Evaluation of DWP & Oxfam Livelihoods Training Project Interim Report

In August 2016, Oxfam Cymru in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) commissioned the Sustainable Housing & Urban Studies Unit (SHUSU) at the University of Salford to carry out an evaluation of the Livelihoods Training Project. The overall aim of the Project is to embed understandings of poverty within the DWP service across Wales, to enable DWP staff to better understand the needs of customers, and consequently be better placed to provide appropriate support and solutions to meet their needs. It is hoped that this more personalised approach will reduce the need for sanctions and improve outcomes in terms of sustainable employment. The Project aims to provide training to around 600 DWP staff across Wales by September 2017. The evaluation is using a mixed-methods approach to document and evaluate the operation of the Project and its impact on DWP staff and customers, and participating community partners.