Home Office Research Programme: Expressions of Interest
The Immigration Research and Statistics Service (IRSS) is a research unit
within the Research Development and Statistics Directorate (RDS) of the Home
Office. IRSS undertakes research to inform the development of asylum and
immigration policy in the UK. We are currently inviting expressions of
interest for three research projects which we are intending to commission in
the coming months. Please find attached two documents: one that briefly
describes the research we are intending to commission; and secondly an
overview of our current research projects.
Please e-mail responses to [log in to unmask]
The closing date for expressions of interest is Monday June 10th.
If you have any queries about the content of either document, please do not
hesitate to email me or call on 020 8760 8274.
Ralph Clarkson
<<letter-expression of interest.doc>> <<IRSS summary of research.doc>>
[List mod.'s note: See below for these docs.]
Home Office
Immigration Research and Statistics Service
1309 Apollo House
36 Wellesley Road
Croydon
Surrey
CR9 3RR
Attachment 1 - Expression of interest letter:
Dear Colleague,
The Immigration Research and Statistics Service (IRSS) is a research unit
within the Research Development and Statistics Directorate (RDS) of the Home
Office. IRSS undertakes research to inform the development of asylum and
immigration policy in the UK. Current work includes, for example, research
on the information networks and decision making of asylum seekers, access to
early legal advice in the asylum determination system, and the impacts of
the dispersal of asylum seekers around the UK.
Please find additional details on current and planned research projects in
the document, which is attached for your information. Some of this work is
undertaken internally but the majority is contracted externally through a
competitive tendering process.
We are currently inviting expressions of interest for three projects which
are intending to commission in the coming months. These are:
- An investigation into programmes for the voluntary assisted return of
asylum seekers and those with time limited leave to remain in the UK. The
aim of this work is (a) to gather information on the reasons why individuals
decide to return to their countries of origin under these programmes and (b)
to examine the sustainability of return.
- A literature and policy review of resettlement programmes operating in
other countries. This work will inform the development of the proposed UK
resettlement programme.
- A comparative benchmarking project on removal policy and practice in other
EU states.
Potential tenderers should have experience of conducting research and of
collecting data through fieldwork. Whilst experience of research within the
field of asylum and immigration is an advantage, it is not an essential
prerequisite. The work may also be of interest to those with experience of
conducting research on sensitive issues.
If you are interested in receiving Invitation to Tender for any of these
projects, please provide us with a written expression of your interest by
Monday June 10th. All responses should be emailed to
[log in to unmask]
We would be grateful if this information could be circulated as appropriate
to colleagues within your departments and/or institutions who may be
interested in these projects or future work.
If you would like your details to be altered or removed from any future
postings please let us know and we will amend our records accordingly.
Please accept our apologies in advance for any cross posting.
We look forward to hearing from you
Best wishes
Dr Heaven Crawley
Principal Research Officer
Attachment 2 - IRSS summary of research
IRSS ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION RESEARCH
Current research projects 2002/3
ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION PROCESSES
- Impact of asylum policies in Europe: feasibility study
Based on a survey of research literature, fieldwork in selected EU countries
and statistical data, this study reviews the evidence on the impact of
asylum policies on the numbers and pattern of applications to EU states.
The study illustrates these processes through case studies (the UK, the
Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Sweden) and proposes directions for future
research. The work was undertaken by Oxford Brookes University and is
currently being finalised for publication.
- Evaluation of the impact of providing early legal advice
The aim of the research is to provide systematic and objective information
on the implications of providing early legal advice for the speed, quality
and sustainability of the asylum determination system. The work is being
undertaken internally and will be completed towards the end of 2002.
- Research on the current provision of country of origin information in the
asylum determination process
The research aims to provide CIPU and others with a user and content
evaluation of the information it currently produces (country assessments,
operational guidance notes, background materials, bulletins). It examines
current usage of country information, whether it meets users' requirements
and will establish a framework for assessing the quality of information in
order to develop internal quality controls. The work is being undertaken
internally with input from an external consultant from LSE.
- Understanding the decision making of asylum seekers
Based on a review of key research literature and an in-depth study of 65
asylum seekers, this study examines whether, and if so why, asylum seekers
chose the UK in preference to other refugee receiving countries. It examines
the role of agents, applicants' images of the UK, the influence of family
and friends, asylum policy, welfare and housing, work and education. This
research was undertaken by the Migration Unit at the University of Swansea
and will be published in July 2002.
- Mapping the field: a review of current research on asylum policy and
practice in the UK
A literature review of past and current research conducted within the fields
of asylum policy, process and refugee determination in the UK. The research
identifies key theories, themes and methodologies associated with the
literature in these fields, and highlights key conceptual and empirical gaps
in existing knowledge where the need for future research is pressing. This
work has been undertaken by the University of Warwick and is currently being
finalised for publication.
- Asylum policy and process in Europe: an in-depth analysis of current
practices for the reception of asylum seekers
A research contract has recently been awarded to Oxford Brookes University
to examine in detail the reception policies and practices of Denmark,
Sweden, the Netherlands and Germany. The research examines the intended and
unintended impacts (both long and short term) of different reception
policies and practices within the case study countries.
- Evaluation of family visitor appeals
Detailed empirical research of the family visitor appeals process including
an analysis of the reasons behind the lower than anticipated appeal rate and
impact of the fee, as well as disparities in success rates of oral and paper
appeals. Undertaken internally with an external researcher seconded from the
University of Manchester. Currently being finalised for publication.
- Social networks of asylum seekers: feasibility study
A small scale scoping project undertaken by UCL to examine the feasibility
of conducting research on how information about countries of asylum is
disseminated to potential asylum seekers before they arrive in their
destination country. Based principally on secondary sources, particular
attention is paid to the role of asylum seekers' social networks. The report
will be published in July 2002.
- The dissemination of information to potential asylum seekers in countries
of origin and transit
In light of recommendations made by the feasibility study on the social
networks of asylum seekers, new research has been commissioned on
information dissemination. The research focuses on how, to what extent and
by whom, information is disseminated between the UK and the countries of
origin and/or transit. The contract has been awarded to UCL who will be
submitting a draft report in May 2002.
ENFORCEMENT, RETURNS AND THE ILLEGALLY RESIDENT POPULATION
- Evaluation of the Voluntary Assisted Returns Programme (VARP)
Process and cost-benefit analysis to inform the development of the VARP.
This work was undertaken by Deloitte and Touche and is currently being
finalised for publication.
- Review of methods to size the illegally resident population
Description and evaluation of the methods employed internationally to size
the stock of this population and their applicability to the UK context. This
work is current and is being undertaken by UCL.
- Feasibility study of econometric method of sizing the illegally resident
population
A small-scale study being undertaken by a researcher at the University of
Nottingham to look at the econometric approach used in Italy to assess its
success and applicability to the UK context.
- Study of flows of irregular migrants across Europe
Study being undertaken by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
and UCL to map and collate available data across Europe (for example
apprehension and removals data). Analysis to look at flows of irregular
migrants following an assessment of quality and comparability of collated
data.
- Survey of the illegally resident population in detention
Qualitative work among those who have been illegally resident in the UK and
are now in detention. This study will examine the characteristics of this
group, motivations for leaving home countries and choosing the UK,
experiences and development of strategies while in the UK. The work is being
undertaken by the University of Sussex and is soon be completed.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION RESEARCH
- Feasibility work for a survey of asylum seekers in the UK
An independent market research organisation (BMRB) is currently completing
work to examine the feasibility of undertaking a major national survey of
asylum seekers in the UK. The study addresses a range of methodological and
ethical issues involved in work of this kind including representativeness,
practical considerations, confidentiality and data protection issues and
cost.
- IND Customer Survey
IRSS is working closely with IND in the development of a series of customer
surveys. Qualitative work is currently being undertaken by MORI among
various IND customer groups including those applying for nationality,
asylum, and after-entry status, those in detention, legal representatives
and umbrella representative organisations. This work will inform a future
quantitative phase. This work is addressing a range of methodological issues
which will inform the development of methodological approaches within IRSS.
- Local impacts of asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants
This project, which has just been awarded to the Social Policy Unit at Hull
University is jointly funded by the Home Office, DTLR and HM Treasury's
Evidence Based Policy Fund. It is a feasibility study aimed at developing
and testing a method to assess the nature and extent of economic and social
impacts of international migration to the UK at the local level. The project
will run for approximately ten months, commencing with a literature review.
- Public perception and migration: facilitating social cohesion in local
communities
This project, which has recently been awarded to Goldsmith's College, will
use participatory action research methodology to enable refugee and host
communities to devise local strategies and implementations to enhance their
knowledge of immigration procedures and entitlements, counter misinformation
and facilitate collaborative partnerships between communities. The work will
be completed in spring 2003.
EVALUATION OF DEVELOPMENTS IN RECEPTION AND INTEGRATION POLICY AND PRACTICE
- Dispersal policy and practice in the UK, the Netherlands and Sweden: a
review of the literature
A literature review to document existing research on dispersal policies and
practices in the UK, the Netherlands and Sweden. The aims of the study are
to note gaps in the knowledge base and to highlight good and bad practice in
order to guide policy development and future research at the Home Office.
This work has been undertaken by the University of Swansea and the report is
currently being finalised for publication.
- The provision of legal services in the dispersal areas
This was a scoping study to investigate the provision and availability of
legal services in dispersal areas and how this has impacted on both asylum
seekers and the legal profession. The methods for this project included a
review of documentary material and interviews with the providers of legal
services. This work was undertaken by the University of Leeds and is
currently being finalised for publication.
- Health issues and asylum seekers in dispersal
A scoping study to investigate the accessibility & quality of health care
provision for asylum seekers in dispersal areas, to examine the impact of
dispersal on the health of asylum seekers, and to identify existing &
emergent good practice. The methodology included a review of published and
'grey' literature, a search of key databases and websites, and interviews
with practitioner stakeholders. The work was undertaken by the Mary Seacole
Research Centre at De Montfort University and the report is currently being
finalised for publication.
- Investigating the provision of English language training to refugees in
London and the regions
A scoping study to investigate the availability of English language training
in dispersal areas and London, to highlight existing good practice, and to
explore issues of key importance for policy development and future research.
The methodology comprised a preliminary literature review of English
language provision in the UK using conventional library sources including
educational and training journals and targeted field work in four London
Boroughs, the East Midlands and the North East. The work was undertaken by a
researcher at Oxford Brookes University and is currently being finalised for
publication.
- Dispersal: facilitating effectiveness and efficiency
This is an ongoing research project which explores the impacts of the
current Home Office dispersal programme on asylum seekers, local
communities, and other major stakeholders. The research aims to identify
feasible and effective ways of facilitating the process, which balance the
needs of all stakeholders. The methodology comprises a literature review,
quantitative analyses of Home Office data, and case study methods involving
in-depth interviews with asylum seekers and stakeholders. A research team
from Oxford Brookes University has undertaken this work, the report of which
is currently being finalised for publication.
- Asylum seekers' views about the operation of the voucher scheme fieldwork
to inform the operational review of the voucher scheme of the national
asylum support service
This report presents the methods and findings of a study to investigate
asylum seekers' experiences of using vouchers to pay for food and other
requirements. The report includes details of the methods used to obtain
asylum seekers' views on the voucher scheme, the analysis of both the
qualitative and quantitative information gained from face to face interviews
and questionnaire answers, and a full list of the findings from the
fieldwork. This work has been undertaken internally in collaboration with
the National Asylum Support Service policy team. The report was published
on the 8th of April 2002.
- Mapping the field: a review of current research on integration
The research maps existing and current research on integration and inclusion
among refugees and immigrant populations in the UK and identifies and
summarises the main themes, theories, gaps and methodological issues about
integration in the UK. The study was undertaken by the University of Oxford
and is currently being finalised for publication.
- Critical appraisal of integration literature
This feasibility study investigates the applicability of systematic review
methodology to research on the integration of refugees. The aim was to see
whether any relevant research was available that could be used in research
summaries in the future. Inclusion criteria were defined for types of study,
types of intervention and types of outcome. This study was undertaken by
the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in collaboration with University
of Oxford and is currently being finalised for publication.
- Evaluation of the European Refugee Fund and the Challenge Fund
This evaluation is being undertaken by Michael Bell Associates in
association with MORI. The evaluation project includes both qualitative and
quantitative measures incorporating hard and soft indicators and an action
research module drawing on key projects as case studies to facilitate a
better understanding of what works and the development of strategies for
improvement of reception, integration and voluntary return projects. The
final report is due in March 2004.
- Indicators of refugee integration
This research study will be implemented in co-ordination with the ongoing
independent research evaluation team. The study will address four related
questions including core indicators that potentially suggest levels of
integration of refugees in the UK, the relationship between these indicators
and the current focus of policy, the views of refugees and host communities,
and appropriate method of aggregating information across indicators to
define an overall index of integration. The study will be based on a number
of components including conceptual analysis, qualitative and quantitative
analysis, formulation of index of integration and verification of the index
of integration as a valid measure of refugee integration. The research is
being undertaken by Queen Margaret University College in Edinburgh. The
project is due to report in March 2003.
CITIZENSHIP, SOCIAL COHESION AND MIGRANTS
- Citizenship: procedures and practices
This research compares the citizenship procedures of eight countries
(Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA and
the UK). For each country, it considers the formal naturalisation
requirements, citizenship and language testing, the rights and duties
associated with residency and citizenship, the procedures surrounding
citizenship ceremonies, dual citizenship and the public's opinion of
naturalisation. The work has been undertaken by the University of Birmingham
and is currently being finalised for publication.
IRSS
May 2002
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