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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
THE RELOCATION ADVISORY SERVICE
1.1 The pilot Relocation Advisory Service (referred to in this report as RAS) is one arm of the Scottish Executive's Fresh Talent Initiative. The Executive has established it on a three year pilot basis with an overarching aim to stimulate and support the in migration of bright, talented, hard working people (Fresh Talent) who can make a positive contribution to the Scottish economy and society. The pilot is intended to do this in a cost effective manner. RAS works with key partners (such as local authorities, the HE \ FE sector and the voluntary sector) to advance this aim. The specific objectives of RAS are to:
- advise on living, working and studying in Scotland, including work permits, visas, education system and accommodation; and
- create a seamless service that streamlines information on UK, Scottish and local public services
1.2 At the outset, RAS has identified five key target groups it hopes to assist relocate to Scotland, these are:
- Students
- People seeking employment
- Entrepreneurs and the self employed
- Scottish businesses looking to recruit from overseas
- Expatriate Scots looking to return home
AIMS AND METHOD OF EVALUATION
1.3 The Executive established RAS in October 2004 as a three year pilot service (October 2004 - September 2007) RAS has been set up over 3 years and will develop over this period. It is anticipated that there will be two phases of evaluation during this period. In January 2005, the Scottish Executive commissioned BMRB Scotland and DTZ Pieda Consulting to undertake the first phase of the evaluation which covered the first year of RAS and examined the extent to which RAS:
- attracts and supports "Fresh Talent" people to relocate to Scotland
- delivers its services efficiently, effectively and fairly
- works effectively with partners to deliver seamless services
1.4 BMRB Scotland (referred to in this report as ' BMRB') and DTZ Pieda Consulting used a variety of methods to gather evidence for this evaluation including:
- Conducting qualitative interviews with partner organisations, the Head of the RAS and RAS customers
- Undertaking a desk research and benchmarking exercise
- Analysing the RAS management information data
- Conducting a survey of RAS customers
- Conducting mystery shopping of the RAS service
Full details of the methodology used can be found at Appendix A.
1.5 It should be noted that RAS is a service that has developed and is developing over time. This report attempts to provide a baseline assessment of RAS in its first year of operations. Where it is appropriate reference is made to actual and planned changes.
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