Prof Terence Hogarth and Dr Emily Erickson highlighted areas where the knowledge base is robust while identifying critical gaps that remain in our understanding. Drawing on England’s extensive history of skills mismatch measurement, dating back to the Skill Needs in Britain surveys of the 1990s, they discussed how contemporary approaches using natural language processing techniques are creating new opportunities for skills gap identification. Both the SkillsPULSELink opens in a new window and Skills2CapabilitiesLink opens in a new window horizon studies, in which IER is actively participating, are exploring these cutting-edge methodologies to address persistent challenges in skills alignment across various sectors.
IER contributes to Cedefop's European skills revolution seminar
IER's Gianni AnelliLink opens in a new window participated in the "Expanding real-time skills intelligence to accelerate Europe's skills revolution" seminar, organised by Cedefop in Brussels, Belgium. The event, held on 2 April 2024, brought together experts and stakeholders to explore the development of real-time skills intelligence in Europe. Discussions focused on enhancing the use of online labour market data to better understand and respond to evolving skill demands, helping to inform more effective education and training policies across the continent. Read MoreLink opens in a new window
Gianni contributed by presenting insights from the methodology proposed in his PhD thesis, which uses online job vacancy data from Chile to identify emerging skill shortages. While the research is based on the Chilean context, the methodology is applicable to other countries, highlighting the value of timely, data-driven intelligence in addressing skills challenges globally.
Peer review prize for IER academic
IER's Dr Jamelia HarrisLink opens in a new window has been awarded the 2024 Development in Practice Reviewer Prize for her outstanding contribution to academic peer review. The editor commented that: "Jamelia has been instrumental in mentoring authors to develop their work for publication, providing feedback over several rounds. Such detailed reviewing shows immense dedication and generosity."
New research traces the evolution of social value in public procurement
Public procurement is an important market and a key area of public spending. As such, it has increasingly come into focus as a tool for promoting social policy objectives. In this vein, ‘social value’ is an increasingly important concept in public purchasing. In “From social justice to social value: The changing fortunes of using public purchasing for social ends”, IER's Dr Katharina Sarter,Link opens in a new window with her co-authors, Wright, Conley and Mamode, propose a framework for conceptualising the relationship of social justice and different notions of value that exist within public procurement. Read MoreLink opens in a new window
Beginning with an examination of contract compliance practices, the authors meticulously trace the origins and evolution of 'social value' as a guiding concept. Their analysis explores the development of social dimensions in procurement, with particular focus on equality considerations, while highlighting the persistent tensions between different value concepts that have shaped policy development over four decades. This timely research provides valuable historical context for understanding current debates about the role of public spending in creating broader societal benefits beyond immediate cost considerations.
Co-designing an all-age careers framework in County Durham
In 2024, Durham County Council commissioned a collaborative team of dmh Associates, Warwick Institute for Employment Research (IER) and CSP Resources to develop a comprehensive All-Age Careers Framework for County DurhamLink opens in a new window. The rigorous research methodology included in-person consultations, targeted group discussions and strategic online surveys. The team also engaged extensively with local Partnership networks and participated in Civic Forum meetings, complemented by a Formal Call for Evidence to ensure broad stakeholder input. Read MoreLink opens in a new window
A key component of the project was a detailed Return on Investment Analysis that evaluated the economic impact of career support services across the region. IER's Peter DickinsonLink opens in a new window provided the critical labour market intelligence (LMI) analysis that forms the foundation of this forward-looking strategy. The framework aims to create cohesive career pathways for residents of all ages, aligned with the region's economic development priorities and emerging employment opportunities. A full report can be found hereLink opens in a new window.
In Memoriam: Prof Claire Callender OBE - By Chris Warhurst, Kate Purcell and Sangwoo Lee
It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Professor Claire Callender OBE. She held joint professorships at UCL and Birkbeck. She was a distinguished scholar, valued colleague and Honorary Professor of the Institute for Employment Research. Claire was a first-rate researcher whose impact on higher education policy and funding was profound, not only in the UK but internationally. Her work was driven by a commitment to conducting policy-relevant research that would inform government decisions and expose social injustices, embodying the principle of "not just understanding the world but changing it" in the finest social science tradition. Read MoreLink opens in a new window
From 2009 to 2012, Claire led the HECSU-funded ‘Part-time Futuretrack’ study alongside David Wilkinson and colleagues at NIESR, which complemented IER’s Futuretrack longitudinal programme. This collaboration fostered stimulating exchanges and meetings that enriched both research initiatives. Over the years, Claire and members of the IER worked together on various programmes, served on research panels and supported each other’s scholarly endeavours. In recognition of her valuable contributions to the Institute, she was appointed an Honorary Professor of the IER in 2021.
On a personal level, Claire was known for her generosity as a mentor and colleague. She interviewed potential staff members with thoughtfulness and insight and offered invaluable guidance to early career researchers in developing their research careers. Her willingness to serve as an official and informal mentor for various initiatives demonstrated her commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers. Those fortunate enough to have known Claire remember her not only for her intellectual sharpness but also as a truly kind and generous person, whose company was always a pleasure. Even colleagues who worked with her only occasionally appreciated both her personally and the quality of her work whenever their paths crossed.
Claire’s passing will be mourned widely across the higher education research community. Her legacy lives on through her influential body of work and in the many researchers and policymakers she inspired throughout her distinguished career. The Institute for Employment Research extends its deepest condolences to Claire's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
