Fair Work First: Policy Evaluation
Commissioned by the Scottish Government, Navigator Insight’s latest published research (delivered through our legacy agency Pye Tait Consulting) provides the first full evaluation of the flagship Fair Work First policy. In doing so, it assessed the policy’s impact on driving high‑quality fair work, and strengthening workforce diversity across Scotland’s labour market.
Led by Senior Research Director, Adrian Smith, the research followed a theory-based approach in line with HM Treasury’s Magenta Book. Navigator undertook a review of existing literature, extensive stakeholder engagement, including surveys of buyers and funders, employers and workers (over 2,100 total responses), 22 in-depth interviews, six employer case studies, and system mapping. The work was guided at key stages by a dedicated Research Advisory Group and the findings and recommendations are now helping to inform the future design and delivery of Fair Work First policy.
From a process perspective, buyers and funders appear to be using due judgment in applying Fair Work First criteria, with strong use of relevant information and guidance and clear expectations being set for employers. However, the evaluation found that Fair Work First guidance could be improved in places. Turning to employer outcomes, evidence suggest that Fair Work First has had a positive impact in strengthening fair work commitments, albeit one of several influencing factors. A key takeaway, however, is that the policy has helped to ensure that public funds are reaching organisations which are modelling fair work practice.
Identified challenges for employers centre on being able to respond to increases in the real Living Wage, and being able to meet other evidence requirements. This is especially the case in those sectors characterised by lower pay, reduced management capacity and short-term funding cycles. Surveyed workers meanwhile mentioned having experienced a range of positive fair work practices, albeit with some challenges faced and some observed differences based on workers’ protected characteristics.
In addition to the final report (featuring the findings and embedded case studies) and linked technical annex, published outputs include an infographic of key findings, the evaluation logic model, system map, and supplementary data tables.
All research outputs can be accessed by visiting the link below:
Image credit: Unsplash
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