In relation to the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), there are a number of actions being undertaken which will lead to a better understanding of SICAP and its impacts, and which will inform my Department in reshaping the next iteration of SICAP, due to roll out in 2018.
Firstly, my Department is leading a targeted national consultation process involving national and regional sessions and a number of focus groups in which feedback is being sought from the key stakeholders involved. The consultation process offers a platform to consider how the programme can be refined and for solutions to be put forward in order to strengthen the programme from 2018.
Secondly, the ESRI has begun a qualitative study looking at SICAP goals and its governance structure as part of a wider evaluation project.
There is also a qualitative research project underway looking at a cohort of SICAP participants - young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs). This research will examine how SICAP’s Programme Implementers identify and engage with this target group, it will look at the types of outcomes being achieved for them and it will put forward good practice examples to inform the next iteration of the programme.
The method for establishing contracts for the next SICAP programme is currently under consideration in my Department, commensurate with, inter alia, legal requirements, compliance with the Public Spending Code and value for money considerations.
