The Research Team at Work House undertakes a range of studies, working independently and in collaboration with other sector specialists. Below is a sample of recent projects completed;
PROJECT NAME: LIFESTYLE ENTERPRISES (CURRENT)
Aims & Objectives:
The aim of the study is to determine the dimensions of the lifestyle enterprise sector
operating in Norfolk to inform meaningful and valued interventions.
Target audience:
32 lifestyle entrepreneurs across a specified range of business sectors.
Why Work House?
Our research expertise and understanding of both the academic and practitioner fields means we a excellent partners for HE establishments undertaking community and business research. Our thorough understanding of enterprise development and growth also brings subject relevance.
What we are doing:
- Identifying:
- the characteristics of lifestyle enterprises
- the motivations behind start up and establishment
- strengths and challenges faced by owners of lifestyle enterprises
- available local and other support networks
- Determining future and succession plans of lifestyle enterprise owners, with a specific focus on retirement plans
- Developing a definition of lifestyle enterprise from a grassroots perspective
- Evaluating the processes of starting up and developing a lifestyle enterprise
- Determining the role of the lifestyle enterprise sector in Norfolk's economy
Client:
IiC
Delivery Partner:
Norwich Business School, University of East Anglia
PROJECT NAME: EMPLOYMENT NEEDS STUDY
Aims & Objectives:
- To identify the external and personal barriers to employment for people in the area
- To identify overt and hidden attitudes to employment / unemployment
- To identify possible in-work support measures that would avoid job losses
- To gather qualitative and quantitative data to be used to implement a new employment strategy for the area, which would work in conjunction with local employers, the local authority and JCP
Target audience:
Those residing within the area, who had been unemployed between 3 and 15 months
Why Work House?
We were selected for our innovative and person-centred approach to the study, and also for our in-depth understanding of barriers to work.
What we did:
We created a research framework and questionnaire that achieved both quantitative and qualitative data, overcoming the distrust in 'authorities' by creating an informal and supportive setting. We held the research study in the back room of a local pub, near the job centre, and offered a free scratch card as an incentive to take part. Many of the target group were unable to verbalise their feelings, so we used alternative research methodologies (Participative Rural Technique) which included using collages and drawings to unpick the issues.
Client:
IiC and Job Centre Plus
Client feedback:
"Thoroughly professional, innovative and cost effective service. Impressed by strong evidence of going the extra mile at all stages (at no extra cost!) " Jon Holt , Jobcentre Plus , Norfolk.
PROJECT NAME: 10 YEAR ECONOMIC WELLBEING STRATEGY
Outcomes:
- Identification and ranking of causation factors of Worklessness
- Map client journey
- 10 year strategic vision for all stakeholders
- 10 year strategy with short & medium term action plan
- Commissioning framework & performance management
What we did:
Working through Spirals, one of our strategic partners, we provided expertise and extra resources to undertake the detailed work in strategy development and publication. We continue to work to facilitate and provide intensive support to local stakeholders to deliver the strategy in tandem with local expertise to ensure local ownership, buy-in and skills development. We advised on how best to build on local resources, particularly within communities, to progress this work and act as a critical friend in the development and early implementation of this approach in the area.
Client:
LA
Delivery Partner:
Spirals
PROJECT NAME: COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Aims & Objectives:
- To identify community attitudes towards the building of a new community recreation venue under proposal
- To identify how stakeholders can work most effectively together within the project team
Target audience:
Those living and working within NRF wards.
Why Work House?
We were selected for our knowledge of the area and its complex issues; and for our good relationships with the organisations working within it.
What we did:
We identified key stakeholders and carried out a series of formal and informal interviews to gather required data and to also identify overt and hidden attitudes. We also liaised with key community members and held informal talks and focus groups to gather grass roots opinion.
Client:
Community Development Trust within NRF area
Client feedback:
"The research we asked Work House to prepare was produced quickly and on time. The report is well structured, clearly presented and provides useful conclusions and recommendations." John Newby, NELM Development Trust , Norwich.
PROJECT NAME: SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STUDY
Aims & Objectives:
- To identify sustainable business development opportunities
- To better understand certain contract supply chain markets
- To conduct detailed field studies to shape potential propositions
- Identify potential opportunities for follow up by the business development team
Target audience:
Supply chain service users and providers
Why Work House?
We have already carried out successful research projects for Remploy, and they value our proactive, flexible approach and effective delivery.
What we did:
We carried out a mixture of primary and secondary research methodologies, which included in depth analyses of key players in the sector and face to face interviews with those involved in the Supply Chain market. We conducted field trips to trade events, factories and sector events. We were involved at all stages of the process, from devising and implementation of activity to end of project presentation of findings.
Client:
Remploy Workscope
Delivery Partner:
Insight
PROJECT NAME: ATTITUDES TO DIVERSITY
Aims & Objectives:
To identify local employers' hidden and overt attitudes towards employing people from 'diverse' backgrounds, e.g. BME groups, those with disabilities, ex offenders, low skilled.
Target audience:
100 employers from varying sized companies operating within, or employing people from the NRF area of Norwich.
Why Work House?
We were chosen for our experience of working on 'back to work initiatives', our knowledge of the local area and insight into the local business sector.
What we did:
The client was clear that they wanted to us to get to the 'truth', and not just feedback company policies and jargon sound bites. Thus, we created a research methodology to 'drill down' and get to hidden attitudes. We conducted stakeholder interviews, sector consultations and a series of in depth interviews with local employers and HR specialists.
Client:
Local authority
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