Highlights of our work

We have cited a few examples below to highlight our recent work, however, we are adept at working with any organisation within your budget requirements to meet the project needs.

• Armed Forces

  Evaluation of the Engineering Challenge course

  Army Reform was keen to assess the success of a new Army Reserves’ recruitment project and commissioned Skills for Justice to evaluate the Engineering Challenge. Our in-house evaluation experts designed and distributed a two-stage evaluative survey for course participants and conducted a number of case studies to provide more in-depth experiences of the course. The final report established the success of the course and its contribution to skills and behaviour development in young people.

  Evaluation of the Military and Public Services course

  Skills for Justice was commissioned by Bicton College to carry out an evaluation of a new Military and Public Services course. Our in-house experts in evaluative practices and Social Return on Investment used a mix of qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods to produce a robust evaluation and Social Return on Investment account. Our findings were summarised in a report that enabled the College to justify its decision to pilot a new military-style academy using its current public services curriculum.

• Policing

  Evidence-based policing in Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies

  Working in partnership with a team of world-leading academics and specialist practitioners, we delivered an overall programme of evidence-based research and evaluation. The work undertaken included cross-cutting, complex and multi-disciplinary research. As part of that process, we evaluated the Evidence-Based Policing course and trained officers and staff in research methods such as evaluation techniques and the world café method. Through our training staff, officers better understand and communicate the impact of their work as well as show evidence outcomes.

  Better Policing Collaborative, Police Knowledge Fund

  For this project, our research uncovered best practice in policing methods and developed an evidence base of what works in reducing crime. The work provided opportunities for officers and staff to get involved in innovative approaches to policing and crime reduction, building sustained capability amongst police personnel, embedding understanding of crime and policing issues. Key components included building a research evidence base and applying it through knowledge exchange and translation across all levels of policing.

• Fire & Rescue

  Evaluation of emergency service collaboration

  As project lead, we oversaw investigation and evaluation into existing and emerging emergency services collaboration. The evaluation identified best practice and established a knowledge base for greater cooperation across the emergency services. The final report was published by the Home Office with our research presented to government ministers, which subsequently led to our recommendations being adopted in 2017 Policing and Crime Act.

  Longitudinal study of the Joint Emergency Service Interoperability Programme (JESIP)

  We carried out a two-year national evaluation of Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance services, to assess the collaborative roll out of joint emergency learning pilots. Through a longitudinal survey, focus groups and interviews with staff of all ranks across the services, the evaluation supported JESIP to develop comprehensive and consistent joint training plans and interventions. The final evaluation report was submitted to Home Office ministers to inform decision-making at a national level.

  Social value assessment of the Joint Ambulance Conveyance Project

  Using surveys, focus groups and interviews with fire service personnel, ambulance staff and service users, we assessed the social value of the Joint Ambulance Conveyance Project at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue. The research report provided an indicator of the social value created by the intervention and supported the drive to strengthen and improve service delivery.

• Offender Management

  HMPS Custodial Care NVQ Evaluation

  The NOMS HMPS Custodial Care NVQ (CCNVQ) was developed by Skills for Justice in partnership with custodial care practitioners across England and Wales. The CCNVQ was designed to help Prison Officers understand how to deal with individuals in custody while promoting and protecting their rights and to enhance their career prospects in this line of work. The project was able to draw out learning, good practice and opportunities to increase the value of the CCNVQ. It also informed the identification of quantifiable business measures of value to NOMS HMPS.

  Evaluation of the Probation Qualifying Framework

  We were commissioned by the National Offender Management Service to evaluate the impact of the Probation Qualifying Framework on Probation Officers’ practice to determine its outcome and impact. The evaluation combined desk research of internal Probation Trusts’ documents and other publications with a thorough consultation with key staff.

• Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)

  Evaluation of HMCTS Apprenticeship Framework

  For this large-scale project, we evaluated level 2 and level 3 Apprenticeship Frameworks on behalf of HMCTS. HMCTS wanted to provide an alternative progression route to replace those who leave or retire from the sector. Our evaluation, through focus groups, case studies and social outcomes, determined that the Apprenticeship Frameworks improved learning and progression outcomes for learner and employer.

  Literature review: What is good customer service in HMCTS

  We were asked to carry out research and produce a report showing evidence and recommendations around what good customer service is, how this is measured and what the pitfalls are. The report focused, particularly on digital customer service. It provided a comparison of non-digital and digital customer service to present an ideal customer service format so that HMCTS was enabled to improve their customer service experience.