April 2005 Newsletter
Welcome
02/2005
Welcome to the second edition of the Research Framework Newsletter. Thank you for the positive comments we received following our first issue. Framework Projects Commissioned The final quarter to the operational year has been the most active so far with 39 projects commissioned. Since our “Go-live” in July 2004 we have now engaged 39 (62%) of our Framework Contractors and commissioned a total of 97 projects up to the end of March 2005. Period July 2005 – September 2005 October 2005 – December 2005 January 2005 – March 2005 Total 04/05 Number of Projects Commissioned 34 24 39 97
The complete list of projects has been attached as a separate document to this newsletter. Research Publications Each quarter we will provide a list of all the Research Papers that the analytical communities produce. This list is intended to provide only a short summary and not to replace the details the can currently be found on our website (http://www.dwp.gov.uk/resourcecentre/research_analysis_stats.asp). Again due to the size of the list it has been attached as a separate document to this newsletter. Resource Management Project. From September 2005 the DWP will be implementing a Resource Management Solution using Oracle software. The implementation will provide the Department with a high quality integrated business support service which will integrate various functions across Finance, HR and Procurement which are currently separate in terms of both IT and organisation. This includes the Procurement to Payment function.
Implementation will produce benefits both to the Department and to our Contractors. For the DWP we will be able to obtain timely information to show progress against procurement budgets and accurate Management Information online. Contractors could benefit from quicker processing of contracts and may find that they receive payments more swiftly. As the Research Framework has been establish quite recently we have most of the information required to load supplier information onto Oracle therefore we hope that you should not be required to provide anything further. The system is currently undergoing user testing where we will be looking specifically at the requirements of the Research Framework to ensure a smooth transition. If this user testing highlights the need for any further information we will contact you. We would like to take this opportunity to request your assistance with clearing any requests as quickly as possible to facilitate the effective implementation of the solution. If you have any questions on Resource Management please contact the Framework Team. Budget Sharing Following discussion with Contractors and Senior Management, the Framework Team issued guidance regarding sharing information on Project budgets. This guidance was issued to all DWP Framework Users in February and can be found in the attached document. Future Events - Workshops for Framework Contractors Plans are afoot to set up some workshops to facilitate better working between DWP and Framework Contractors. The aim of the workshops will be to provide an opportunity for information/training, but also for contractors to share ideas and suggestions with each other and DWP staff. Topics identified for workshops so far are: • Data Protection - An introduction to DWP best practice guidelines for data protection and discussion of the implications for research projects. • Using WPLS - An introduction to the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study, the main resource for DWP administrative data, including guidance on the technical and analytical aspects of working on projects involving WPLS. Invitations to workshops will be issued to contractors in May/June. Work Programme The DWP has a well-structured process for planning research and evaluation activity. This process is informed by wide consultation with analysts and academics within and outside the department, and it builds upon the existing evidence base that we have constructed.
The attached document identifies some of the current priorities for gaining fresh evidence within our main policy areas. All projects will give consideration to diversity issues, specifically gender, age, ethnicity and disability. The attachment covers only the programme for the Work Welfare & Equality group (other areas, including Pensions, Housing and Child Support are still in development). Framework Database Thank you to those of you that sent in electronic copies of their original Framework bids. Electronic copies have proved useful to our staff as they are accessible to a wider audience. If you’ve not had chance to do so yet, please email a copy of your bid to the Framework Team. Similarly, if you’d like to update the details we hold for your organisation (such as changes to personnel) please let us know. Newsletter Circulation If you have any colleagues that would like to receive copies please give the Framework Team their details and we will send them future editions. Copies of past newsletters can now be found on our website at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/framework_newsletters.asp
This newsletter was put together by the Research Framework Team. Please contact us at: Kate Callow Framework Manager Tel: 0114 2098118 Email: kate.callow1@dwp.gsi.gov.uk Colin Browne Framework and Database Development Manager Tel: 0114 2098112 Email: colin.browne@dwp.gsi.gov.uk Department for Work and Pensions Social Research Division Level 2 Kings Court Sheffield S3 7UF