Research

This section is divided into two parts:

• research commissioned by the DfES
• local evaluations

DfES commissioned research

As part of the Investors in People Strategy for School, the DfES commissioned two pieces of research. 

Investors in People in Schools

NFER were commissioned in August 1999 to review Investors in People take-up by schools and conduct case studies of 14 schools (seven primary, one middle, and six secondary) which were recognised as Investors in People.  The case studies involved interviews with headteachers, a range of other teaching and support staff, the chair of governors and Investors in People Assessors and Advisers.

To read the Research Brief and the full report, go to www.dfes.gov.uk/research, put 'Published' in the status box, 'Investors in People' in the first Keyword box and click 'Search'.

Tracking the Progress of Investors in People in Schools

NFER were commissioned in Autumn 2000 to carry out a study into the adoption of the Investors in People Standard in schools, and the impact that the use of the Standard had on the school community.  The research involved detailed, longitudinal case studies of 20 schools carried out over a period of five terms.  Schools were followed through the stages of formal commitment to use of the Standard, ongoing development, and where appropriate, recognition and beyond.  The cohort included Primary, Secondary and Special schools.

The research evaluated the impact of Investors in People across the whole school community, including members of the Senior Management Team, teaching staff, support staff, pupils and governors.  Schools participated in a cycle of interviews on a termly basis, face-to-face and by telephone.  School staff interviewed included: 

•  continuing professional development co-ordinators
• teaching staff (including heads of department, subject area co-ordinators, NQTs
• support staff (including classroom assistants, lunchtime supervisors, caretakers)

The research report was published March 2003.  To read the Research Brief and the full report, go to www.dfes.gov.uk/research, put 'Published' in the status box, 'Investors in People' in the first Keyword box and click 'Search'.

Local evaluations

Investors in People and the Vulnerable School

A study involving ten schools in Lincolnshire.

This project, promoted by Lincolnshire County Council, was a pilot study into the applicability of Investors in People as a framework for school self-improvement.

The work was funded by the Local Authority, the local Learning and Skills Council, the Lincolnshire and Rutland Education Business Partnership, the schools involved and the Department for Education and Skills.  Ten schools, primary, secondary and special, were involved in the project.

The evaluation report is available to view or download in Word ( 90 Kb)

The report is published here with the kind permission of the Director of Education and Cultural Services for Lincolnshire County Council, and the Lincolnshire and Rutland Education Business Partnership.