SQW has a strong track record of undertaking research concerned to address issues of social inclusion and equality. Many of SQW’s projects are concerned with evaluating programmes and strategies to address the factors that contribute to the barriers that disadvantage groups both in the labour market and in communities.
In addition to disadvantages linked to poverty, unemployment and low incomes, certain groups also experience discrimination in the workplace, in the community and as users of services, which prevents them fully participating in society. SQW has recently conducted research examining innovative approaches to addressing issues including gender inequality at work, and barriers to independent living for disabled people.
Equality issues are currently high on the UK public policy agenda in the lead up to the establishment of a Commission for Human Rights and Equality.
SQW can deliver a wide range of assignments concerned with the social inclusion and equality agenda. Some recent examples are set out below.
Examples of SQW projects
Women in London’s economy research 2006/07
The project was commissioned by the Greater London Authority to inform its development of equality policies for women in London through the identification of best practice policies and practices in other countries, including the European Union, the USA and Canada. The research was part of the third phase of the GLA’s Women in London research programme. It consisted of an international literature review examining the position of women in a range of countries with different economies and legislative frameworks and 10 in-depth case studies of innovative employment policies and practice in different countries, involving interviews and discussions with key informants to explore their experience.
Evaluation of the Childcare Affordability Programme
SQW was commissioned by DfES in early 2006 (along with Brunel University and GfK NOP) to undertake a three year evaluation of the Childcare Affordability Programme. The main aim if this London based pilot initiative funded by the London Development Agency and the Greater London Authority is to pioneer a range of different approaches to make childcare more affordable for lower income families in London to increase their participation in paid employment.
Cost benefit analysis of Independent Living
The research was commissioned by the Office for Disability Issues to provide evidence for the Independent Living Review on the extent to which providing disabled people with more choice and control over the support they require is cost effective. The research comprised a wide-ranging literature review examining the evidence already available on the costs and benefits of this approach. The second component of the research comprised a case study methodology exploring two scenarios: one, where the individual does not have choice or control over how their support is delivered; and the second, where the person does have choice and control.
Research on best practice in family friendly working practices and implementation proposals
SQW was commissioned by the London Development Agency to undertake research to discover the extent to which SMEs in London are adopting family friendly working practices and to what level of success. The research sought to develop a best practice toolkit for implementation of family friendly working practices. Research was conducted using a combination of a web-based survey of SMEs in London and subsequent in-depth case studies.
Evaluation of Refugees into Jobs
SQW was commissioned by the London Borough of Brent to evaluate Refugees into Jobs – an organisation with an excellent reputation gained through its achievement and innovation in supporting refugees and asylum seekers into employment. Established seven years ago Refugees into Jobs works with a very challenging client group and empowers them to gain and utilise their skills to enter the labour market. This assignment assessed Refugees into Jobs against the Government’s current and future priorities, developed and advised on the future direction and strategy for the organisation and provided support with implementing the recommendations.
Understanding the causes of recurrent unemployment in Tower Hamlets
SQW was commissioned by the Tower Hamlets Local Strategic Partnership to undertake a two year programme of research, policy advice and programme commissioning support. The aim was to help understand the incidence of recurring unemployment in the Borough, with the objective of developing new approaches to combat economic inactivity and assist in the design of interventions and services that are informed by the evidence base of need.