The UK team conducting the research have worked for a number of years within this sector and it was deemed appropriate to commence with a sample survey of existing provision. This was developed from existing knowledge of the market place and extensive networks, which were already established.
A standard report, as shown below, was developed by the U.K. Steering group.
Provider Questionnaire – Self Employment Provision for Disadvantaged People: Disadvantaged defined as: -
Offenders/Ex-Offenders
People with a Disability within meaning of DDA (including Carers)
Women
Ethnic Minorities
Single parents
Drug and substance abusers
Others with justification for long-term unemployed
Name of Provider’(s):
Address:
Telephone Number:
Contact:
1. Do you provide direct delivery of self-employment provision to any of the above groups?
2. Operational boundaries and geographical locations within SEEDA?
3. Access of Operational Offices/Home Visits within DDA?
4. Current/known future Contract’(s) funding streams for delivery?
5. Period of Current Contract’(s)?
6. Current beneficiary capacity of contract?
7. Staff complement/Specialist Training/Benefit Knowledge/Empathy with Client Group?
8. Do you partner other providers in the SEEDA area to achieve delivery?
9. Unusual aspects of provision that delineate it from mainstream provision?
10. Comments on activity/success of provision to date?
In total 33 representatives from various organisations participated in the survey, either by phone, face to face or post. In the majority of instances postal responses were followed up with phone calls to clarify and add to information provided.
