Executive summary i

Table of contents v

Figures vii

Tables viii

Boxes ix

Abbreviations x

Acknowledgements xii

1. Introduction 1

  1.1. Background, policy context and rationale for the study 1

  1.2. Project aims and objectives 2

  1.3. Structure of the report 3

2. Methodology 4

  2.1. Research questions and key definitions 4

  2.2. Methodological approach 5

  2.3. Strengths and limitations 10

3. Mapping the current system 11

  3.1. Defining effective early-intervention caseworker-led support 11

  3.2. Overview of current provision of early-intervention caseworker-led support in the UK 13

  3.3. Caseworker workforce mapping: roles, supply, qualifications and training 15

4. Evidence review: understanding the impact of caseworker-led models 29

  4.1. Impact of UK and international models 29

  4.2. Cost-benefit analysis 38

  4.3. Components of effective models 41

5. Delivery realities and system constraints 45

  5.1. Experiences of providers and delivery partners 45

  5.2. Systemic enablers and barriers 52

  5.3. Appraisal of policy components and implications for practical model design 55

6. A roadmap to effective caseworker support in the UK 59

  6.1. Why this matters: the case for action 59

  6.2. What effective early-intervention caseworker-led support looks like 61

  6.3. Who should deliver what: the roles of public services, employers and insurers 64

  6.4. Scaling effective support across the UK: challenges and how to overcome them 69

  6.5. Next steps 75

References 80

Annex A. Procedures of the evidence review 87

Annex B. Interview topic guide 93

Annex C. Longlist of model components and specific actions 96