Research
On this page:
- Our research
- IT survey
- Financial survey
- Ongoing investigations
- Provider Reference Groups
- Further information
Our research
Provider Readiness and Support have completed a number of surveys to investigate provider requirements regarding support through the Reform Programme:
IT survey
The IT survey was carried out alongside the Delivery Transformation (DT) Consultation (April – June 2008). It has helped us to understand the current state of provider IT and readiness for DT.
The report has been published on the PRS intranet pages and has been circulated to policy teams.
Summary of findings
- Respondents generally have good access to IT, but many do not fully use the capabilities they have.
- A high proportion of providers have case management systems, but few use them to their full capacity.
- 99% of the provider base has access to e-mail and are ‘confident’ using it.
Summary of statistics
- 1,200 individual responses were received representing 1,326 offices – a return rate of about 28% of all provider offices.
- 89% of providers have broadband access
- 99% of providers are very or fairly confident using e-mail and the internet
- 62% of providers would be likely or very likely to use electronic facilities to upload supporting documentation or case files. Only 11% would not use this facility;
- 62% think that an increase in electronic working will bring efficiencies to their office.
- 74% use an electronic case management system reflecting the importance of the Provider Readiness team working with software vendors
Financial survey
In October 2008 PRS commissioned an independent financial skills audit through Otterburn Legal Consulting. The purpose of the survey was to establish the provider base’s own assessment of their training/support requirement. 527 questionnaires were returned. The key requirements identified were:
- Assessing team profitability and the overall cost of a fee earner
- Understanding the firm’s cost base, hourly cost and minimum fees
- Key performance benchmarks
- Developing forward financial strategy.
Look at:
Ongoing investigations
As well as formal surveys, Provider Readiness and Support constantly is constantly reviewing the requirements of providers to assess need through continual review of internal LSC policies and liaising with the provider base.
Provider Reference Groups (PRG)
PRG were set up in March 2008. 18 groups currently sit across the country. Civil and Crime groups sit in:
- London
- Wales
- South East
- South West
- Midland
- East Midlands
- West midlands
- Eastern
The groups have provided feedback and volunteers to mould the support packages to fulfil the needs of providers.
PRG have concluded that face to face training with online support is the most appropriate support model. As a result of PRG rejecting proposals such as direct LSC IT consultancy and number of web based ‘tools’, funding is concentrated on fulfilling the needs listed by PRG.
Further information
Find out more information on your PRG, go to the Provider Reference Groups pages.
Alernatively visit your local pages.
Last updated: 21 April 2009