21.01.09: The Private Equity Foundation’s first research programme finds no NEET solution

In its first piece of commissioned research, the Private Equity Foundation (PEF) has highlighted both the complexity of issues facing young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) and the paucity of evidence on what interventions work. The venture philanthropy fund, whose mission is to help young people achieve their full potential, found there was almost a total lack of data for measuring attributable impact within the sector.

Shaks Ghosh, Chief Executive of the Private Equity Foundation, said: “This research has confirmed the day to day experience of those working with youngsters not in education, employment or training; that there are myriad reasons for their disengagement. However, unfortunately we have been unable to capitalise on the fantastic work being carried out, as we’ve found very little evaluation of projects. “Given the complexity of problems being addressed, the shortage of data makes it difficult to identify common needs which could be targeted to radically improve levels of involvement with young people. There are a lot of case studies and expert opinions but close to no hard figures.”

The Matrix Knowledge Group, which undertook the study on behalf of PEF, carried out a comprehensive review of the existing evidence base, including a Rapid Evidence Assessment, an interview programme, and peer review by leading academics and charities working with young people. Although over 30 provider organisations, charitable foundations, innovation brokers and government funded schemes were identified, only three, all from the USA, employed a research design for measuring effectiveness of intervention. It is important to note that that this does not mean that there are no effective interventions, only that the data is not yet available to demonstrate the effect of most. A recent CBI report, Towards a NEET solution: tackling underachievement in young people, has found that although improvements are being made, progress is patchy. It also stated that “tackling the NEETs problem need not involve spending more money, but rather spending it wisely”. PEF believes that one of the first steps to achieving this is to investigate how the third sector can improve the evidence base of its work. It is currently investigating options for its own portfolio charities.

Shaks Ghosh added: “Quite rightly, the third sector’s first commitment is to delivery, so it comes as no surprise that it often doesn’t have the time or resources to put evaluation programmes in place. However, this does have ramifications, not only with regard to missed opportunities and better channelled investment but also for donors who are looking for evidence on effectiveness, particularly in the current economic climate. “As a venture philanthropy fund with a portfolio of charities we are in a unique position to look at whether there is a common way we can measure beneficial impacts. This is a three year project and we look forward to reporting on our findings.”

For further information and images please contact Rosie Davey at rosie@privateequityfoundation.org or call 020 7749 5129 / 07827 804066