The process of welfare reform initiated by the coalition government on taking office in 2010 has had a number of implications for all people in receipt of social security, some of which are yet to be fully felt or understood. This seminar looked at recent developments from a policy perspective, and at likely future developments.
Welfare reform has been accompanied by a strong drive to reduce unemployment and move people, particularly the long-term unemployed, into work. This has led to a number of changes, both at Jobcentre Plus and in outsourced provision like the Work Programme and Work Choice. This seminar covered three subjects:
Social security policy and welfare reform – where we came from, where we’re going and what the implications might be for people working in drug and alcohol services;
Findings from the Voices from the Frontline project. This is led by the Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) Coalition – DrugScope, Clinks, Homeless Link and Mind. The focus of the research has been into the consequences of all main elements of welfare reform for the most socially excluded people, particularly those with multiple and complex needs;
Developments in employment support. This included findings from DrugScope’s employment work in London and elsewhere, as well as its broader engagement with its members.
Speakers
Paul Anders
Senior Policy Officer DrugScope
Paul Anders is Senior Policy Officer at DrugScope, the national membership organisation for the drug and alcohol treatment sector, where he leads policy work including the annual State of the Sector survey, welfare reform, employment, housing and the broader social inclusion agenda.
Before joining DrugScope in 2012, he was first London Regional Manager and then Employment Manager at Homeless Link, the membership organisation for the homelessness sector. Before that, he worked in and managed services for rough sleepers and people at risk of homelessness in London and Sheffield.