Kada Research were commissioned by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC) and the Pathways to Work Commission to carry out in-depth qualitative research with Barnsley residents. The research explored the lived experiences of people who wanted to be in paid work but could not be due to their health and/or caring responsibilities.

The Pathways to Work Commission was created by BMBC and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to investigate how better pathways to work could be created for those who are ‘economically inactive’. An individual is defined as ‘economically inactive’ if they are of working age (16 – 64), not in employment, and not looking for a job. The Pathways to Work Commission report, launched in July 2024 (available here), was based upon multiple pieces of research including the in-depth qualitative research led by Kada. The report highlights the need for more devolved, local solutions to support people who want to enter paid employment but cannot be due to their health and/or caring responsibilities. It also recognises the need to better integrate health services and employment support, a sentiment echoed by the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall at the launch:

Kada’s research was carried out with residents over two phases. The first phase involved research conversations with 37 Barnsley residents who shared their experiences of work, the barriers that prevent them from working, the challenges of being economically inactive, and their aspirations and motivations for the future. The conversations provided rich insights into the realities for Barnsley residents who either want to be in paid work but are unable to or have previous experience of being in this position.

In phase two, four focus groups were held to, firstly, explore further people’s experiences of employment support and, secondly, test which practical solutions are most needed to help Barnsley residents re-enter work. Attended by 18 Barnsley residents, the focus groups brought together people facing similar barriers or living in the same communities. They included individuals from various backgrounds: parents; people with health conditions; people caring for family members with physical or mental health issues; and people accessing support via a community organisation. If you would like to read more about the Kada research with Barnsley resident’s you can find them here.

Our research with residents found experiences of ‘economic inactivity’ are often complex with barriers to entering paid employment evolving over time. The term ‘economic inactivity’ simplifies the diversity of experiences and people, as well as the blurred lines between health, care, and other barriers. The severity of the impacts of experiencing ‘economic inactivity’ is connected to the resources, personal situation, and support networks of the individual. Timely interventions and support can prevent the escalation and multiplication of barriers (described by some as the “spiral”). We found there is a wealth of support available across Barnsley, the majority of which has been experienced positively by those who have engaged with it, particularly the forms of support delivered in communities or tailored to specific needs. However, the support needs to be more visible, easier to engage with, and more joined up. There is a need for personalised support tailored to specific needs, experiences, and circumstances. Crucially, long-term support is needed to give people the best chance to make sustained changes to their economic circumstances.

Barnsley Council thanked us for the research, adding: “There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution and understanding the variety of barriers with a far more personalised approach is key to tackling the problem”

If you are thinking about commissioning research exploring work and health or if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work, you can contact us at sophie@kadaresearch.co.uk.

Kada Research were commissioned by the Yorkshire Sport Foundation to explore the social and economic benefits of sport, movement and physical activity in South and West Yorkshire, and how sport and physical activity can help to meet sub-regional priorities. The place-based advocacy documents highlight the importance of investment in sport and physical activity initiatives at both a regional and community level.

A desk review of localised, sub-regional context was undertaken for both South and West Yorkshire, highlighting the health, wellbeing and future of sport and physical activity in the area. These place-based reviews were further supported by wider policy surrounding health, sport and participation and academic research. The merits of sport and physical activity and general attitudes towards engagement were detailed.

Consultations with local leaders and experts in the field of health, wellbeing and physical activity were undertaken. These consultees provided valuable insights into challenges faced in the sub-region, how challenges can be addressed through sport and physical activity, and examples of sport and physical activity being used to make a positive difference within local communities. Kada also provided estimates for the economic and wellbeing benefits of engagement in sport and physical activity.

The report concluded that sport and physical activity have tangible health and wellbeing benefits, such as a reduction in loneliness and mental ill health, a reduction in disease and age-related decline, and an improvement in social cohesion and trust. Sport and physical activity was also found to have a significant positive impact on local economies’, providing upwards of £380m GVA in South Yorkshire and £830m GVA in West Yorkshire.

Karl Dalgleish, Kada’s Study Director outlined:

If you are thinking about commissioning a health and wellbeing research study or if you would like to talk through an idea or to hear more about this work, you can contact us at info@kadaresearch.co.uk

Coastal communities in England often encounter greater social and economic challenges than their inland neighbours. In order to provide insight into these unique challenges, as well as the potential benefits of coastal living, Kada was commissioned by the Eastern Arc – a strategic collaboration between the universities of East Anglia, Essex, and Kent – to conduct a baseline evaluation that would inform how knowledge exchange could be used to address coastal inequalities.

The mixed methods evaluation first identified target areas along the coast of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, and East Sussex, which reported significant levels of deprivation using the Index of Multiple Deprivation.

The quantitative analysis investigated low pay, unemployment, and life expectancy, as well as sector analysis of the tourism, creative and the energy industries. The data was mapped to provide a statistical picture of themes which effect living on the coastal edges, and an economic opportunity map was also produced to demonstrate the significant low carbon and port infrastructure.

Alongside the quantitative analysis, an extensive desk-review produced a detailed qualitative picture of the challenges and opportunities of coastal living.

The report (available here) found higher levels of deprivation, low-paid work, and unemployment along the coastal edges of the study area, and clusters of lower life expectancy amongst people living in coastal communities.

The findings support national evidence on coastal deprivation and health inequalities which shorten the lives of those living on the coastal edges of England.

The research also highlighted opportunities as the quantitative analysis identified above average industrial sectors, with potential including high concentrations of energy and maritime industries, particularly in the East, and above average clusters of the tourism industry and visitor economy, as well as high concentrations of creative and cultural industries along the coast.

The report, which was launched by the Eastern Arc at the ‘Collaborative Coast’ conference which saw 160 academics and regional stakeholders come together to discuss coastal inequalities, concluded with strategic recommendations to utilise the coastal assets to address the stark inequalities within coastal communities.

Get in touch if you are thinking about research exploring inequalities or a baseline evaluation. Contact us at karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk or sophie@kadaresearch.co.uk if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work.

South Yorkshire is home to many different health and wellbeing assets and is a growing centre for health and wellbeing innovation. Whilst many of these are renowned and high performing, they currently do not always form part of a cohesive ecosystem and do not readily complement or connect effectively with each other.

Kada Research was commissioned by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to assess and map the health and wellbeing sector in South Yorkshire to identify opportunities for collaboration and future growth. We used commercial and official datasets, insights from a study steering group and consulted with over forty stakeholders including local businesses and practitioners.

The report explored the current and future challenges and concluded with some bold, but realistic, recommendations for how South Yorkshire could enhance its health and wellbeing sector. The initial recommendations were strategic and long-term. They focused on creating a cohesive narrative and community for South Yorkshire’s health and wellbeing sector and a roadmap of how to get there.

Connecting and growing South Yorkshire’s health and wellbeing capabilities through innovation and research which address local health needs was an important priority. The report also suggests transforming the visibility of the sector by promoting key areas of commercial and research excellence so that South Yorkshire is known as an exceptional location to develop, manufacture, and supply health and wellbeing products and services. Other recommendations included celebrating success, showcasing expertise, collaborating with others, and attracting and retaining talent as well as stimulating research and innovations.

“With growing pressure and opportunities on funding for innovation, South Yorkshire will need strong and ambitious plans backed up with robust business cases to ensure it is able to make the most of this growing sector. Our report, built on sector insights and evidence is designed to do just that” Karl Dalgleish, Study Director

“Our work highlighted the lack of a South Yorkshire ‘story’ for the sector and a lack of connectivity. Tackling health inequalities, preventative health, net zero, and digital technology adoption are four challenges we identified with strong opportunities for South Yorkshire.” Sophie Negus, Project Manager

Get in touch if you are thinking about commissioning a review of a sector or research activity you are involved with. Contact us at at karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk or sophie@kadaresearch.co.uk if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work.

Kada undertook a pro bono business case for the £1.5m rebuild of the Archer Project, the most significant capital investment in infrastructure in a generation to addresse homelessness in Sheffield. The Project’s current building is not fit for purpose and in May 2020 suffered fire damage through an arson attack.

This ambitious plan will significantly help transform homelessness services in Sheffield and beyond by offering a ‘hub’ designed specifically for those suffering from trauma. It will allow the people the project works with to make faster progress away from street life and homelessness and towards stable and fulfilling lives.

Kada undertook a social value analysis which was independently verified by a registered social value practitioner. We show that every £1.00 of investment raised or offered by partners will return social value benefits worth £3.20. The investment in the new centre will create a total net social value of £68m over 15 years.

“Our work is an important part of demonstrating the value of the rebuild project to potential funders. It will become a place where people can make important changes to the way they live and move away from homelessness.” Karl Dalgleish, Study Director and Archer Project Trustee

Get in touch if you are thinking about commissioning a social return on investment study. Contact us at karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk or sam@kadaresearch.co.uk if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work.

The Grad Informatics and Technology Fast-Track Stream is a pilot recruitment scheme, delivered by the Health Innovation Network, the Academic Health Science Network for South London. The scheme aims to address the current skills gap and lack of digitally trained NHS employees by placing skilled IT graduates within NHS trusts. Kada was commissioned to assess the scheme with a mid-term evaluation of its effectiveness.

Kada conducted a desk based review of the strategic context to assess how the pilot aligns with wider initiatives such as Health Education England’s (HEE) ‘Building a Digital Ready Workforce’ Programme, which aspires for the NHS to transform its digital literacy over the next 20 years, and digital workforce statistics. In addition, we spoke to the pilot’s graduates, their managers, delivery partners and stakeholders to gain multiple perspectives of the pilot’s process, delivery and impacts.

We also investigated the scheme’s scale up potential, lessons and recommendations for the future. During the evaluation, we also noted the importance of assessing the potential impact of COVID-19 on the scheme, as the outbreak began to escalate during our research process.

Thanks very much for this – it looks really good, hopefully it will be helpful for Health Education England too……I really appreciate all the hard work on this.

– Louise Brennan (Programme Manager, Graduates into Health).

Get in touch: If you are thinking about evaluating a scheme or pilot e-mail karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk and we will respond within 24 hours and offer a free initial two hour consultation.

This report considers the Big Lottery project’s performance, delivery and key lessons. It takes into account the views of the project team, external stakeholders and, most importantly, the people worked with.

The main aims of the project at the time were to engage people over a period of time, to help them realise development opportunities, reduce homelessness and develop a sense of personal achievement.

There were several factors that informed the development of the project, notably increasing numbers of people who were presenting with multiple and complex needs including mental illness, drug dependency, alcohol abuse and criminal behaviour.

The research found that activities have had a more profound effect on people’s lives and their recovery than was anticipated. Perhaps the single biggest lesson has been acceptance of how people behave and react. The Step Forward project has quite simply changed many people’s lives and participants have progressed to positive outcomes and experienced improvements in their physical and mental health.

“The report looks absolutely great. We all really like the time lines and think the stand out quotations lift it and are well chosen. It makes us proud of what we’ve done. I also like the colours and the section starter pages. We heard yesterday afternoon that our follow-on bid has been successful. Thank you for all your support and contributions.”

~ Tim Renshaw, CEO CAP, November 2017