ODPM Local Government Workforce Segregation Research Project: September 2005

New Research into Occupational Segregation in the Local Government Workforce

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has commissioned new research to be carried out by IRIS Consulting to look into occupational segregation in the local government workforce.

Purpose

The research will contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this area and will identify lessons on best practice in managing and overcoming occupational segregation in the local government workforce. The research will cover occupational issues affecting women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and ageism. The findings from the research will support the implementation of the local government pay and workforce strategy (LG PWS).

Background

The policy environment within which local government in England operates is currently going through major changes. The ten year vision for local government sets out a reform agenda based on the themes of leadership, citizen engagement, service delivery and performance framework. The Efficiency Review requires local government to deliver a minimum of 2.5% savings per annum against a baseline budget of approximately £86 billion. Some of these savings are expected to come from transforming local authorities’ working practices and approaches to people management, maximising productive time across a range of services and within the corporate centre. The Local Government Pay and Workforce Strategy is part of this wider policy context. .

Research Approach and Timetable

The first phase of the research will comprise interviews with stakeholders and a scoping/feasibility study. Dependent on the outcomes from this stage, the second stage of the research will involve qualitative research looking at particular themes and issues in more depth. It is intended to complete phase 1 by November 2005 and phase 2 by March 2006.

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