classification. The study involves discussion with community groups & representative organisations as well as interviews and focus groups with data providers and data users. The research will explore how individuals would wish to classify their ethnic identity as well as looking at the need for information on ethnic identity amongst data users.

British Sign Language and Linguistic Access for Deaf People: a study of the experiences of BSL users in engaging with public services
Contractor: Deaf Studies Trust
Due: Spring 2005
Contact: Katherine Hudson [0131 244 7572]
Research with users of British Sign Language to explore their experiences of accessing public services and to identify good practice and suggestions for improvement.

Translating, Interpreting and Communication Support: a review of provision in public services in Scotland
Contractor: Heriot Watt University
Due: Spring 2005
Contact: Nicola Edge [0131 244 0427]
This study aims to provide policy makers with a picture of TICS services currently available, while also opening up consideration of the actions that are required to help develop provision of future services. It will include an audit of services, surveys of TICS providers and public bodies and case studies to gather more detailed information.

Faith Communities and Local Government in Glasgow
Contractor: Centre for Theology and Public Issues
Due: May 2005
Contact: Louise McAspurren [0131 244 7571
This research looks to identify key issues for inter faith work, consultation, and community development work in the Glasgow city area. It will act as a baseline study for the establishment of an inter faith officer post.

Minority Ethnic Enterprise: A Scoping Study
Contractor: Paisley Enterprise Research Centre, University of Paisley
Due: May 2005
Contact: Louise McAspurren [0131 244 7571]
A scoping study designed to provide baseline data about the extent of minority ethnic enterprises across Scotland and to obtain more detailed information about their access to and experience of business services and products.

Review of Race Equality Work
Contractor: Reid Howie Associates, BEMIS and In-house
Due: Spring 2005
Contact: Louise McAspurren [0131 244 7571]
This review encompasses a range of evidence gathering which seeks to map current race equality work and consult on key issues surrounding the current and future role of race equality.

A stock take of Local Authority Policy and Practice in relation to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people
Contractor: ODS
Due: September 2005
Contact: Nicola Edge [0131 244 0427]
The research will provide local and national policy makers with baseline evidence of activity at local authority level. Practical guidance will be produced to assist the development and monitoring of future policy and practice. This stock take will focus on employment; policy and planning; service provision and support mechanisms.

Forthcoming Research Studies

Local Compacts Research
Contractor: to be appointed
Due: Summer/autumn 2005
Contact: Louise Virdee (0131 244 7331)
Research into local compacts between public bodies and the voluntary sector in Scotland. The research will identify the extent to which local compacts have been developed and implemented and will identify good practice to support local compact development and implementation across Scotland.
Further forthcoming research projects including invitations of Expressions of Interest will be announced on the Scottish Executive Social Research website at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch.

Publications

The Draft Charities Bill: Focus Group Discussion with the General Public (2005)
Todd Associates
Research to explore public confidence in charities and the effectiveness of the proposed changes contained within the Draft Charities Bill.

Scottish Credit Unions - Meeting Member Demands and Needs (2005)
Hayton, K, Gray, L and Stirling, K (GEN Consulting)
This research, undertaken in 2004, surveyed Scottish credit union members to identify their characteristics and the types of financial products and services they would like their unions to offer. Analysis of credit union business plans and interviews with key players were also undertaken.
For FULL REPORT click here
For RESEARCH FINDINGS click here

Credit Union Training & Skills Audit (2004)
Chapman M, Boyle A, Rutherford F & Wager, F (CRSIS)
An audit of the training provision for credit union volunteers in Scotland and development and piloting of a toolkit for credit unions to allow them to carry out skills audits of their volunteer workforces.
For FULL REPORT click here
For RESEARCH FINDINGS click here

Working for Families: Lessons from the Pilot Projects (Stages 1 &2) (2004) formerly known as: Social Justice Childcare & Employment Funding
GEN Consulting
Research of 2 pilot areas to inform the design, development and implementation of the main Social Justice programme for specialised initiatives to improve parents' employability by tackling childcare barriers. Published in 2 Stages.
For FULL REPORT click here
For RESEARCH FINDINGS click here

Improving the Collection of Volunteering Data in Scotland (March 2005)
RDS Consulting
Development work and piloting to improve the collection of volunteering data in Scotland. This included consultation with key stakeholders on conceptualising volunteering and development and piloting of a module of questions to measure volunteering in surveys.

Review of Marches and Parades: A Survey of Views Across Scotland (2005)
Murray, L (TNS Social)
This survey looked at a number of issues connected to parades and marches including people's experiences of parades and marches in Scotland and the impact these had. The research supported the wider review undertaken by Sir John Orr.
For FULL REPORT click here

Religious Discrimination & Sectarianism: A Brief Review of Evidence [2002-2004]. (2005)
McAspurren, L
This paper draws together various pieces of academic and wider research on religious discrimination and attitudes to religion. It looks at work focussing on the Catholic and Protestant tensions as well as discrimination against other groups.
For FULL REPORT click here

Disability and Employment in Scotland: a review of the evidence base (2005)
Riddell S, Tinklin T & Banks P
Study collates the current evidence base in relation to disabled people's access to and participation within the labour market (including self-employment) and identifies gaps in current research in order to inform future research on the subject.
For FULL REPORT click here
For RESEARCH FINDINGS click here
Mainstreaming Equality Web Site
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/mainstreamingequality

Web site providing access to a range of equality-related research and other resources to assist researchers and policy makers in mainstreaming equalities issues into their work.

Chief Scientist Office (Health)

Ongoing Work

Scotland's Health, Housing & Regeneration Project: The Health Impacts Of New Social Housing And Regeneration Initiatives
Principal Investigator: Prof. Ade Kearns, Dept. of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow
Due: June 2006
Contact: Peter Craig [0131 244 4077]
A longitudinal study comparing mental and physical health in households rehoused into new social housing and households resident in social housing in the same areas, to ascertain the nature, extent and duration of any changes in health, and features of housing and regeneration programmes associated with them.

Childhood Cognition, Education & Adult Health: Associations, Mechanisms & Mitigating Influences
Principal investigator: Professor Sally Macintyre, MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
Due: December 2004
Contact: Peter Craig [0131 244 4077]
Data on cognitive function and socioeconomic circumstances at age 7 will be linked with data on morbidity and mortality later in life using a unique cohort of 12,000 Scottish children born in Aberdeen in the early 1950s. The study will explore the effect of cognitive function on later health, and the way this is affected by social position and schooling.

Measuring Health, Variations In Health and Determinants Of Health In Scotland
Principal Investigator: Dr A Leyland, MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
Due: ongoing
Contact: Peter Craig [0131 244 4077]
Programme of work to explore the social and spatial patterning of health, including development of measures of inequality, and factors influencing rural disadvantage.

Evaluating the Impact on Population Health and Inequalities in Health of (mainly) Non-Health Sector Policies, Programmes and Projects In Scotland
Principal Investigator: Dr Mark Petticrew, MRC Social & Public Health Sciences Unit,
Due: ongoing
Contact: Peter Craig [0131 244 4077]
Work to develop methods to assess the impact of interventions to reduce health inequalities, and develop, implement and evaluate interventions to improve the life circumstances and health of disadvantaged and socially excluded groups through changes in social and physical environments.

Health Inequalities in Scotland: Decennial Report on Socioeconomic and Spatial Variations in Health around the 1991 and 2001 Censuses
Principal investigator: Philip McLoone
Due: to be confirmed
Contact: Peter Craig [0131 244 4077]
Analysis of patterns and trends in mortality and other aspects of health according to social class and area-based deprivation measures.

Publications

For summaries of published studies, see the CSO website ( www.show.scot.nhs.uk/cso). The full reports are available from the authors.

Civic Participation and Consultation

Ongoing Work

Public participation in the Scottish Executive
Contractor: The Research Shop
Due: April 2005
Contact: Vikki Milne [0131 244 4333]
This work aims to map current Scottish Executive activity relating to participation in policy development and activity designed to enable or promote participation more generally. The project also includes a review of literature on participation methods used in public policy making.

Pubic attitudes to participation
Contractor: Mori
Due: April 2005
Contact: Fiona Timpson [0131 244 3335]
This small scale survey work will gather data on public attitudes to participation including knowledge of various elected representatives, experience of and interest in participation, and barriers and enablers to participation.

Publications
Involving older people: lessons for community planning (2004)
Scottish Centre for the Promotion of the Older Person's Agenda, Queen Margaret University College
A qualitative mapping exercise to provide baseline information on the involvement of older people at a local level, to provide a benchmark and highlight good practice. Will identify how Community Planning Partnerships ensure that older people in Scotland have the opportunity to contribute to and participate in the development and delivery of public services and community planning processes.
For FULL REPORT click here
For RESEARCH FINDINGS click here

Civil Law

Ongoing Work

Guide to the assessment of legal advice and information needs at a local authority level
Contractors: in-house
Due: March 2005
Contact: Sarah Bulloch
Building on recently completed needs assessment exercises, in four partnership areas, this guide is designed as a tool for local authorities to help them recognise and target legal advice and information needs.

Evaluation of the Debt Arrangement Scheme
Contractors: GEN Consulting
Due: Spring 2006
Contact: Anne-Marie Leslie [0131 244 2983]
The Debt Arrangement Scheme has been introduced in Scotland to offer a positive opportunity and means for managed repayment of multiple personal debts, with protection against enforcement action and sequestration. A pilot evaluation will start in March with a full-scale evaluation to follow. A final report is expected by the end of 2006, with findings expected to inform future development of the Scheme.

Monitoring and Evaluation of In-Court Advice Pilot Projects
Contractors: to be appointed and in-house
Due: 2005/2006
Contact: Fiona MacDonald [0131 244 2094]
The Access to Justice Division is funding on-the-spot advice services in five sheriff courts until 2006, aimed at meeting the needs of unrepresented court users and others. The Legal Studies Team has been collecting monitoring data and further research evaluating the operation of the projects will be commissioned externally. Findings from both these elements will be available by the end of 2005/early 2006.

Publications

Adults with Incapacity: Consultancy on Implementation, Monitoring and Research (2004)
Jan Killeen (Alzheimers Scotland), Fiona Myers (Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health),
et al
This research examined the operation of the Adults with Incapacity Act. Use across the country was monitored and qualitative research undertaken into awareness and experiences of the legislation.
For FULL Report click here
For RESEARCH FINDINGS click here

Contact Applications involving Allegations of Domestic Abuse: a feasibility study (2004)
Ann McGuckin and Brian McGuckin, AMA Consultancy
This research was commissioned to support the implementation of the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse. The key aim was to establish the feasibility of conducting a full and cost-effective study of contact applications where there have been abuse allegations.
For FULL REPORT click here
For RESEARCH FINDINGS click here

Fathers as Co-parents. How non-resident fathers construe family situations (2004)
Graeme Wilson, et al, Glasgow University
This study explored the views of fathers from separated Scottish families to understand their experiences as co-parents under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. Father-child and inter-parental relationships and fathers' use of separated family services were explored.
For RESEARCH FINDINGS click here

Communities Scotland

Communities Scotland is a Scottish Executive agency. Its Research and Evaluation Team is responsible for managing and commissioning research on housing, regeneration and broader community-related issues. Research in Communities Scotland is commissioned and managed centrally within the Knowledge and Intelligence Department and locally from Communities Scotland Area Office Network.

Ongoing Work

The Housing and Support Needs of older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) People
Contractor ODS Ltd
Due: May 2006
Contact: Laura Wilkie [0131 479 5010]
Study to investigate the housing and support needs of older LGBT people and provide guides for users and providers of these services, so as to improve the awareness and provision of housing and support services Results will be published as good practice guidance for housing providers and separately as a guide to assist older LGBT people to achieve suitable housing solutions.

Forthcoming Research Studies
Models of Accommodation for Gypsy / Travellers
Contractor: To be appointed
Due: To be confirmed
Contact: Joyce Logan [01382 427504 x 220]
This study will identify and appraise options and implications of accommodation models for Gypsies / Travellers. taking account of key issues of: funding mechanisms and regimes; responsibility for implementation; and community consultation. The outcomes of the study will inform forward planning, strategy and policy development and assist in the implementation and further development of Local Housing Strategies.
Further details about Communities Scotland research are available at CLICK here.

Criminal Justice

Ongoing Work

Evaluation of Community Warden Schemes
Contractor: GEN Consulting
Due: Winter 2006/7
Contact: Cara McKee [0131 244 6547]
An evaluation to inform and improve the implementation of community warden schemes, and to assess the impact of this initiative on the lives of people affected by antisocial behaviour and poor quality environments. Case study areas have been agreed and work will start in these imminently.

Scottish Crime and Victimisation Survey
2004-07
Contractor: BMRB Social Research
Due: Ongoing
Contact: Korin Lebov [0131 244 4046]
In June 2004 the Scottish Crime Survey, a household survey of people's experiences and perceptions of crime, was re-launched as the Scottish Crime and Victimisation Survey (SCVS). The SCVS represents a major shift in design, methodology and sample size from previous surveys and is now a continuous survey with an annual sample of 27,500 adults (aged 16 or over) interviewed over the telephone. The SCVS provides an index of crime in Scotland which complements the official police recorded crime statistics by estimating the extent of crimes which are experienced by households and individuals, whether or not they are reported to, or recorded by, the police. Further information about the SCVS can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/scvs.

Forthcoming work
Evaluation of the Pilot Arrest Referral Schemes
Contractor: To be appointed
Due: January 2006
Contact: Euan Dick [0131 244 2418]
Evaluation of the six pilot Arrest Referral Schemes across Scotland, looking at their role in referring arrestees to drug and/or alcohol addiction services.

Evaluation of the Pilot of Structured Deferred Sentence
Contractor: To be appointed
Due: March 2007
Contact: Euan Dick [0131 244 2418]
Evaluation of the 4 pilot Structured Deferred Sentence pilots in Scotland, looking at their role in providing a structured programmes of social work intervention to low-level offenders.

Publications

Evaluation of the Scottish domestic abuse helpline (2004)
Louise Brown Research
A National Domestic Abuse Helpline was established in June 2000. The report evaluates the level of use of the Helpline, barriers to accessing it, and explore options for future development of the Helpline.
For FULL REPORT, click here
For RESEARCH FINDINGS, click here

Preventing Domestic Abuse in the Western Isles: The Community Perspective (2004)
Lèirsinn Research Centre
The research explored perceptions about domestic abuse held by various groups in the Western Isles, including people with experience of abuse, professionals, and the communities more generally.
For FULL REPORT, click here
For RESEARCH FINDINGS, click here

Education - Schools

Ongoing Work

Impact of Mainstreaming
Contractor: The SCRE Centre
Due: July 2005
Contact: Barry Stalker [0131 244 0740]
This research will explore the impact of the policy of mainstreaming pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). This will include an examination of the ways in which education authorities provide for pupils with SEN in mainstream schools and the ways in which they have implemented the mainstreaming requirements, outlined in Section 15 of the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.

Scottish School Leavers' Survey
Contractor: Scottish Centre for Social Research
Due: Current contract ends March 2007
Contact: Barry Stalker (0131 244 0740)
The aim of this longitudinal study is to provide longitudinal data about the transitions of young people from completion of compulsory education at 16 through subsequent education, employment and training to the labour market. Analysis of the data as part of a 'Special Studies' contract includes work on gender and attainment, NEET group and low attainment.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Drug Education in Scottish Schools
Contactor: Centre for Social Marketing
Due: October 2005
Contact: Barry Stalker (0131 244 0740)
The study meets a recommendation by the School Drugs Safety Team to evaluate the effectiveness of current drug education practice in Scottish schools. The research will include data collection in special schools.

Review of Strategies to Address Gender Inequalities in Schools
Contractor: Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde
Due: September 2005
Contact: Paul Tyrer [0131 244 0055]
This research is mapping and evaluating strategies to address gender inequalities in Scottish schools. The project is reviewing the relevant literature to understand the causes of gender differences in attainment and of variations across the genders in school experiences (subject choices, career aspirations, self esteem, perception of gender roles, access to vocational training and so on). This is complemented by an assessment of current practices addressing these gender issues in primary and secondary schools in Scotland, with a view to highlighting examples of good practice through case studies.

Evaluation of the Study Support Programme
Contractor: SCRE, University of Glasgow
Due: March 2005
Contact: Paul Tyrer [0131 244 0055]
The Study Support Programme (SSP) was introduced in 1999 as one way to raise standards in schools and promote social inclusion. This research is mapping the range of SSP activities from 1999-2004, evaluating how these programmes are being implemented in pre-school and primary and secondary schools, and appraising the outcomes of the project, both intended and unintended. Focussing on specific examples, the study is also identifying examples of good practice in schools and local authorities.

Forthcoming Research Studies

Evaluation of the Implementation of Free Fruit scheme in Primary 1&2
Contractor: Currently being appointed
Due: to be completed Autumn 2005
Contact: Barry Stalker (0131 244 0740)
The study will set out to evaluate the implementation of the Free Fruit scheme in Primary 1 and 2 in Scottish publicly funded schools.

Pre-School to Primary Transitional Support
See: Education - Children, Young People and Social Care.

Impact of ASL Legislation
Contractor: To be appointed
Due: To be specified
Contact: Barry Stalker [0131 244 0740]
The aim of this study will be to explore the impact of the Additional Support Needs legislation which will complete parliamentary process in 2004.

Educational Experience of Asylum Seekers
Contractor: to be appointed
Due: unspecified
Contact: Paul Tyrer [0131 244 0055]
This work will focus on the experiences of asylum seeker and refugee children in school education in Scotland.

Publications

Minority Ethnic Pupils' Experiences of School in Scotland (2005)
Arshad, R (Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland)
Research to explore minority ethnic pupils' experience of schooling in a range of school settings across Scotland and to identify key factors relating to ethnic diversity which promote or restrict inclusion.
For INSIGHT click here

SchoolsoutGlasgow.net Pilot Project (2004)University of Edinburgh
This project aimed to provide online education for interrupted learners, i.e. pupils, between the ages of 14 and 16, who are not able to attend school for a variety of different reasons (i.e. pregnant school girls, long term illness, excluded pupils, young people looked after by Local Authorities and chronic school refusers). The aim of the research was to assess the effectiveness of online learning for vulnerable and interrupted learners.
For REPORT click here

National Evaluation of the New Community Schools Pilot Programme: Final Report (2003)
Sammons P et al (Institute of Education)
Key findings from the national evaluation which explored the extent to which the 37 pilot projects achieved the 'essential' or 'likely' characteristics of NCSs based on the programme goals.
For INSIGHT 7 click here

Education - Children and Young People, Social Care

Ongoing Work

Assessment Of The Support And Information For Victims Of Youth Crime (SIVYC) Pilot Scheme
Contractor: MVA
Due: March 2005
Contact: John Galilee [0131 244 0891]
The principal aim of the research is to assess the benefits of the Forth Valley Victim Support SIVYC pilot Scheme in improving the experience of victims of young offenders dealt with by the children's hearing system in the area. The research will assess the impact of the Scheme on organisations involved in the pilot (i.e. Police, Victim Support Scotland, SCRA, Social Work Departments, the Voluntary Sector and Children's Panel members).

Evaluation of Secure Care Outcomes
Contractor: Glasgow University, Stirling University and Strathclyde University
Due: October 2005
Contact: John Galilee [0131 244 0891]
This study is investigating the effectiveness of secure care in meeting the needs of young people, their families and communities. The study will look at the referrals procedure and how young people reach secure care, the interventions they receive and the early outcomes after leaving secure care. It will inform decision making about the most effective use of secure accommodation in Scotland.

Evaluation of the Fast-Track Hearings in Scotland
Contractor: Consortium: Glasgow University, Stirling University and Strathclyde University
Due Date: April 2005
Contact: John Galilee [0131 244 0891]
This project evaluates the setting up, operation and effectiveness of fast-track children's hearings, currently being piloted in three geographical areas of Scotland. It will provide an overview of the cost-effectiveness of fast track hearings and the associated programmes/interventions in delivering successful outcomes compared with conventional hearings.

Resilience: A Framework for Positive Practice
Contractor: Stirling University
Due: February 2005
Contact: Fiona McDiarmid [0131 244 2652]
A year long pilot for an evaluative intervention study in Scotland. Based around a published set of practice materials that aim explicitly to promote resilience in vulnerable children.

Early Years Longitudinal Survey - 'Growing up in Scotland'
Contractor: Scottish Centre for Social Research (SCSR) and Centre for Families and Relationships (CRFR)
Due: September 2007
Contact: Fiona McDiarmid [0131 244 2652]
The primary objective of the survey is to address a significant gap in the evidence base for early years policy monitoring and evaluation. It will collect information about the experiences of young children and their families from birth to age 5 and provide the basis for tracking their development into adolescence. The data will also serve wider policy research requirements for cross sectional analysis of issues affecting children and young people. It represents a major investment in the CYP evidence base with a specific focus on children in vulnerable groups.

Sure Start Scotland Mapping 2004
Centre for Research on Family and Relationships
Due: January 2005
Contact: Fiona McDiarmid [0131 244 2652]
This survey will update the 2002 mapping exercise of Sure Start Scotland. The survey will be carried out in three phases: 1. updating statistics from the 2002 survey, 2. describing the planning process and 3. assessing the impact of Sure Start services and funding on children and their families.

Integrated Assessment and Information Sharing: Evaluation of Pilot Projects
Contractor: Brigid Daniel, University of Dundee
Due: March 2005
Contact: Fiona McDiarmid (0131 244 2652)
The aim is to develop a draft framework that focuses on the evaluation of the complexities of inter-agency working and partnership approaches with families. The evaluation will draw out aspects associated with successful joint working which can be used to inform guidance for the consultation that Children and Families Division is undertaking.

Perceptions of Young People and Crime
Contractor: Module of questions on Scottish Social Attitudes Survey
Due: March 2005
Contact: Fiona McDiarmid [0131 244 2652]
The aim of the research is to gather contextual evidence around adults perceptions of young people to feed into the evidence base around anti-social behaviour and youth crime. Questions have been added to the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey. Topics range from gaining adults perceptions of young people to perceptions of young people committing anti-social behaviour and crime.

Literature Review on Defining Need in Social Work
Contractor: Don Brand, Daphne Statham, Trish Reith
Due: February 2005
Contact: Fiona Hodgkiss [0131 244 0092]
The purpose of this review is to examine the need for social work intervention in the modern world. The work will draw together evidence and perspectives on the need for social work and explore definitions of need from the perspective of users and providers. It will also consider how these definitions are interpreted in practice. The work will inform the 21st Century Social Work review.

Literature Review on the Role of the Social Worker
Contractor: Chris Clark et al, Edinburgh University
Due: February 2005
Contact: Fiona Hodgkiss [0131 244 0092]
The aim of this work is to review literature relating to the role of the social worker in the 21st century. The work will identify key themes and issues concerning the role of the social worker and appraise the relevance of these for the development of social work, and in particular for the role of the social worker, in Scotland in the 21st century.

Evaluation of the Reading Rich Project Pilot
Contractor: NCH Scotland and Scottish Book Trust
Due: November 2007
Contact: Rod Harrison [0131 244 0741]
This project forms the first of a wider programme of pilots and evaluations supported by the Executive which will explore the effectiveness of options for improving educational attainment of looked after children. The Reading Rich pilot comprises a number of projects that aim to increase exposure to literature and reading experiences within a range of residential and foster settings.

Forthcoming Research Studies

Child Death and Significant Case Reviews: International Overview
Contractor: To be appointed
Due: April 2005
Contact: Niamh O'Connor [0131 2440754]
The aim of the research is to provide a comprehensive international overview of approaches to investigating or inquiring into child deaths and significant cases in order to assist the work of the Child Death and Significant Case Review Group (part of the Child Protection Reform Programme).

Evaluation of the Columba 1400 Careleavers Programme
Contractor: To be appointed
Due: July 2006
Contact: Niamh O'Connor [0131 2440754]
This project is a an evaluation of a two year pilot programme whose aim is to enhance the experiences of young people moving from residential care to independent living.

Evaluation of Parenting Orders in Scotland
Contractor: To be appointed
Due: March 2007
Contact: Fiona McDiarmid [0131 244 2652]
Evaluation of a three year national pilot focussing on the implementation and LA planning processes of Parenting Orders.

Evaluation of Extended Schools Pilots in Scotland
Contractor: To be commissioned
Due: May 2006
Contact: Fiona McDiarmid [0131 244 2652]
Evaluation of two pilots in Aberdeenshire and Fife looking specifically whether childcare is a barrier to going back to work for lone parents.

Publications

Survey Of The Development And Well-Being Of Children And Adolescents Looked After By Local Authorities In Scotland (2004)
ONS
This study examined the prevalence of mental health problems of children aged 5-15 who were being looked after by local authorities in Scotland. It focused primarily on the impact and/or burden of these mental health problems in terms of social impairment and disruption to others.
For Research Summary click here

Getting it Right for Every Child: Analysis of Responses to the Consultation on the Review of the Children's Hearings System (2004)
RDS Consulting
This study reports the analysis of over 700 responses received to the consultation on the review of the Children's Hearings System. Findings from the consultation will be used to inform Phase 2 of the Review which is taking place in 2005.
For the summary report, click here.

Education - Tourism, Culture and Sports

Forthcoming Research Studies

Well-Being and Quality of Life: Measuring the Benefits of Culture and Sport
Contractor: To be appointed
Due: September 2005
Contact: Janet Ruiz [0131 244 4939]
This work will define 'quality of life' in the context of culture, arts and sport and explore ways in which the impact on quality of life and sense of well-being through participation in cultural or sport interventions can be identified and measured, both in social and economic terms.

Publications

A Literature Review of the Evidence Base for Culture, the Arts and Sport Policy (2004)
Ruiz, J (Scottish Executive)
This Review of research on the social and economic impacts of participation in culture, the arts and sport activities, covers cross-cutting issues such as impacts on social inclusion, health, education, youth offending and regeneration and examines the under-representation of groups such as young people, ethnic minority groups and disabled people in cultural and sport activities. Also covered is the economic and social impact of major events and cultural tourism. The Review highlights gaps in research in these areas.
For report CLICK here.

Effective Interventions: drug misuse

Ongoing Work

Prison Transitional Care Evaluation
Contractor: Stirling University and NFO System Three Social Research
Due: January 2006
Contact: Laura Turney [0131 244 2107]
The evaluation of the prison transitional care arrangements in Scotland began in May 2002. The transitional care arrangements are designed to assist the Scottish Prison Service to meet one of the key objectives in the SPS Drugs Strategy: to increase the proportion of identified drug misusers taking part in successful transitional care after release from prison. The study combines a quantitative cohort component with a series of qualitative case studies.

Evaluation of Lloyds TSB Partnership Drugs Initiative
Contractor: Glasgow University, Strathclyde Univ and SCSR
Due: August 2005
Contact: Laura Turney [0131 244 2107]
This study has been commissioned to evaluate a number of projects funded by Lloyds TSB Partnership Drugs Initiative (PDI) to tackle the problems of drug misuse in children and young people. The evaluation will aim to identify lessons from PDI projects about effective approaches to improving outcomes for young people affected by drug misuse.

The Provision of Health and Social Care Services for People with Co-Existing Mental Health and Substance Use Problems across Scotland
Contractor: University of Dundee
Due: January 2005
Contact: Samantha Coope [0131 244 3079]
The aims of this study are to describe and examine the nature and scope of existing service provision in Scotland for people with co-existing mental health and substance use problems. A specific aim includes - to identify the broad range of health and social care needs of people with co-morbid mental health and substance use problems; and their experiences of accessing and receiving services from health, social care, and voluntary organisations

Drug Markets in Three Case Study Areas
Contractor: RSDC and EIU research team
Due: March 2005
Contact: Samantha Coope [0131 244 3079]
This study will examine drug markets and interventions to tackle them, in three case study areas in Scotland. It will study the impact that drug markets have on the local areas in which they operate, and the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce the negative impacts of these markets. It involves qualitative research with police, local service providers, drug users, and community representatives.

Publications

The Scottish Executive Drug Misuse Research Programme 2004-2007 sets out the programme of drug misuse research that the Scottish Executive will support and fund over the next three years.
Click here for the DOCUMENT

Service Provision for Drug Users in Rural and Remote Areas of Scotland: a Qualitative Study - A summary Report (2005)
Clear Plan (UK) Services Ltd.
This report explores the issues that influence the effective planning, design and delivery of integrated care for drug users in rural and remote areas from the perspectives of service commissioners, service providers and service users.
For Report CLICK HERE.

Examining the Injecting Preparation Practices of Intravenous Drug Users (2004)
Paisley University
This study examines the injecting practices of a sample of drug users with specific reference to those which could potentially facilitate the transmission of Hepatitis C and other bloodborne viruses .
For Report CLICK HERE.

Working with Young People: A profile of projects funded by the Partnership Drugs Initiative (2004)
Glasgow University, Strathclyde University and SCSR
This report provides interim findings from an evaluation of 17 projects funded in 2001 by the Partnership Drugs Initiative (PDI) to work with young people.
For Report CLICK HERE.

Evaluation of the Scottish Prison Service Transitional Care Initiative Interim Findings -- Staff Views of Transitional Care (2004)
Stirling University and NFO System Three Social Research
This is the first in a series of short reports on the findings from an evaluation of the Scottish Prison Service Transitional Care arrangements. This report presents the results of interviews with staff involved in Transitional Care, and provides information about their reviews of the assessment and referral process in particular.
For Report CLICK HERE.

Reducing the Impact of Local Drug Markets: A research review (2004)
Effective Interventions Unit
This report reviews existing evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the impact of low-level markets and describes some current examples of work in Scotland. It draws on a review of existing international research literature and EIU 'fact-finding' visits to nine local areas in six Scottish forces.
For Report CLICK HERE.

Evaluation of the Scottish Prison Service Transitional Care Initiative. INTERIM FINDINGS - Four Month Client Interviews (2004)
Stirling University and NFO System Three Social Research
This is the second in a series of reports on the evaluation of the Scottish Prison Service Transitional Care arrangements.
For Report CLICK HERE.

Evaluation of the Scottish Prison Service Transitional Care Initiative: INTERIM FINDINGS - Four Month & Seven Month Client Interviews (2004)
Stirling University and NFO System Three Social Research
This is the third in a series of reports on the evaluation of the Scottish Prison Service Transitional Care arrangements. This report presents the results from a larger sample of ex-prisoners interviewed 4 months post-release and the early results from ex-prisoners surveyed 7 months post-release.
For Report CLICK HERE.

Residential detoxification and rehabilitation services for drug users: A review (2004)
Effective Interventions Unit
This document reviews the existing evidence on residential detoxification and rehabilitation services for drug users and examines the way these services are being used in Scotland.
For Report CLICK HERE.

Enterprise and Lifelong Learning

Ongoing Work

Research on Student Income, Expenditure and Debt in Scotland
Contractor: Professor Claire Callender, London South Bank University
Due: May 2005
Contact: Linzie Wood [0141 242 0260]
This research will collect comprehensive data on the experiences of income, expenditure and debt of a nationally representative sample of full time and part time undergraduate students studying in HE and FE in Scotland.

Benefits Advice & Transition to Employment: Making the Transition to Work
Contractor: Scottish Poverty Information Unit, Glasgow Caledonian
Due: June 2005
Contact: Jeanette Hagerstrom [0141 2425454]
This is a two year training and research initiative. It involves (i) a literature review of advice services and transition to work (available from Jeanette) (ii) primary research with disadvantaged groups (as service users), advisors and agencies to develop models of benefits advice and (iii) training for advisors in new approaches to information and advice services that help to address the problems and barriers for disadvantaged groups.

Evaluation of the Scottish Adult Literacy and Numeracy (ALN) Strategy
Contractor: Professor Lyn Tett, Edinburgh University
Due: July 2005
Contact: Esther Saville [0141 2425786]
The aim of the ALN strategy is to increase learning opportunities, increase the number of learners and improve the quality of ALN. Previous research suggests that deprived areas have disproportionately high numbers of adults with low levels of literacy and numeracy. This longitudinal survey aims to assess the impact of learning on the lives of learners.

Motivations to learn
Contractor: CRADALL
Due: April 2005
Contact: Corrine Adams [0131 222 5463]
A review of existing literature to explore what motivates adult learners in Scotland and assesses what and where the barriers are to participation in both full and part-time learning

Funding available to learners in tertiary education - an international comparison
Contractor: Internal
Due: March 2005
Contact: Corrine Adams [0131 222 5463]
A literature review of international approaches to funding maintenance and tuition costs of FE and HE students.

Mapping Exercise: Employability and Support Services for Disengaged Young People
Contractor: Eddy Adams Consultants
Due: March 2005
Contact: Linzie Wood [0141 242 0260]
A mapping study to provide a better understanding of the range and nature of supports offered to the client group; and inform development of an effective service framework.

Forthcoming Research Studies

The social and economic impact of broadband in Scotland
Contractor: To be appointed
Due: To be confirmed
Contact: Linzie Wood [0141 242 0260]
This study will consider the economic and social impact of broadband across Scotland. It is anticipated that this study will involve both primary and secondary data collection.

Publications
National Evaluation of Inclusiveness Projects and All-Age Guidance Initiative (2005)
Segal Quince Wickstead
This study provides a detailed evaluation of these important initiatives aimed at assisting people to enter appropriate education, training or employment.
Click here for REPORT

Evaluation of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Pilots in Scotland (Phase 2) (2005)
Croxford L, Howieson C, Provan F and Ozga, J: CES, Edinburgh University
Phase 2 of the evaluation aims to examine the impact of EMAs on participation and attainment in post 16 education especially amongst young people from low income families. The pilot areas include East Ayrshire, Dundee, Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire.
Click here for REPORT

National 'English Speaking As Other Language' (ESOL) Strategy: Mapping Exercise and Scoping Study (2005)
Rice, C (Abertay University)
This research provides a detailed account of the provision, take up and wider issues affecting ESOL course provision throughout Scotland. The final output will feed into the work of the future partnership that will develop the national strategy. It will also give an indication of what future work is required in this area, and be the foundation stone of future research.
Click here for REPORT

National Evaluation of the Supporting Young People into Employment Initiative (2005)
Segal Quince Wickstead
This study is evaluating small-scale supported employment projects and the potential for this model to be used with the inclusiveness project client groups.
Click here for REPORT

Environmental Justice

Ongoing Work

Environmental incivilities: Scottish Social Attitudes survey
Contractor: Scotcen
Due: April 2005
Contact: Nuala Gormley [0131 244 3677]
A module of 40 questions in the 2004 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey been developed covering perceptions and incidence of various 'environmental incivilities' and local environmental quality issues. The study will examine respondents' priority concerns regarding environmental quality in different types of neighbourhood in Scotland. Analysis will relate responses to health, exercise, perceived political efficacy, and concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as socio-demographic and geographic characteristics.

Investigating Environmental Justice in Scotland: links between measures of environmental quality and social deprivation
Contractor: SNIFFER / Prof. Gordon Walker (Staffordshire University), Dr. Gordon Mitchell (University of Leeds)
Due: March 2005
Contact: Nuala Gormley [0131 244 3677]
The SE is co-funding research with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to examine evidence of the proximity of socially deprived neighbourhoods in Scotland to different aspects of environmental quality. The project is administered by The Scottish and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER). The project compares environmental datasets provided by the project sponsors with data from the 2001 census and the 2004 Scottish Indices of Deprivation to establish whether there is evidence of a relationship between areas of social deprivation and exposure to different environmental incivilities. GIS will be used to demonstrate any such patterns.

Access to Environmental Information and Advice; A scoping study of single-source outlets
Contractor: Enviros Consulting Ltd
Due: June 2005
Contact: Nuala Gormley [0131 244 3677]
This project seeks to ascertain how far the 'one stop shop' model would meet a public demand for environmental information and advice. It will look at best practice across the UK and elsewhere, both in providing this type of information, or where this model works most successfully. The study will therefore report on 'what works', 'why' and 'for whom', with emphasis on meeting the needs of people not accustomed to exploiting their information rights. It will draw on primary evidence from both the general public and key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Environmental Information Regulations, and the Freedom of Information Act.

Publications

Public Attitudes To The Environment In Scotland (2002)
Kerstin Hinds, Katriona Carmichael and Harvey Snowling
Research findings from a survey of public attitudes to the environment carried out in 2002. 4000 people across Scotland were asked their views on a range of topical environmental attitudes.
For FULL REPORT click here

Survey On Environmental Issues In Scotland (2002)
NFO System Three
Monitoring the impact of the Scottish Executive's communication exercise to improve environmental awareness.
For FULL REPORT click here

Health, Community Care and Mental Health

Ongoing Work

COMMUNITY CARE

Scoping study on the needs of and services for younger people with physical disabilities and/or early onset dementia
Contractor: University of Stirling
Due: March 2005
Contact: Ruth Whatling [0131 244 3533]
A scoping literature review on the needs of younger people with physical disabilities and dementia, and the range and quality of care services provided for them in order to identify key emerging themes and any gaps in the evidence base to inform the development of policy and practice.

Support for Employment for People with Learning Disabilities and/ or ASD
Contractor: Dr Julie Ridley
Due: Publication due March/April 2005
Contact: Ruth Whatling [0131 244 3533]
Research project mapping out the nature and availability of initiatives and services to support people in Scotland with learning disabilities and/ or ASD gain and remain in employment. The project will identify examples of good practice and will explore the experiences of those in supported employment, and their families.

Community care and mental health services for adults with sensory impairment in Scotland
Contractor: MVA
Due: September 2005
Contact: Ruth Whatling [0131 244 3533]
Research project on the services provided for people with sensory impairment, including mental health and community care services, the purpose being to map out services provided, identify examples of good practice and explore service user and carer perspectives in order to address present inconsistencies and specialist needs.

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental Health Law Research Programme
Contactor: In-House
Due: Ongoing
Contact: Angela Hallam [0131 244 2813]
The Mental Health Research Team is establishing a dedicated programme of research into the operation of mental health law in Scotland. In particular, the programme aims to support the implementation of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, and to evaluate its operation and impact. A consultation on the research programme was carried out in 2003 and a programme of pre- and post-enactment research is now being developed.

Research Literature Review: Mental Health Care and Treatment
Contractor: University of Glasgow
Due: February 2005
Contact: Angela Hallam [0131 244 2813]
The review will provide a collation of published evidence on the workings of mental health law in Scotland, updating previous reviews and identifying gaps in the evidence base.

Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003: Analysis of Consultation Responses on the Draft Code of Practice and Regulations
Contractor: George Street Research
Due: February 2005
Contact: Angela Hallam [0131 244 2813]
The analysis will enable a comprehensive and thorough consideration of all the responses to the consultation process, with a view to developing and refining the Code of Practice and accompanying Regulations.

National Programme: Programme of Research and Evaluation
Contractor: In-House
Due: Ongoing
Contact: Angela Hallam [0131 244 2813]
A programme of research and evaluation supports the Executive's National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-Being. The research and evaluation strategy was published on the National Programme's website in January 2004 and will be updated by March 2005.
CLICK HERE for the National Programme's website

Evaluation of the First Phase of Choose Life: the National Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in Scotland
Contractor: Consortium led by Steve Platt, Research Unit in Health, Behaviour and Change
Due: July 2006
Contact: Angela Hallam [0131 244 2813]
The evaluation will assess the infrastructure put in place (nationally and locally) to support Choose Life. It will measure progress towards the milestones identified in the strategy document and provide recommendations to guide the second phase of the action plan to achieve a 20% reduction in suicides in Scotland by 2013.

Evaluation of the Breathing Space Telephone Advice Line and Signposting Service for People Experiencing Low Mood or Depression
Contractor: Appointment imminent
Due: October 2005
Contact: Angela Hallam [0131 244 2813]
The evaluation will examine the inputs to, and implementation of, the service and will explore the effectiveness of the communication strategy and the telephone line in terms of reaching the target population and the appropriateness of onward referrals made.

National Programme: Small Projects Initiative
Contractor: Approximately 10 projects per annum
Due: March 2006 (first set of projects)
Contact: Angela Hallam [0131 244 2813]
The competition will be run each year and aims to provide a flexible source of funding for small, innovative research projects able to demonstrate a contribution towards advancing the National Programme agenda.

Health Evaluation of Well Men Services Pilots
Contractor: Department of Public Health and Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen
Due: November 2006
Contact: Sarah Campbell [0131 244 5429]
The evaluation will assess the effectiveness of well men services pilots funded by SEHD in promoting healthier lifestyles; providing health assessment, advice and support; and effectively engaging men, particularly the hardest to reach due to social exclusion.

Forthcoming research

Priorities for COMMUNITY CARE Research include:
1) Research evaluating the implementation and impact of the free personal care policy.
2) Research evaluating the Joint Future Agenda.
3) Evaluation of the implementation and operation of the Single Shared Assessment Indicator of Relative Need (formerly the Resource Use measure)
For further details contact Ruth Whatling [0131-244-3533].

The MENTAL HEALTH Law Research Programme includes:
1) Investigation of levels and trends in use of compulsory treatment under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984
2) Work to explore stakeholder experiences of the current Act and expectations of the new Act
3) Publication of a research strategy to highlight progress to date and plans for post-enactment research.
For further details contact Angela Hallam [0131 244 2813].

Plans for MENTAL HEALTH Research to support the National Programme include:
1) Independent evaluation of the See Me national anti-stigma campaign
2) A series of five reviews to co-ordinate the evidence base on suicide and suicidal behaviour
3) A project to document the origins and development of the National Programme
For further details contact Angela Hallam [0131 244 2813].

Publications

Development of Methods to Measure User and Carer Satisfaction with Single Shared Assessment (2005)
Infusion Co-operative
A project developing reliable methods for measuring user and carer satisfaction with single shared assessment and its outcomes. The development of these methods will contribute to the process of evaluating progress towards the aims of the Joint Future Agenda both locally and nationally.

Well? What do you think? (2004)
The Second National Scottish Survey of Public Attitudes to Mental health, Well being, and Mental Health Problems (2004)
Braunholtz, S, Davidson, S and King, S (MORI Scotland)
The survey explores the views of a representative sample of the adult Scottish population on a range of mental health issues and compares findings with other relevant survey data, in particular the survey carried out in 2002. The survey will be repeated in 2006.
Click here for the REPORT
Click here for the RESEARCH FINDINGS

Public Attitudes to the National Health Service in Scotland - 2004 Survey (2004)
Rose, N and Glendinning, R with Carr-Hill, R (NOP Social and Political with University of York)
The survey explores public attitudes to and awareness of NHS services in Scotland in terms of satisfaction, choice, access, public involvement and responsiveness in the context of modernisation of the NHS. The survey provides a baseline for future surveys in 2006 and 2008.
Click here for the REPORT
Click here for the RESEARCH FINDINGS

Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour: Establishing the Territory for a Series of Reviews (2004)
Joanne McLean and Amy Woodhouse (Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health) and Stephen Platt (Research Unit in Health, Behaviour and Change)
A scoping exercise to co-ordinate information about the interests and areas of expertise of organisations and individuals specialising in suicide-related research, and to establish the territory and focus of a series of reviews to collate the relevant evidence base and identify areas in which reliable and relevant evidence is lacking.
Click here for the REPORT
Click here for the RESEARCH FINDINGS

On the Borderline? People with Learning Disabilities and/or Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Secure, Forensic and other specialist settings (2004)
Myers, F (Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health)
Research into the number of people in prison, secure accommodation and the State Hospital in Scotland who have a learning disability and/or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), the means by which people with learning disabilities and ASD are identified, and how their needs are identified and met by service providers.
For full report click here.
For research findings click here.

Older people in Scotland: results from the Scottish Household Survey 1999-2002 (2004)
Raab, G (Napier University) and MacDonald, C
An analysis of the last 4 years of Scottish Household Survey (SHS) data relating to older people, describing the characteristics of older people and their households, their circumstances and factors which affect their quality of life.
Click here for the REPORT
Click here for the RESEARCH FINDINGS

Older people and community care in Scotland: a review of recent research (2004)
MacDonald, C
A review of the research literature on the range, quality and user perspectives of community care services which older people in Scotland currently receive. The review also explores national and international examples of good practice in this field.
Click here for the REPORT
Click here for the RESEARCH FINDINGS

Mental Health Law Research Programme: Analysis of Responses to Consultation (2004)
Rushmer, R and Hallam, A
Analysis of responses to the consultation exercise on the programme of research to support mental health law reform in Scotland.
Click here for the REPORT

Review of the Implementation of Part 5 of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000: a Qualitative Study of Implementation and Early Operation (2004)
Wilkinson, H, Wasoff, F and Mason, A (Centre for Research on Families and Relationships)
Research to gather the experiences of key stakeholders (users and carers, those with statutory responsibility and those with operational responsibility) of the implementation and early operation of Part 5 of the Act.
Click here for the REPORT
Click here for the RESEARCH FINDINGS

Housing and Regeneration

Ongoing Work

Housing Support Services to Refugees: A Service Specification for Local Authorities in Scotland
Contractor: Michael Bell Associates
Due: Summer 2005
Contact: Katherine Hudson [0131 244 7572]
To develop a model service specification for use by Local Authorities, detailing the needs which housing and support services must address in order for refugees to access accommodation and live independently in the community.

Scottish Executive Central Heating Programme: Assessing Impacts on Health
Contractor: University of Edinburgh with NFO System Three
Due: Autumn 2006
Contact: Rebekah Widdowfield [0131 244 7570]
A three year research project to identify and quantify the impact of the Central Heating and Warm Deal programmes on recipients' health.

Scottish Executive Central Heating Programme: Assessing Impacts on Fuel Poverty
Contractor: Alembic Research
Due: Winter 2005
Contact: Cara McKee [0131 244 6547]
Research to measure the impacts of the Central Heating Programme on its beneficiaries, including whether they are removed from fuel poverty and its effects or have their degree of fuel poverty reduced.

Assessing the Development and Implementation of the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund
Contractor: Tribal HCH
Due: Spring 2005
Contact: Rebekah Widdowfield [0131 244 7570]
To monitor and assess the development of BNSF at a programme level, to explain processes underpinning the development and implementation of the BNSF, and to identify and share innovations and good practice. A number of topic reports are being produced over the duration of the contract.

The Support Needs of Homeless Households
Contractor: Ann Rosengard Associates
Due: Autumn 2005
Contact: Rebekah Widdowfield [0131 244 7570]
An examination of the support needs of households declared intentionally homeless. The main aim of the research is to identify accommodation and support provision which will assist intentionally homeless households to move on to more secure accommodation.

Final Evaluation of the Rough Sleepers Initiative
Contractor: Centre for Housing Policy, University of York
Due: Spring 2005
Contact: Rebekah Widdowfield [0131 244 7570]
The report will assess the extent to which the RSI has eliminated the need for rough sleeping in Scotland and the effectiveness of current monitoring systems, and will produce recommendations on future practice for the management, delivery and monitoring of services to meet the needs of rough sleepers.
For further details about housing and regeneration research within the Scottish Executive please see 'contacts' at the end of the Bulletin. Further forthcoming research projects including invitations of Expressions of Interest will be announced on the Scottish Executive Social Research website at: www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch.

Publications

Private Retirement Housing and the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act (2004)
Insight Social Research Ltd
This research examined the extent to which dwellings intended for owner occupation within private retirement housing developments were being privately rented.
Click here for Report

Recruitment and retention issues in Better Neighbourhood Services Fund programmes (2004)
Tribal HCH
This topic report considers what staff recruitment and retention issues have been encountered by the BNSF Pathfinders. It is one of a series of topic reports on key issues for the programme.
Click here for Report

Assessing the Impact of the Central Heating Programme on Tackling Fuel Poverty: Report on Year Two 2002 - 2003 (forthcoming Spring 2005)
Alembic Research
An annual survey of households included in each of the first three years of the Central Heating Programme is being conducted to monitor the impact of the programme (see above). This report presents the results for those households receiving central heating during 2002-2003, the second year of the programme.

Approaches to Community Safety and Anti-Social Behaviour in the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund Programme (forthcoming Spring 2005)
Tribal HCH
One of a series of topic reports on key issues for the BNSF, this report describes the types of activities which have been funded to promote community safety, and to address crime and antisocial behaviour and their impact on BNSF Pathfinder areas.

Older People's Services in Better Neighbourhood Services Fund programmes (forthcoming Summer 2005)
Tribal HCH
One of a series of topic reports on key issues for the BNSF, this report describes the variety of services and projects that have been funded through BNSF for older people.

Children and Young People's Projects in Better Neighbourhood Services Fund programmes (forthcoming Summer 2005)
Tribal HCH
One of a series of topic reports on key issues for the BNSF, this report describes the types of activities which have been funded through BNSF for children and young people. These activities have sought to improve young people's life chances and their quality of life as well as that of the communities in which they live.

Gypsies/Travellers in Scotland. The Twice Yearly Counts - No. 7 (forthcoming Summer 2005)
Research Consultancy Services
Results of the January 2005 count on the distribution of Gypsy/Traveller Communities, covering official council sites, privately owned caravan sites and places used for unauthorised encampments.

Rural Affairs

Ongoing work

Toolkit of Best Practice in Service Delivery
Contractor: In-house
Due: 2005
Contact: Donna Easterlow (0131 244 4186)
An on-going piece of work to develop a 'toolkit of best practice in rural service delivery' for dissemination to service providers. The toolkit will draw on the Scottish Executive's own research, but also that of a wide range of external agencies, in order to provide practical guidance on a range of issues including the range of delivery possibilities and funding available for trialling new methods of delivery.

Rural Analysis of the Census 2001
Contractor: In-house
Due: 2005
Contact: Kathy Johnston (0131 244 6146)
This work is focusing on commuting and migration analyses since this is previously unavailable data. The final report Migration and Commuting in Urban and Rural Scotland will also, however, include an annex of key variables, such as employment, housing and health, analysed according to the Scottish Executive's six-fold urban rural classification. The work will be completed and report available by the beginning of March 2005.

Forthcoming research studies

Service Priority, Accessibility and Quality - A qualitative study to explore rural communities' own views on local service provision
Contractor: To be appointed
Due: September 2005
Contact: Donna Easterlow [0131 244 4186]
The aim of the research to establish which services communities themselves think are important, and how they define accessibility and quality. The research findings will help to inform the development of local Closing the Opportunity Gap targets in an attempt to ensure that these are set, as far as possible, to reflect the needs, experiences and preferences of those people who use, wish or need to use local services.

Costs and Benefits of Co-locating Services in Rural Scotland
Contractor: To be appointed
Due: end 2005
Contact: Kathy Johnston [0131 244 6146]
A costs-benefits analysis of co-location in order to explore the widely-held assumption that co-location of services (in rural areas) leads to both cost-savings and improved access as a result of joint provision.

Publications

Scoping Study: Critical Factors in the Success of One-Stop Shops as a Model of Service Delivery within Rural Locations (2005)
Bryden, J, Rennie, F with Bryman, A, Hay, K and Young-Smith, L
This report will discuss the findings of case study research exploring the critical factors in the success of one-stop shops from the perspective of both service users and providers. It will also examine the extent to which the one stop shop has been successful in making services available to rural communities, and in improving their viability.

Transport and Planning

Ongoing Work

Anti-Social Behaviour on Buses

Contractor: George Street Research
Due: To be published March 2005
Contact: Tom Lamplugh [0131 244 0377]
To investigate the extent of anti-social behaviour on buses, its impact and what can be done to tackle it.

Transport Direct - Accessibility Information
Contractor: Atkins
Due: April 2005
Contact: Sharon McGregor (0131 244 0285)
To assess what information is needed to meet the accessibility needs of disabled travellers which will allow them to plan their journey in advance via Transport Direct, and what is the best way of collecting and maintaining this information. Transport Direct is an electronic information service which aims to centralise journey planning and facilitate ticket purchase across the range of transport service providers and modes of travel.

Public Transport Concessions for Disabled People
Contractor: TNS with TRi and TTR
Due: February 2006
Contact: Tom Lamplugh [0131 244 0377]
The overarching aim of this research will be to put forward recommendations for improved public transport for disabled people in Scotland.
Forthcoming research projects including invitations of Expressions of Interest will be announced on the Scottish Executive Social Research website at: www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch.

Publications

Road Safety - By Accident or Design? Guidelines for Improving Road Safety in Regeneration Areas (2005)
Colin Buchanan and Partners
Guidelines published by the Scottish Road Safety Campaign for use by all the agencies engaged in community regeneration that give guidance in how best to approach road safety in regeneration areas using an inter-agency, community based approach.
Click here for REPORT

Monitoring National Minimum Concessionary Fares (2004)
Colin Buchanan & Partners
To establish current and future patterns of concession use, before and after the introduction of a national minimum in October 2002. This study will provide behavioural information as well as data on the extent of use.
For REPORT click here.

Transport Provision for Disabled People in Scotland: A Progress Report (2004)
Reid Howie Associates
To establish where improvements have or have not been made to transport provision in Scotland since 1998, allowing the Scottish Executive and the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland to see where investment in improving provision has been effective.
For REPORT click here.

Scottish Household Survey

The Scottish Household Survey is a major survey of the Scottish population, designed to provide representative information on the characteristics, composition and behaviour of Scottish households and the adult population, both nationally and at a more local level.

A four year contract has been awarded to MORI Scotland and TNS to continue running the survey until the end of 2006. Questionnaire content is reviewed every two years; a revised questionnaire was introduced in January 2005. The next major questionnaire revision exercise will take place in Summer 2006 and the new questionnaire will be introduced 2007.

Publications

The latest Scottish Household Survey Annual Report, Scotland's People: Results from the 2003 Scottish Household Survey, and accompanying technical reports were published August 2004 and can be accessed via the SHS website. The technical report was published in 3 separate titles: Scottish Household Survey: Methodology 2003/2004, Scottish Household Survey: Fieldwork Outcomes 2003 and Scottish Household Survey: Questionnaire April 2003 to December 2004. The Annual Report covers a wide range of topics to allow links to be made between different policy areas, including many relevant to social justice; for example disability, volunteering and access to services. It includes analysis by age and gender.

Hard copies are available from The Stationery Office Bookshop, 71 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9AZ. (tel: 0870 606 55 66 or view their website at www.tsonline.co.uk) or on request from the SHS project team (see Contacts list at the end of the bulletin).

The Scottish Household Survey Statistics Publication Notices provide quarterly up-dates on trends for some key statistics. The latest notice based on data from Quarter 2 2004 was published on 25 November 2004. The next will be published on February 23 2005. These too can be accessed via the SHS website.

Office of Chief Statistician

The Scottish Executive's Office of the Chief Statistician carries out analysis and produces publications relating to social justice.

Ongoing work

Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics
Contractor: In-house
Due: Work ongoing
Contact: Robert Williams [0131 244 0443]
Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics ( www.sns.gov.uk) provides an increasingly wide range of socio-economic information at the new consistent small area statistical data zone geography (data zones contain on average 750 people).

Measuring Deprivation
Contractor: In-house
Due: Work ongoing
Contact: Robert Williams [0131 244 0443]
Building on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2004, the Executive is now working to further develop measures of deprivation in line with recommendations from the 'Long-Term Strategy for Measuring Deprivation'.

Equality fact sheets
Contractor: In-house
Due: Summer 2005
Contact: Charles Brown [0131 244 0324]
Work is underway to produce short summary fact sheets of statistics on equality issues across the office.

Ethnic Identity Classification Framework
See Social Justice: Equalities for details
Research has been commissioned to inform the development of proposals for a framework of ethnic identity classifications for use within the Census and other statistical surveys Following this research a consultation paper will be developed and published including draft options.

Publications

Analysis of Religion in 2001 Census (2005)
This publication had been developed in conjunction with the Equality Unit to develop the evidence base on this dimension of equality. Analysis has been carried out across the main policy areas (housing, education, labour market, and health) to provide detailed profiles of the different faith groups living in Scotland today.
Click here for the REPORT

Social Focus on Deprived Areas 2005 (forthcoming July 05)
Building on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2004, this Social Focus will focus on children and young people; working age; and pensioners living in Scotland's most deprived areas and explore the social-economic issues facing these groups living in deprived areas.

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2004 (2004)
Building on the recommendations of the 'Long Term Strategy for measuring Deprivation', the Executive developed an update to the 2003 Interim Index of Deprivation.
Click here for the REPORT

Social Focus on Disability 2004 (2004)
This publication will draw together information from various household surveys to present a range of analysis across the main socio-economic domains.
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Contacts

Social Justice - Social Inclusion: Frauke Sinclair, ( frauke.sinclair@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 7568) Social Inclusion Research, Scottish Executive, 1F, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Social Justice - Voluntary Issues: Louise Virdee, ( louise.virdee@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 7331) Voluntary Issues Research, Scottish Executive, 1F, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Social Justice - Equalities: Nicola Edge ( nicola.edge@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 0427) Social Justice Equalities Research, Scottish Executive, 1F, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Chief Scientist Office - Peter Craig ( peter.craig@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 2077) Chief Scientist Office, GE10, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Civic Participation and Consultation - Alison Platts ( alison.platts@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 4315) Civic Participation and Consultation, Scottish Executive, 1WR, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Civil Law - Anita Morrison ( anita.morrison@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 5229), Civil Law Research, Scottish Executive, 2WR, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Communities Scotland - Laura Wilkie ( laura.wilkie@communitiesscotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 479 5010), Knowldege & Intelligence, Research and Evaluation Advisor, Communities Scotland, Thistle House, 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HE

Criminal Justice - Siobhan Campbell ( siobhan.campbell@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 2118) Criminal Justice Research, Scottish Executive, 1W, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Education - Schools: Jo MacDonald / Fiona Fraser ( jo.macdonald@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 0906 / fiona.fraser@scotland.gsi.gov.uk 0131 244 5310), Schools Research, Information, Analysis and Communication, Education Department, Scottish Executive, 1B, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Education - Children, Young People & Social Care - Rod Harrison ( rod.harrison@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 0741), Children and Young People Research; Fiona Hodgkiss ( fiona.hodgkiss@scotland.gsi.gov.uk , 0131 244 0092), Social Care Research, Information, Analysis and Communication, Education Department, Scottish Executive, 1B, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Education - Tourism, Culture and Sport - Janet Ruiz ( janet.ruiz@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 4939), Tourism, Culture and Sport Research, Information, Analysis and Communication, Education Department, Scottish Executive, 1B, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Effective Interventions - Laura Turney ( laura.turney@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 2107) Effective Interventions Unit, Scottish Executive, 3ER, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Enterprise & Lifelong Learning - Esther Saville ( Esther.Saville@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0141 242 5435) Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Research, Scottish Executive, 3rd Floor, Meridian Court, Cadogan Street, Glasgow, G2 6AT

Environmental Justice - Nuala Gormley ( Nuala.Gormley@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 3786), Environmental Justice Research, Scottish Executive, 2J, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ

Health - Community Care: Sarah Campbell, Health and Community Care Research ( sarah.campbell@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 5429), Health and Community Care Research, Scottish Executive, 2ER, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Health - Mental Health: Angela Hallam, Mental Health Research ( angela.hallam@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 2813), Mental Health Research, Scottish Executive, 3WR, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Housing and Regeneration - Rebekah Widdowfield ( rebekah.widdowfield@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 7570), Housing and Regeneration Research, Scottish Executive, 1F, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Local Government - Stephen Sinclair ( Stephen.sinclair@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 4943), Local Government Research, Scottish Executive, 2J, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Rural Affairs - Juliet Harvey ( juliet.harvey@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 6631), Rural Affairs Research, Scottish Executive, 242 Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, EH14 1TY

Scottish Household Survey - Emma McCallum ( emma.mcCallum@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 8420), SHS Manager, Scottish Executive, 1F, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Transport and Planning - Hamish Clark ( hamish.clark@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 7559), Transport Research, Scottish Executive, 2C, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Office of Chief Statistician - Julie Wilson ( julie.wilson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 0131 244 7310), Scottish Executive, OCS, 4ER, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG.

Publication Enquiries - If you would like further copies of this Research Bulletin or have any enquiries about the listed publications, please contact: Lorraine Curran, 3WR, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG (tel: 0131 244 7560 or email: lorraine.curran@scotland.gsi.gov.uk)

Scottish Executive Social Research Website - This document and many other research publications are available in electronic format and are accessible from the website: www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch

Scottish Executive Social Research Publications - Paper copies of full reports are available from The Stationery Office Bookshop, 71 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9AZ (Tel: 0870 606 5566 or view their website at www.tsonline.co.uk).