NIHR Improving employment opportunities for carers

This study collected, assessed and synthesised evidence of what works in supporting carer employment, with the aim of producing guidance suitable for use in social care England-wide.

It evaluated the services and explored the relative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different models and what works well for whom. It also considered how well different agencies co-operate, how different initiatives interlink, and the impact of new/emerging policy agendas. Case studies of recent or ongoing effective practice were undertaken in a range of localities with a track record of innovation in supporting carer employment.

The study included: scoping interviews with experts; a mapping exercise of services providing employment support to carers; case-studies including interviews and focus groups (with staff, groups and carers involved); a survey of recent participants; a review of monitoring and evaluative data; and secondary analysis of local labour market conditions for carers.