Opening from Saranna Fordyce, Lead Analyst DWP Central Analysis & Science Strategy Unit, and Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser

This in-person workshop brings together researchers, analysts and policymakers to raise awareness of DWP’s key analytical priorities amongst the research community across Scotland. The DWP Areas of Research Interest 2019 publication is being revised and refreshed in 2023.

There will be a range of presentations from academics and Government on key issues. There will also be breakout sessions to foster discussions on emerging research ideas and opportunities, including differences across UK policies relating to work and pensions.

DWP has recently opened a hub in Glasgow and this event seeks to build connections and collaboration with universities, local government and third sector organisations with a focus on advancing the evidence base for work and pensions analysis.

Preliminary Agenda

09:30: Registration, Tea & Coffee

10:00-10:20: Professor Nick Bailey, University of Glasgow – Welcome

Saranna Fordyce, DWP Central Analysis & Science Strategy Unit Lead Analyst & Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser – Introduction & DWP ARI overview

10:20-11:25: Spotlight presentations on labour market participation (5-8 minutes each)

• Professor Colin Lindsay, University of Strathclyde – Fair work and health

• Professor Vittal Katikireddi, University of Glasgow – Using microsimulation to explore the effects of taxation and social security policies on mental health: an illustration based on UK policy responses to COVID-19

• Professor Graeme Roy, Scottish Fiscal Commission – Understanding trends in labour market participation to inform devolved tax and social security forecasts

• Kevin Brady, Scottish Government – Reducing structural barriers in the labour market in Scotland

Questions and Discussion, chaired by Professor Nick Bailey

11:25-11:40: Coffee break

11:40-12:45: Spotlight presentations on children and families (5-8 minutes each)

• Professor John McKendrick, Glasgow Caledonian University – Hidden welfare: the realities of getting-by in 2023

• Professor Morag Treanor, University of Glasgow – The indivisibility of child and parental mental health

• Dr Martin Taulbut, Public Health Scotland – Supporting children and families

• Angelica Lorenzo and Jim Bowie, Scottish Government – Understanding the impact of policies on child poverty targets in Scotland

Questions and Discussion, chaired by Dr Serena Pattaro

12:45-13:00: Social policy and devolution in Scotland

Will McKinnon, Social Security Scotland – Overview of where social policies are diverging between Scotland and the UK/England

13:00-13:45: Lunch

13:50: Discussion in breakout rooms and networking (45 minutes), facilitated by DWP colleagues

14:35-15:00: Reporting from groups. Closing remarks and next steps – Mike Daly, DWP

This event is co-hosted by the College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow, the Department for Work and Pensions, and the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research which is funded by ESRC.

DWP Areas of Research Interest Workshop