WAS Investors in People just another bandwagon management scheme that achieved nothing and is fast disappearing? The scheme’s website seems to suggest that while schools have become a key target in some parts of the country, worries about the loss of subsidies threaten expansion plans (see page 4 of www.iipuk.co.ukresourcesquarterlyreportmarch02.doc ).
An evaluation study of IiP, published by the Department for Education and Skills, is not very encouraging either. Consultants Mark Cox and Rod Spires looked at the benefits of IiP. The report has a positive tone, but readers will be hard-pressed to find evidence that the benefits outweigh the costs. Full report at www.dfes.gov.ukresearchdatauploadfilesRR360.pdf or a brief summary at www.dfes.gov.ukresearchdatauploadfilesRB360.pdf Sam Saunders
Readers can email suggestions on future Internet Insights to Sam Saunders at J.P.Saunders@leeds.ac.uk
