InstantForum.NET v4.1.4City & Guilds Centre for Skills Developmenthttp://www.skillsdevelopment.org.uk/forum/forum@skillsdevelopment.orgSat, 11 Sep 2010 02:44:41 GMT20http://www.skillsdevelopment.org.uk/forum/Topic91-46-1.aspxThanks Tom for your comments and for the links to NIACE’s work in this area. I agree that there is plenty of scope for more detailed cost-benefit analysis in this area, particularly in the UK context. Apart from the studies referenced in NIACE’s work the other significant study I am aware of is also from the US: the “Three State Recidivism Study” by Steurer et al (Correctional Education Association 2001). This had a significant impact in the US at the time (it was used by the State of Maryland as a major justification of state expenditure on prison education on the grounds of savings in terms of re-incarceration costs). It may be a bit out of date now though, and it did not look at either the type of education programme followed or the length of time the participants spent in the programme. Does anyone else know of other studies that might be relevant?<br><br>I think there is a real need for a research programme with the capacity to carry out a sustained longitudinal study if we are to come up with a clearer cost-benefit analysis. This raises a few further issues though. How should such a study be delivered, and by whom? If government-directed, would it be sufficiently neutral - and if not, would it get sufficient attention from policy makers?Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:54:52 GMTChrisSimshttp://www.skillsdevelopment.org.uk/forum/Topic91-46-1.aspxThe article makes several v good points, and is realistic about the conditions which need to operate in order for VET to make a difference. We've addressed some of these as part of the work of the Inquiry into the Future for Lifelong Learning, see <A href="http://www.niace.org.uk/lifelonglearninginquiry/docs/IFLL-Crime.pdf">http://www.niace.org.uk/lifelonglearninginquiry/docs/IFLL-Crime.pdf</A></P><P>and</P><P><A href="http://www.niace.org.uk/lifelonglearninginquiry/docs/Public-value-paper-4.pdf">http://www.niace.org.uk/lifelonglearninginquiry/docs/Public-value-paper-4.pdf</A></P><P>One thing that is urgently needed is more good evaluations, which include broad cost-benefit analyses - or 'public value' analyses, as we prefer to call them, to emphasise the breadth needed. Any examples? Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:05:43 GMTtom schullerhttp://www.skillsdevelopment.org.uk/forum/Topic91-46-1.aspxDid you find the article "Vocational training: a route out of a life of crime?" in the Autumn newsletter useful?Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:52:10 GMTTaiye Aro