Scottish Government

The Scottish Executive's Social Justice and Equality Strategies set out its plans to take forward a vision for a just and inclusive society. This bulletin reports on a range of social research projects commissioned by the Scottish Executive relating to these cross-cutting strategies. It provides an update on ongoing projects as well as information on recent and forthcoming publications and new research likely to be commissioned over the coming months.

The Office of the Chief Researcher and research teams in the various Departments provide a social research service to the Scottish Executive and certain allied Departments. Research teams support the formulation, development and evaluation of the Scottish Executive's policies and contribute to better delivery of services through the provision of evidence-based advice.

Exploring Policy Research Needs on LGBT Communities in Scotland
Contractor: National Centre for Social Research
Due Date: Autumn 2002
Contact: Danny McShane [0131 244 7572]
Study to explore the need for, and possible approaches to, the collection of data on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in Scotland.

Asylum Seekers in Scotland
Contractor: University of Stirling
Due Date: Autumn 2002
Contact: Celia McKenna [0131 244 7588]
This research will assess the effect of the implementation of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 on asylum seekers and devolved services in Scotland. The study will involve in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, service providers, asylum seekers and local community organisations, and will include elements to identify and assess good practice and to monitor media content and coverage of asylum seeker issues.

Scoping the New Ethnic Minority Survey: Views from Ethnic Minority Communities
Contractor: Blake Stevenson Ltd.
Due Date: Autumn 2002
Contact: Celia McKenna [0131 244 7588]
Qualitative research to explore the specific information needs of members of ethnic minority communities for the proposed new survey and associated research programme.

Year One Monitoring Of The Child Poverty Package
Contractor: 4Consulting
Due Date: Autumn 2002
Contact: Frauke Sinclair [0131 244 7568]
The Child Poverty Package, a new package of initiatives to assist lone parents into further and higher education by supporting childcare costs and improving childcare supply, was launched in July 2001. This study will involve design of a monitoring framework for two key elements of this package, and collection and analysis of the first year of monitoring data.

Low Income Households with Children: an Exploratory Study
Contractor: Centre for Research on Families and Relationships
Due Date: January 2003
Contact: Frauke Sinclair [0131 244 7568]
A two-phase exploratory study to review relevant literature and to investigate the views and experiences of households with children living on low incomes.

Scottish Social Attitudes Survey: Discrimination Module
Contractor: National Centre for Social Research
Due date: March 2003
Contact: Danny McShane [0131 244 7572]
A survey to assess and explore public attitudes to discrimination in Scotland.

Review of Multiple Discrimination Research
Contractor: In-house
Due date: September 2002
Contact: Danny McShane [0131 244 7572]
A review assessing the extent and nature of research on multiple discrimination with particular focus on the Scottish context.

Scotland's Health, Housing & Regeneration Project: The Health Impacts Of New Social Housing And Regeneration Initiatives
Principal Investigator: Prof. Ade Kearns, Dept. of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow
Due Date: June 2006
A longitudinal study comparing mental and physical health in households rehoused into new social housing and households resident in social housing in the same areas, to ascertain the nature, extent and duration of any changes in health, and features of housing and regeneration programmes associated with them.

Adolescents With Psychosis In Scotland: Prevalence, Health Service Use & Disabilities
Principal Investigator: Dr Rob Wrate, Young People Unit, Edinburgh Healthcare NHS Trust
Due Date: 2002
Surveys of patients and carers, and reviews of medical records, to establish the prevalence of adolescent psychosis, its impact on patients and their families, and the consequences in terms of use of health and other services.

Childhood IQ, Social Factors and Health: a Collaboration between the Midspan Studies & the 1932 Scottish Mental Ability Survey
Principal Investigator: Professor Ian Deary, Dept. of Psychology, University of Edinburgh
Due Date: 2003
The study will combine data on IQ and social circumstances in childhood, physiological factors and social circumstances in midlife specific illnesses later in life and mortality. It will explore relative contributions of social factors and IQ in childhood, health behaviours in adulthood, to late-life morbidity and mortality

Childhood Cognition, Education & Adult Health: Associations, Mechanisms & Mitigating Influences
Principal investigator: Professor Sally Macintyre, MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
Due date: March 2004
Data on cognitive function and socioeconomic circumstances at age 7 will be linked with data on morbidity and mortality later in life using a unique cohort of 12000 Scottish children born in Aberdeen in the early 1950s. The study will explore the effect of cognitive function on later health, and the way this is affected by social position and schooling.

Measuring Health, Variations In Health and Determinants Of Health In Scotland
Principal Investigator: Dr A Leyland, MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
Due Date: ongoing
Programme of work to explore the social and spatial patterning of health, including development of measures of inequality, and factors influencing rural disadvantage.

Evaluating the Impact on Population Health and Inequalities in Health of (mainly) Non-Health Sector Policies, Programmes and Projects In Scotland
Principal Investigator: Dr Mark Petticrew, MRC Social & Public Health Sciences Unit,
Due Date: ongoing
Work to develop methods to assess impact of interventions to reduce health inequalities, and develop, implement, evaluate interventions to improve the life circumstances and health of disadvantaged and socially excluded groups through changes in social and physical environments.

Influence of Social and Intellectual Engagement on the Maintenance of Cognitive Skills & Quality of Life in Old Age
Principal Investigator: Professor Ian Deary, Dept. of Psychology, University of Edinburgh
Due Date: 2002
A follow-up study of a 1921 birth cohort whose IQ was tested in 1932. New psycho-social data will be gathered and combined with lifetime data on cognitive change, to determine whether intellectual and social engagement prevent cognitive decline and protect quality of life.

Health Inequalities in Scotland: Decennial Report on Socioeconomic and Spatial Variations in Health around the 1991 and 2001 Censuses
Principal investigator: Philip McLoone
Due date: March 2004
Contact: Dr Peter Craig [0131 244 2077]
Analysis of patterns and trends in mortality and other aspects of health according to social class and area-based deprivation measures.

For details of projects listed above contact Peter Craig [0131 244 2077]. For summaries of completed studies see CSO website (www.show.scot.nhs.uk/cso). The full reports are available from the authors.

Evaluation of Consultation of National Care Standards
Contractor: Ruth Whatling
Due Date: January 2003
Contact: Sara Bruce [0131 244 3788]
A wide range of consultation took place as the Social Work Services Inspectorate developed its National Care Standards for 1999/2000, and this project will evaluate 'what worked' in terms of how equality groups (in particular) disabled people were engaged in the process. The work will inform development of Scottish Executive policy and will be of interest to agencies engaging with these equality groups in the future

Getting Involved in Planning: Perceptions of the Wider Public
Contractor: School of Planning and Housing, Edinburgh College of Art
Due Date: September 2002
Contact: Fiona Hodgkiss [0131 244 3787]
Study to explore the perceptions of the public to their involvement in planning, including those who are traditionally less involved in the planning process. Part of an overall review of public involvement in planning, this study will inform future good practice guidelines.

Getting Involved in Planning: Summary of Evidence
Contractor: Geoff Peart Consulting
Due Date: September 2002
Contact: Fiona Hodgkiss [0131 244 3787]
Drawing on evidence from research and consultation, this project is reviewing the current mechanisms for involving the public in the planning system and will identify ways in which the public can be more effectively involved.

Good Practice Guidelines - Consultation with Equality groups (2002)
Reid-Howie Associates Ltd
Contact: Sara Bruce [0131 244 3788]
Good practice guidelines for consultation with equality groups, and advice on how best to engage with certain 'harder to reach groups' whose views are not routinely sought in the development of public policy. The guidance is relevant to all staff in the public sector who are involved in consultations & participative work.
Alternative formats and community language versions of this document are available on request from the SE Equality Unit (Area 2F, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ) For GUIDANCE DOCUMENT click here

Managing Radioactive Waste Safely: Engaging Scotland (2002)
Scottish Council Foundation
Contact: Nuala Gormley (0131 244 3786)
Project focusing on the mechanisms needed to involve different communities in Scotland in long-term policy debates on 'difficult' issues, such as the management of radioactive waste. The principles of establishing effective engagement were developed into a framework. The findings from this work will inform Scottish Executive Consultation Good Practice Guidelines and policy. For FULL REPORT click here
For ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH FINDINGS No.20 click here

National Framework for the Prevention of Suicide and Deliberate Self-harm in Scotland: Analysis of Written Submissions to Consultation (2002)
Scottish Health Feedback
Contact: Fiona Hodgkiss [0131 244 3787]
This research analysed responses to a consultation on a draft National Framework for the Prevention of Suicide and Deliberate Self-harm in Scotland. The views of a number of stakeholders were captured including those who have been affected by suicide. For FULL REPORT click here
For Health AND COMMUNITY CARE RESEARCH FINDINGS NO.22 click here

Guidance on Interviewing Child Witnesses
Contractor: Dr Amina Memon, Aberdeen Univ.
Due Date: December 2002
Contact: Joe Curran [0131 244 2118]
Dr Memon is providing research advice to a Working Group on Interviewing Child Witnesses and will prepare a draft guidance report.

Stalking and Harassment in Scotland
Contractor: Robert Gordon University and System Three
Due Date: October 2002
Contact: Vivian Leacock [0141 242 0261]
The aims of this study are: to describe and critically examine the existing criminal and civil law remedies available to deal with stalking and harassment; to assess the ways in which existing legal arrangements are working in practice; to examine the nature & prevalence of the types of behaviour which might constitute stalking & harassment in Scotland.

Research Reviews on Recidivism and Risk Assessment of Serious Violent and Sexual Offenders
Contractor: Gill McIvor, Stirling University and Hazel Kemshall, De Montfort University
Due Date: September 2002
Contact: Joe Curran [0131 244 2118]
Follows up Millan and Maclean Reports. Reviews research on recidivism of serious violent and sexual offenders in Scotland and considers policy implications. Risk assessment in Scottish context is also being reviewed including an audit of instruments in use.

Evaluation of the Impact of Leisure Interventions on Drug Use and Offending
Contractor: System Three
Due Date: July 2002
Contact: Joe Curran [0131 244 2118]
The study will assess the impact of four diversion projects on drug taking and offending among young people aged 11-25. The projects, announced by the Deputy Minister for Justice in Nov 1999, will use sport and leisure activities to target known young offenders or those believed to be in a high-risk group.

Evaluation of the Communities That Care Initiative in Scotland
Contractor: Jon Bannister, Glasgow University
Due Date: June 2003
Contact: Vivian Leacock [0141 242 0261]
Evaluation of the implementation and long term impact of 3 pilot Communities that Care schemes in Scotland.

Police Stop and Search among White and Minority Ethnic Young People in Scotland (2002)
Reid Howie Associates
This research was carried out between December 2000 and July 2001 to identify emerging issues in relation to the use of stop and search powers by police forces in Scotland. For CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESEARCH FINDING No.57 click here
For FULL REPORT click here

Vulnerable and Intimidated Witnesses: Review of Provisions In Other Jurisdictions (2002)
Reid Howie Associates
Review of literature to explore how vulnerable witnesses are defined in other jurisdictions and the range and effectiveness of provisions to help them give evidence in criminal courts. For CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESEARCH FINDING No.60 click here
For FULL REPORT click here

Racist Crime and Victimisation in Scotland (2002)
Clark I and Moody S
The study explores understanding of racist crime and how it is handled. It includes monitoring the effects of the provisions of the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act, conducting an analysis of the Scottish Crime Survey (2000) ethnic minority booster sample and developing more finely tuned methods for exploring the reality of racial prejudice, crime and harassment. For CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESEARCH FINDING No. 58 click here
For FULL REPORT click here

Young People and Crime in Scotland: Results from the 2000 Scottish Crime Survey (2002)
MVA
Results from the 2000 Scottish Crime Survey regarding young peoples attitudes towards crime, victimisation, contact with the police and self-reported drug use/offending. For FULL REPORT click here

The 2000 Scottish Crime Survey: Analysis of the Ethnic Minority Booster Sample (2002)
Clark I & Leven T
Results from the 2000 Scottish Crime Survey relating to the ethnic minority booster sample. Chapters include crime against ethnic minorities, the impact of crime on victims, concerns about crime, contact with and attitudes towards the police and awareness of drugs. For FULL REPORT click here

The Experiences of Black/Minority Ethnic Police Officers, Support Staff, Special Constables & Resigners in Scotland (2002)
Onifade D, INTRA vires
The study investigates and describes the experiences of black and minority ethnic police officers and civilian staff through interviews with a Scottish sample. For FULL REPORT click here

Domestic Abuse against Men in Scotland (2002)
Gadd D, Keele University
The study: estimates the prevalence and examines the nature of domestic abuse against men by their partner or ex-partner in Scotland; examines the perceptions of a sample of male victims and the perceptions of service providers; explores what services are available to men seeking assistance as victims of domestic abuse. For FULL REPORT click here

Evaluation of Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (2002)
Social Work Research Centre
An evaluation of the operation and effectiveness of two pilot Drug Treatment and Testing Order schemes in Scotland. For FULL REPORT click here

Evaluation of the Zero Tolerance 'Respect' Pilot (forthcoming 2002)
Henderson S, Reid Howie Associates
The study provides an implementation and outcome evaluation of the Zero Tolerance 'Respect' educational package. For CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESEARCH FINDING No. 59 click here
For FULL REPORT click here

Evaluation of the Glasgow Drug Court Pilot (forthcoming 2002)
Social Work Research Centre, Stirling Univ.
Contact: Linda Hutton [0131 244 3990]
An evaluation of the first 6 months operation of the pilot Drug Court in Glasgow.

Evaluation of New Community Schools
Contractor: Institute of Education, University of London
Due Date: June 2003
Contact: Liz Levy [0131 244 7949]
The evaluation will cover all aspects of the operation of New Community Schools including education, social work and health.

Minority Ethnic Pupil Experiences of School
Contractor: Rowena Arshad, Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland
Due Date: November 2002
Contact: Liz Levy [0131 244 7949]
Research to explore minority ethnic pupil's experience of schooling in a range of school settings across Scotland and to identify key factors relating to ethnic diversity which promote or restrict inclusion.

Evaluation of the Community Alternative Placement Scheme (CAPS) (2002)
Prof M Hill, Glasgow University
Contact: Rod Harrison [0131 244 0741]
Evaluation of the implementation of a fostering scheme designed to provide a community alternative to secure accommodation. For Interchange 72 click here

The Role of Safeguarders in Scotland (2002)
Hill M et al
Contact: Rod Harrison [0131 244 0741]
Evaluation of the use, role and impact of safeguarders in children's hearings and court cases involving children. For FULL REPORT click here
For Children (Scotland) Act 1995 RESEARCH FINDINGS No.1 click here

Sure Start Scotland Mapping Exercise (2002)
Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, Edinburgh University
Contact: Rod Harrison [0131 244 0741]
Study explores the availability of data on the range and characteristics of services that meet the objectives of the SSS initiative, to inform the design of the Phase 2 Evaluation. For FULL REPORT click here

Study of Throughcare & Aftercare Services in Scotland (2002)
Dixon J & Stein M
Contact: Rod Harrison [0131 244 0741]
Study examining effectiveness of local authorities in supporting young people who have been looked after as they move towards independence.
For CHILDREN (SCOTLAND) ACT 1995 RESEARCH FINDINGS NO.3 click here

Early Education and Childcare Workforce Survey (2002)
MVA
Contact: Rod Harrison [0131 244 0741]
Survey of characteristics, training and qualifications of early education and childcare workforce. For FULL REPORT click here
For INTERCHANGE 73 click here

Uptake and Perceptions of Early Years Qualifications and Training (2002)
George Street Research
Contact: Rod Harrison [0131 244 0741]
Study of the perceived advantages and disadvantages of different types of early years qualifications and exploration of the factors that encourage and prohibit early years workers from undertaking training and qualifications. For INTERCHANGE 65 click here

Home Supervision (forthcoming 2002)
Hallett C and Murray C
Contact: Rod Harrison [0131 244 0741]
This study examines the processes and outcomes of home supervision as part of a programme of research on the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. The study is intended to complement the research programme that has been completed on Children's Hearings.

Evaluation of MATRIX (forthcoming 2002)
Prof G. McIvor, Social Work Research Centre
Contact: Rod Harrison [0131 244 0741]
Evaluation of a 3 year early intervention pilot project - part of the Invest to Save initiative. For EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RESEARCH PRIORITIES providing details of projects to be commissioned by the Department during 2002-04 click here

Prison Transitional Care Evaluation
Contractor: Stirling University and NFO System Three Social Research
Due date: August 2004
Contact: Anita Morrison (0131 244 3010)
The evaluation of the prison transitional care arrangements in Scotland began in May 2002. The transitional care arrangements are designed to assist the Scottish Prison Service to meet one of the key objectives in the SPS Drugs Strategy: to increase the proportion of identified drug misusers taking part in successful transitional care after release from prison. The pilot phase of the evaluation will be conducted between now & October 2002. The study combines a quantitative cohort component with a series of qualitative case studies.

Review of the Lifeskills Training Drug Education Programme
Contractor: Strathclyde University
Due date: October 2002
Contact: Nick Bland (0131 244 2107)
This study is reviewing evidence of the effectiveness of the Lifeskills Drug Training and Education Programme developed by Cornell University in the United States in preventing, reducing or delaying drugs use among young people.

Family Support Literature Review
Contractor: Edinburgh University
Due date: October 2002
Contact: Nick Bland (0131 244 2107)
This review has been commissioned to inform the EIU's work on family support. The literature review will examine four aspects of Family support; the support needs of families, development processes involved in family support groups, links between support groups and other types of service and the effects of family support on treatment outcomes.

Moving On: Supporting Recovering Users into Education, Employment and Training (2002)
This publication draws on evidence gathered from a literature review, a service mapping exercise and qualitative consultations with users, service providers and employers. The aim of the publication is to identify good practice in providing employability provision for recovering drug users. For REPORT click here

Research on Young People's Treatment Services (2002)
This research on young people's treatment services aimed to review current provision and identify issues for future development and delivery of these services. There are two documents. The first is a summary of the survey work, case studies and literature review. The second is a systematic review of the evidence on treatment services for young people. These documents can be downloaded at: For SUMMARY and REVIEW click here

Drug Treatment Studies (2002)
Two studies have recently been published. Firstly a survey of NHS services for opiate users in Scotland conducted by the Health Services Research Unit (HSRU) at Aberdeen University. Secondly a systematic review of treatment services for opiate users conducted by the Department of General Practice and Primary Care at Aberdeen University. For REPORTS click here

National Evaluation of Inclusiveness Projects and All-Age Guidance Initiative
Contractor: Segal Quince Wickstead
Due Date: June 2004
Contact: John Tibbitt [0141 242 0260]
This study provides a detailed evaluation of these important initiatives aimed at assisting people to enter appropriate education, training or employment.

Low Attainers and Entry into the Labour Market
Contractor: Dr Linda Croxford, Centre for Educational Sociology, University of Edinburgh
Due Date: Sept 2002
Contact: John Tibbitt [0141 242 0260]
The study will provide further analysis of the careers of young people leaving school with low levels of attainment, using data from the Scottish School Leavers Survey (SSLS).

New Deal for Young People in Scotland: Phase II (2002)
Bonjour D, Knight G, Lissenburgh S
Contact: John Tibbitt [0141 242 0260]
Presents the results of phase II of a survey of a random sample of young people in Scotland who entered NDYP between September 1998 and February 1999. It examines experiences of New Deal and changes in employability, and the impact of New Deal options on employability, unemployment exit and employment entry, job quality, and the experiences of disadvantaged groups. Click here for FULL REPORT
Click here for ENTERPRISE & LIFELONG LEARNING REEARCH FINDINGS No.4

Evaluation of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Pilot in Scotland (2002)
Croxford L, Howieson C, Ianelli C, Ozga J
Contact: John Tibbitt [0141 242 0260]
Presents the findings from an evaluation of the pilot of Education Maintenance Allowances in Scotland in East Ayrshire. The main aim of the evaluation was to assess the extent to which EMA payments improve post-16 participation, retention and attainment rates, especially among young people from low income families.

Youth Transitions: Patterns of Vulnerability and Processes of Social Inclusion (forthcoming 2002)
Prof. A Furlong, Glasgow University
Contact: John Tibbitt [0141 242 0260]
Cross-cutting research between Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and Social Inclusion research branches and Scottish Enterprise which combines quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Twenty-07 longitudinal dataset to investigate the transitional experiences of young people and the factors associated with vulnerability and social inclusion.

Evaluation of the Scottish Pilot of the Family Health Nurse
Contractor: Dr B West and C McDuff, Robert Gordon University
Due Date: May 2003
Contact: Sarah Campbell [0131 244 5429]
Study of the implementation and impact of the Family Health Nurse approach to providing family and community focused primary health care nursing services.

Scottish Social Attitudes Survey - Community Care Module
Contractor: National Centre for Social Research
Due Date: October 2002
Contact: Charlotte MacDonald [0131 244 3533]
Module of questions on a range of community care issues in the 2001 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey.

National Scottish Survey of Public Attitudes to Mental Health, Well Being and Mental Health Problems
Contractor: NOP
Due Date: November 2002
Contact: Angela Hallam [0131 244 2813]
Survey of people's understanding of mental health and wellbeing and perceptions of and attitudes to these and mental illness. It will also examine people's knowledge of services and support for people with mental health problems, their willingness to access services and barriers to their use.

Public Attitudes to the Healthcare of Older People in Scotland (2002)
MORI Scotland
Contact: Charlotte MacDonald [0131 244 3533]
To identify and explore the views of older people towards the health care of older people in Scotland.
For HEALTH AND COMMUNITY CARE RESEARCH FINDINGS No 16, click here
For FULL REPORT, click here

Direct What? - A Study of Direct Payments to Mental Health Service Users (2002)
Ridley J, Jones L, Scottish Health Feedback
Contact: Sarah Campbell [0131 244 5429]
Study to identify the factors that inhibit the provision of direct payments to people with mental health problems and to explore ways in which their provision can be facilitated. For FULL REPORT click here
For HEALTH & COMMUNITY CARE RESEARCH FINDINGS No.20 click here

Review of Care Management in Scotland (2002)
Stalker K and Campbell I
Contact: Sarah Campbell [0131 244 5429]
This study identified ways in which local authorities in Scotland are currently using care management to support people at home. For FULL REPORT click here
FOR HEALTH & COMMUNITY CARE RESEARCH FINDINGS NO.21 click here

Research on the Private Rented Sector in Scotland
Contractor: University of Glasgow/Edinburgh College of Art/Heriot-Watt University
Due Date: September 2002
Contact: Rebekah Widdowfield [0131 244 7570]
Research to identify issues of concern to private tenants and landlords including poor condition and tenancy problems.

Scottish Executive Central Heating Programme: Assessing Impacts on Health
Contractor: University of Edinburgh with NFO System Three
Due Date: 2004
Contact: Diana Wilkinson [0131 244 0140]
Research to identify and quantify the impact of the Central Heating and Warm Deal programmes on recipients' health.

Scottish Executive Central Heating Programme: Assessing Impacts on Fuel Poverty
Contractor: Alembic Research
Due Date: 2004
Contact: Rebekah Widdowfield [0131 244 7570]
Research to measure the extent to which the beneficiaries of the Programme are removed from fuel poverty and its effects or have their degree of fuel poverty reduced.

Tracking Homelessness: Feasibility Study for Longitudinal Research
Contractor: National Centre for Social Research
Due Date: September 2002
Contact: Rebekah Widdowfield [0131 244 7570]
Research to explore the feasibility of conducting longitudinal research with homeless people.

Evaluation of the Working for Communities Programme
Contractor: DTZ Pieda Consulting
Due Date: October 2002
Contact: Rebekah Widdowfield [0131 244 7570]
To evaluate the extent to which the Working for Communities programme as a whole met its objectives and to inform the design and management of future programmes.

Assessing the Development and Implementation of the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund
Contractor: DTZ Pieda Consulting
Due Date: 2004
Contact: Rebekah Widdowfield [0131 244 7570]
To monitor and assess the development of BNSF at a programme level; to explain processes underpinning the development and implementation of the BSNF, and to identify and share innovations and good practice.

Mediation and Neighbour Disputes
Contractor: University of Stirling
Due date: April 2003
Contact: Richard Evans [0131-244-7625]
To compare the effectiveness and costs of mediation and alternative responses in cases of disputes between neighbours

Guidance on Rent Guarantee/Deposit Schemes
Contractor: University of York
Due date: February 2003
Contact: Richard Evans [0131-244-7625]
To provide guidance, based on research evidence, on types of rent guarantee/ deposit schemes that would be effective in enabling young people and others of limited means to obtain access to private rented housing.

Six-Monthly Counts of Gypsies/Travellers
Contractor: Research Consultancy Services
Due date: April 2003
Contact: Richard Evans [0131-244-7625]
To conduct and report on counts, in July 2002 and January 2003, of Gypsies/Travellers.

Lead Tenancies
To examine the potential of lead tenancies in improving access to the private rented sector.

Review of RSI Prison Projects
To evaluate the projects for prisoners and ex-offenders that have been funded under the Rough Sleepers Initiative.

Ethnic Minorities and Homelessness
To improve the evidence base through new qualitative research.

Outcomes of Eviction
A thinkpiece/scoping study to establish the parameters of a wider study to explore what happens to tenants who are evicted.

Evaluation of People's Juries and People's Panels in Social Inclusion Partnerships
To evaluate the extent to which People's Panels and People's Juries in SIPs fulfilled their objectives.

Gypsies/Travellers in Scotland: the January 2002 twice-yearly count (2002)
Research Consultancy Services
The first in a series of short reports on the twice-yearly counts.

Owner Occupation Among Low Income Households in Scotland (2002)
Widdowfield R, Wilkinson, D
A review of existing research and new analysis of the 1999/2000 Scottish Household Survey to examine the attributes of low income owner occupation. Click here for FULL REPORT

Child Poverty in Social Inclusion Partnerships (forthcoming 2002)
Kemp P, Dean J, Mackay D, University of Glasgow
To establish levels of child poverty across Scotland and within SIP areas, and explore initiatives aimed at tackling child poverty with a view to making recommendations for future strategies.

The House Buying and Selling Process in Scotland (2002)
DTZ Pieda Consulting & NFO System Three
Examines how well the information needs of different types of house buyers (first time buyers, experienced buyers etc.) are served by the current house buying and selling system in Scotland. For FULL REPORT click here
For DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT RESEARCH FINDING No.142 click here

A Review of the First Year of the Mandatory Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation in Scotland (forthcoming 2002)
Currie H
A review of the first year of the mandatory licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation

Mortgage Arrears and Repossessions (forthcoming 2002)
MVA Consultancy
Contact: Richard Evans [0131 244 7625]
Research to obtain information on the nature and extent of mortgage arrears and repossessions and measures taken by lending agents to address these.

The Physical Chastisement of Children
Contractor: NFO System Three
Due Date: September 2002
Contact: Catherine Palmer [0131 244 2982]
This project concerns the generation of information on parental attitudes to and prevalence of the physical chastisement of children in Scotland.

Recruitment to the Legal Profession: Issues Relevant to Improving Diversity
Contractor: NFO System Three
Due Date: October 2002
Contact: Catherine Palmer [0131 244 2982]
This project is examining recruitment into law courses within Scottish Universities, and the subsequent career choices made by law students with particular reference to issues related to improving diversity.

Child Contact Centres: An Overview of Users and Workers
Contractor: in-house
Due Date: October 2002
Contact: Dr Claire Monaghan [0131 244 5229]
This research will provide an overview of families using child contact centres and will summarise the results of a national telephone survey of workers.

Child Contact Centres: Family and Referrer Expectations and Experiences
Contractor: National Centre for Social Research
Due Date: October 2002
Contact: Dr Claire Monaghan [0131 244 5229]
Preliminary findings from the Child Contact Centre overview research identified the large number of court and solicitor referrals to contact centres. This project is concerned with examining the extent of diverging and converging expectations and experiences of contact centres amongst users and referrers.

The Legal System in Scotland and People with Dementia
Contractor: Heather Wilkinson & Anne Mason
Due Date: October 2002
Contact: Dr Claire Monaghan [0131 244 5229]
The study will provide information on use of the legal system by dementia sufferers and barriers to the system for adults with an incapacity.

Vulnerable Adults: Analysis of Consultation Responses
Contractor: Department of Public Health, Glasgow University
Due Date: October 2002
Contact: Dr Claire Monaghan [0131 244 5229]
The purpose of this research is to provide a comprehensive analysis of consultation responses on vulnerable adults.

Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001: Baseline Information
Contractor: Kate Cavanagh, Jane Scoular & Claire Connolly
Due Date: October 2002
Contact: Catherine Palmer [0131 244 2982]
The research will analyse relevant cases in the 3 months preceding & subsequent to the introduction of the legislation and through canvassing views of those interacting with the Act (users, the police, fiscals and sheriffs).

Enforcement of Civil Obligations: Consultation Analysis
Contractor: Blake Stevenson Ltd
Due Date: October 2002
Contact: Dr Claire Monaghan [0131 244 5229]
Research to provide a comprehensive analysis of consultation responses on the enforcement of civil obligations.

Voice of the Child: Feasibility Study (forthcoming 2002)
Tisdall K, Marshall K, Cleland A
Contact: Dr Claire Monaghan [0131 244 5229]
This study investigates ways in which the views of children are sought, accessed directly & taken into account, in accordance with spirit of section 6 of Children (Scotland) Act 1995.

Evaluation of the Pilot In-Court Advice Project: Phase 2 (2002)
Samuel E
This project collected data on the operation of the in-court advice project, and assessed its structural role in relation to wider civil justice resources and systems operating in Edinburgh Click here for full report

Understanding Community Planning at the Community Planning Partnership Level
Contractor: RDS Consultancy Services
Due Date: Sept 2002
Contact: Robert MacGregor [0131 244 0885]
Case study research to reveal understanding and commitment to Community Planning, how effectively it is being progressed, future hopes and perception of partnership priorities.

Community Planning in Scotland: Progress in Developing Community Planning in Scotland's 32 Community Planning Partnerships (2001)
NFO System Three Social Research
Report of postal survey which covered membership of Community Planning Partnerships, developing the Community Plan, partnership working, involving communities, and monitoring progress. For FULL REPORT click here

Scoping Study on Older People in Rural Scotland
Contractor: Dr. Mauthner, Arkleton Centre
Due date: Autumn 2002
Contact: Juliet Harvey [0131 244 6631]
The study builds on the analysis of older people from the Scottish Household Survey, and will investigate the experience of older people in rural areas, both in Scotland and in Nordic countries, and assess their contribution to rural communities in Scotland. It will identify examples of innovative practices as well as information gaps to be addressed by future work.

Researching Women in Rural Scotland (2002)
Samuel E (editor)
This report describes the proceedings of a conference organised by the Scottish Executive and held in Inverness on 1 June 2001. The conference was organised to promote research on women and gender issues in rural Scotland and was part of a wider consultation exercise undertaken by the Scottish Executive Equality Unit with community and equality groups to identify their needs, interests and concerns. For FULL REPORT click here

Monitoring National Minimum Concessionary Fares
Contractor: Colin Buchanan & Partners
Due Date: 2003/2004
Contact: David Seaman [0131 244 7372]
To establish current and future patterns of concession use, before and after the introduction of a national minimum in October 2002. It will provide behavioural information as well as data on the extent of use.

Bus Passenger Satisfaction Survey
Contact: David Seaman [0131 244 7372]
To establish levels of satisfaction by bus users in regard to many elements of bus travel.

Children's Attitudes to Sustainable Transport
Contact: Hamish Clark [0131 244 7559]
To review current education provision on the role transport plays in the environment and how children's attitudes and subsequent travel behaviour are shaped from a young age.

Road Safety and Social Inclusion (2002)
Graham T, ODS Ltd
An inventory of community based road safety initiatives and examples of good practice.
For FULL REPORT click here
For DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT RESEARCH FINDING No.141 click here

Rural Accessibility
Halden D, Farrington J & Copus A
Contact: David Seaman [0131 244 7372]
Research to assess the extent of transport derived social exclusion in rural Scotland For FULL REPORT click here
For DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT RESEARCH FINDING NO.133 click here

Young People and Transport (forthcoming 2002)
MORI
To explore needs and issues affecting young people's travel and transport, particularly in rural or peri-urban areas.

The Scottish Household Survey is a major survey of the Scottish population, designed to provide representative information on the characteristics, composition and behaviour of Scottish households and the adult population, both nationally and at a more local level. The survey covers a wide range of topics to allow links to be made between different policy areas.

Quarterly bulletins (available on the SHS website at www.scotland.gov.uk/shs) provide an overview of the wide range of information available from the survey. The most recent Bulletin No. 8 looks at housing in Scotland.

Below are just a few examples of research findings related to social justice available from the survey so far:

• Sixty-three per cent of Scottish households are owner-occupiers, 29% are social renters and 6% rent from a private landlord.
• Right-to-Buy purchasers make up 19% of owner-occupier households
• Older households are more likely to be social renters.
• More households that rent from a local authority/Scottish Homes (53%) or housing association/co-operatives (54%) contain a non-working single adult compared with just 5% of households who are buying their property.
• Those who are buying their home tend to have considerably higher incomes than those who are renting. Fifty-seven per cent of buyers earn 20,000 or more, while 83% of social renters earn 15,000 or less.
• Renters pay a higher proportion of their total income on housing than owner-occupiers. The median percentage of income spent on housing by renters is 23%, with the bottom fifth paying under 14% of their income on housing and the top fifth paying over 34% on their housing.
• Three per cent of adults who are currently resident in private households have been homeless at some point in their lives.
• Fifty-two per cent of adults who are buying their property with a mortgage or loan rate their neighbourhood as a very good place to live, compared with 35% of adults who rent from a local authority.
• Twenty-six per cent of adults say they are involved in the local community either a great deal or a fair amount.
• Less than 10% of adults have had a dispute or problem with a neighbour in the past 12 months. Households with children have a higher incidence of neighbour disputes, while the highest level of reported problems or disputes is by adults in single parent households.

The latest Scottish Household Survey annual report Scotland's People: Results from the 1999/2000 Scottish Household Survey (Volume 3: Annual Report) and accompanying technical report Scotland's People: Results of the 1999/2000 Scottish Household Survey (Volume 4: Technical Report) were published in October 2001. Hard copies are available from The Stationery Office Bookshop, 71 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9AZ. (tel: 0870 606 55 66 or view their web site at www.tsonline.co.uk)

For further information about the survey contact: The Scottish Household Survey Research Team, Office of the Chief Researcher, 3 ^rd Floor West Rear, St Andrew's House, tel. 0131-244-8420, e-mail: shs@scotland.gov.uk

Social Justice - Nicola Edge ( nicola.edge@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 7371) Social Justice Research, Scottish Executive, 2J, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Chief Scientist Office - Peter Craig ( peter.craig@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 2077) Chief Scientist Office, GE10, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Civic Participation and Consultation - Alison Platts ( alison.platts@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 3789) Civic Participation and Consultation, Scottish Executive, 3WR, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Criminal Justice - Joe Curran ( joe.curran@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 2118) Criminal Justice Research, Scottish Executive, 1W, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Education and Young People - Rod Harrison ( rod.harrison@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 0741) Information, Analysis and Communication Division, Education Department, Scottish Executive, 1B, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Effective Interventions - Nick Bland ( nick.bland@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 2107) Effective interventions Unit, Scottish Executive, 3ER, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Enterprise & Lifelong Learning - John Tibbitt ( john.tibbitt@scotland.gov.uk, 0141 242 0260) Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Research, Scottish Executive, 1 ^st Floor, Europa Building, 450 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8LG

General (including Scottish Household Survey) - Karen MacNee ( karen.macnee@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 7557), Scottish Executive, 3WR, St, Andrews' House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Health and Community Care - Sarah Campbell ( sarah.campbell@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 5429), Health and Community Care Research, Scottish Executive, 2ER, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Housing and Regeneration - Diana Wilkinson ( diana.wilkinson@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 0140) 1F21, Housing and Regeneration Research, Scottish Executive, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Legal Studies - Claire Monaghan ( claire.monaghan@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 5229), Civil Law Research, Scottish Executive, 2WR, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG

Local Government - Gillian Lancaster ( gillian.lancaster@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 7559) Local Government Research, Scottish Executive, 2J, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Rural - Juliet Harvey ( juliet.harvey@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 1513/6631), Rural Affairs Research, Scottish Executive, 2J, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Transport - Hamish Clark ( hamish.clark@scotland.gov.uk, 0131 244 7561), Transport Research, Scottish Executive, 2J, Victoria Quay, EH6 6QQ

Publication Enquiries - If you wish further copies of this Research Bulletin or have any enquiries about the listed publications, please contact: Lorraine Curran, 2J, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ (tel: 0131 244 7560 or email: lorraine.curran@scotland.gov.uk)

Scottish Executive Social Research Web Site - This document and many other research publications are available in electronic format and are accessible from the website: www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch

Scottish Executive Social Research Publications - Paper copies of full reports are available from The Stationery Office Bookshop, 71 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9AZ. (Tel: 0870 606 5566 or view their web site at www.tsonline.co.uk)