These top tips share practical lessons on designing, delivering and evaluating local work and health programmes. They are designed for local and regional policy, delivery, data and evaluation teams, and senior decision makers.
The top tips are based on an evidence review of programmes and interventions delivered in a region, local authority, mayoral strategic authority, or integrated care board area, in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. The programmes all included:
- Clear elements of local tailoring and flexibility
- A target population of people aged 16 to state pension age
- A focus on both work and health outcomes
- An evaluation completed between 2017 and January 2026
These tips are informed by a limited body of evidence and so highlight promising practice rather than proving direct impact.
19 October 2026
ESOL Effectiveness Self-Assessment Framework
The ESOL Effectiveness Self-Assessment Framework has been developed to support providers and partnerships to reflect on the quality, effectiveness and responsiveness of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision in Wales. Developed by Learning and Work Institute on behalf of Medr, the framework was co-produced with ESOL providers, practitioners, stakeholders and learners. It draws […]
25 September 2026
Why lifelong learning is good for people and workplaces
Learning is something that continues throughout our lives. Whether it is developing skills for work, improving digital confidence, learning from colleagues or exploring a new interest, every learning experience can contribute to our personal and professional development.
22 September 2026
Unlock potential with lifelong learning
As we celebrate Adult Learners’ Week, it is an opportunity to recognise that lifelong learning has never been more important for the future success of North Wales. Learning does not stop when we leave school, college or university. In today’s ever-evolving economy, developing new skills throughout our lives is essential for helping people build confidence, adapt to changes, progress in their careers and take advantage of new opportunities.
11 August 2026
Delivering local work and health programmes: Top tips
These top tips share practical lessons on designing, delivering and evaluating local work and health programmes. They are designed for local and regional policy, delivery, data and evaluation teams, and senior decision makers.
24 July 2026
Welsh Government: Skills Audit for Wales
Learning and Work Institute Cymru has been commissioned by Welsh Government to undertake a Skills Audit for Wales to identify the skills needed now and in the coming years to support and grow the Welsh economy. What is the Skills Audit for Wales? The last formal skills audit in Wales took place in 2012 and since then the skills landscape has changed […]
18 March 2026
Challenging times? Time for a challenging curriculum.
Post-16 education in Wales is going through a period of innovation and change.
14 January 2026
ESOL Forum
Our work includes building the evidence of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) potential to have positive impacts on people’s health, employment, education and participation in communities.
13 January 2026
Labour Market Evidence Programme
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has commissioned the Institute for Employment Studies, in partnership with Learning and Work Institute, to deliver evidence reviews and practical resources on key labour market issues to help inform local policymakers.
26 November 2025
Final report: A Work, Health and Skills Plan for Wales
This research delivered by Learning and Work Institute (L&W), and funded by Serco, comes at a pivotal moment to inform a significant new era for employment support in Wales. The commitment from the UK Government to devolve non-Jobcentre Plus support is part of a broader strategy, outlined in the recently released Get Britain Working White Paper, which aims to streamline and enhance employment support mechanisms across the UK.
