1. the institute for employment studies Evaluation of the Revised JSA Regime Tests Sara Dewson

2. Key features of the revised regime Back to Work Sessions in Stage 1 Additional interviews with PAs in Stage 2 Adviser caseloading for all at Stage 3 Mandatory activities at Stage 3 Skills screening throughout Absence of contracted provision

3. Aims of the research: Explore the implementation of the tests Understand the impact of the revised regime on Jobcentre Plus: customers staff stakeholders Full report available (www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2009- 2010/rrep580.pdf)

4. Stage 1 No big changes to NJI Light touch skills screening Identifying skills needs becoming more important BtWS advisers giving group presentations roles and responsibilities agenda more responsive objection handling/conflict management

5. Stage 2 - 13 weeks Process driven Significant content (eg JSAg, CAT, BOC, skills needs, jobs) 20-30 minutes Very little room for adviser autonomy and input

6. Stage 3 - 26 weeks Caseloading Action planning Mandatory actions No contracted provision (at time of research) Culture change for many

7. Adviser skills in revised regime Customer focused: assessing needs, identifying skills gaps counselling and challenging Employer focused: job broking labour market knowledge Self managing and motivating

8. Frustrations in revised regime Lack of specialism (emphasis on signposting and referrals) Lack of knowledge (labour market and local provision) Target and time bound Lack of effective management and leadership Reliance on process Reliance on screens Resistance to change

9. … thank you www.employment-studies.co.uk