Scottish Government

York Consulting Limited
ISBN 978 0 7559 6486 4 (Web only publication)
This document is also available in pdf format (760k)

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
Study Background, Aims and Objectives
Study Method
Selection and Sampling of Local Authority Areas
Qualitative Consultation
Quantitative Analysis
Overview of Study Method
Study Limitations
Participation in the Consultation Programme
Report Structure

CHAPTER TWO BACKGROUND TO THE COLUMBA 1400 CARELEAVER PROGRAMME
The Columba Centre
The Columba 1400 Careleaver Programme

CHAPTER THREE OVERVIEW OF ACADEMY PARTICIPATION: 2004 - 2006
Attendance and Graduation
LA Involvement
Attendance and Graduation - 2004 -2006
Projections for Participation

CHAPTER FOUR CONSULTATION FINDINGS: PREPARING FOR ACADEMY ENGAGEMENT
Introduction
Eligibility / Selection of YCLs for the C1400 YCL Programme
SS Orientation Sessions
A Necessarily Flexible 'Selection' Approach
Phase 1 as a Selection and 'Sorting' Mechanism
Local Awareness of C1400 - Generating Interest and Demand
EET / NEET Eligibility
Eligibility / Selection of SS for the C1400 YCL Programme
'Introducing' C1400 to the LA
'Targeting' LA Teams
The Role and Influence of LA Management
SS Involvement in C1400
SS Commitment to C1400 and the Influence of Local 'Culture'
Local Service Provision and C1400
SS Attendance at C1400 Academies and Impact on Practice
Overview of SS Selection and Eligibility for C1400

CHAPTER FIVE CONSULTATION FINDINGS: The COLUMBA 1400 PROGRAMME
Introduction
Programme Delivery
Phase 1: Pod Development
Phase 2: Academy Attendance
Phase 3: Support and Development Following Academy Attendance
Typology of LA Engagement with C1400
C1400 National Activity
Appropriateness of Pilot Objectives
On-Going Developments
Marketing
Progress with Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms
Linkages to Wider National Policy
Perceived Barriers and Challenges - C1400 Team
Perceived Barriers and Challenges - YCLs and SS

CHAPTER SIX KEY OUTCOME MEASURES AND RESULTS: QUANTITATIVE FINDINGS
Introduction
Analysis Limitations
Pre and Post-Academy Questionnaires
Making the Transition from NEET to EET
Analysis from Profiling Questionnaires
Analysis from C1400 Pre and Post-Academy Data
Making the Transition to Independent Living
Analysis from Profiling Questionnaires
Analysis from C1400 Pre and Post-Academy Data
An 'Optimum' Set of Characteristics for C1400 Graduates
Analysis from 'Profiling Questionnaires'
Overview of Quantitative Findings

CHAPTER SEVEN KEY OUTCOME MEASURES AND RESULTS: QUALITATIVE FINDINGS
YCLs and C1400
Key Quantitative Progress Issues
YCLs' Perceptions of How They Have Benefited From C1400
YCL General Views of the C1400 YCL Programme
The Influence of a 'Positive Trajectory'
The Influence of Local Support
Lack of Direction Displayed by Non-Participants and Some Non-Graduates
Importance of 'Readiness' to Engage with the C1400 Programme
SS and C1400
The CPD Value of C1400
Personal Benefits:
CPD Benefits which 'Transfer' to YCLs
On-Going Challenges / Barriers in Working with C1400
Overview

CHAPTER EIGHT COLUMBA 1400 COSTS AND BENEFITS
Introduction
Background to C1400 Costs
Calculating Cost Per Participant
Understanding Costs of the C1400 Programme
Calculating Cost Per YCL Participant
Cost Per Programme
Calculating Cost-Benefit per Outcome
Comparing Participant Programme Costs with Programme Benefits
Moving into EET
Moving into Independent Living
Valuing Intangible Benefits
Wider Evidence of the Costs of Being NEET
Comparing Avoided Costs of Being NEET to C1400 Programme Costs

CHAPTER NINE CONCLUSIONS
Introduction
Conclusions
Programme Inputs
Programme Outputs
Programme Outcomes
General Conclusions
Optimum Characteristics for C1400 Graduation
What Facilitates Successful Programme Delivery
Weighing Up C1400 Costs and Benefits
Barriers and Challenges
Future Areas for Consideration at C1400 National Level
One: Clarify C1400 Programme Objectives
Two: Develop and Disseminate the 'C1400 Engagement Framework'
Three: Greater National and Local Efforts to Engage LA Senior Management in C1400
Four: Clarify National and Local Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibilities
Five: Promote Flexible Recruitment and Selection Methods of YCLs at Local Level
Six: National Efforts to 'Protect' DWP Benefits for NEET C1400 Participants
Seven: Generate Wider Interest and Engagement in the C1400 Programme
Eight: Enhance Efforts to Facilitate the Exchange of C1400 Practice
Nine: National Level Monitoring of Individual LA / Organisation Engagement with C1400
Ten: Marketing the 'Essence' of the C1400 Programme
Overview

APPENDICES: TOPIC GUIDE

The views expressed in the report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Scottish Executive or any other organisation(s) by which the author(s) is/are employed.

The Scottish Executive is making this research report available on-line in order to provide access to its contents for those interested in the subject. The Executive commissioned the research but has not exercised editorial control over the report.

This report is accompanied by a web only summary "Research Findings No 24 Evaluation of the Columba 1400 Careleaver Programme".

Both reports are published by Information and Analytical Services Division, Scottish Executive Education Department, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ. If you have any enquiries about these reports please contact the Dissemination Officer on 0131-244-0894.

Both reports were published in March 2007, and were web only.

The views expressed in this report are those of the researcher and
do not necessarily represent those of the Department or Scottish Ministers.