Job Centre Plus and Children's Centres

This research by the Institute for Employment Studies for the Dept. Work & Pensions examined the relationship between Job Centre Plus and Children's Centres, as both organisations work towards their obligations of the Children's Act.

Key findings:
- Being involved early into the formation of the Children's Centre was more beneficial.
- Although there is a wide range of Jobcentre Plus services that could potentially take place in Children’s Centres, in practice, those provided are largely focused on a relatively narrow range:

1. Fairly passive and generalised information dissemination, through literature/leaflets.
2. More targeted labour market information, through vacancy boards.
3. A range of IT-based means of providing more labour market information through job points, warm phones, internet access.
4. Sponsorship of, or participation in, one-off events.
5. Adviser outreach delivering services in the Children’s Centres (although this was rare).

- The minority of Children’s Centre users who had used, or thought that they might use, Jobcentre Plus services, found the ability to do so physically convenient, culturally undemanding and non-stigmatising. They appreciated being able to approach the issues of work and benefits at their own pace and on their own terms and terrain. They also appreciated working face-to-face with a known adviser who would be responsive without forcing the pace.