Insights and Lessons from MHEP LCF Evaluation's Second Interim Report
Set my timezone
Select a timezone from the map or dropdown and click the Set timezone button to adjust the event date/times to your current timezone.
In this session we will explore the latest findings from the second interim report of the Mental Health and Employment Partnership (MHEP) evaluation for the Life Chances Fund (LCF).
Engaging with Evidence is a series of interactive online convenings hosted by the Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab) and designed to encourage a greater understanding of the latest evidence on the use of cross-sector partnerships focused on outcomes. The sessions are hosted monthly, and attract a diverse range of practitioners from different sectors, as well as researcher from across the world.
Building independent, high-quality evidence
At the GO Lab, we believe in the importance of building independent, high-quality evidence and disseminating it effectively to inform policy decisions and improve practice on the ground. As new evidence around the use of outcomes-based approaches is starting to emerge, we hope that with this series of online convenings we can continue to bridge the gap between evidence and practice, and help foster real dialogue between policymakers, practitioners and researchers in an honest, transparent and constructive way. Both veterans and explorers interested in better understanding the latest evidence around the use of outcomes-based approaches are welcome to join these sessions.
Throughout 2023, Engaging with Evidence will offer an open platform for policymakers, practitioners and researchers around the world to engage with key findings from the latest research and evaluation work in the field. They will have the opportunity to discuss new evidence directly with the authors of research and evaluation studies, hear the practical insights of the partners involved in the development and implementation of the projects under discussion, and reflect on the relevance of the evidence to their own work.
What to expect
Each session lasts 90 minutes and features contributions from a diverse panel of experts, as well as ample time for contributions and questions from all participants. Discussions at each session are grounded in the findings of a recent evaluation or research study, with additional practical insights brought in by stakeholders directly involved in the work or project under discussion. Each session follows a set format:
- Setting the context & presentation of the evaluation/ research findings
- Discussion with the panel and audience questions
- Closing remarks
If you’d like to suggest a topic or highlight a recent study that you’d like to see discussed on a future session, please contact our moderator Jessica Reedy
Session Overview
In this session we will explore the latest findings from the second interim report of the Mental Health and Employment Partnership (MHEP) evaluation for the Life Chances Fund (LCF) which looks at the MHEP Social Outcomes Partnerships (SOPs, also known as social impact bonds).
The Mental Health and Employment Partnership (MHEP) was established in 2015 to drive expansion of high-quality employment support programmes, based on the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Within the Life Chances Fund, MHEP supports five impact bonds.
Alongside one of the authors of the report, Emily Hulse at the Government Outcome Lab, we will be joined by leading experts in the field with our guest speakers at Social Finance and Big Issue Invest. During our session, we will explore the lessons and insights from the second Interim Report of MHEP evaluation of the “SOP effect” including 5 key questions:
- Is there greater accountability in SOP-funded IPS compared to traditional commissioning?
- Does the MHEP SOP affect service quality?
- How did the structure of the MHEP SOPs affect service delivery?
- Through what incentives do SOPs operate?
- Does MHEP have a legacy?
We will explore the sources of complexity and how to mitigate these common pitfalls of social impact bonds. Additionally, the legacy effects will be presented including new IT systems and dependable data routines for providers and a creation of a new baseline expectation and experience in partnership working for commissioners. Anyone interested in the flow of incentives in SOPs and how effective they were (or not) should also attend in this session.