Employment Data Lab: user guide
Updated 5 December 2023
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How to access the Employment Data Lab
If your organisation runs a programme that aims to get people back into, or to progress in employment, the Employment Data Lab service may be suitable for you. For more information about how to use this service please read the following guidance.
How it works
Step 1: Contact the Data Lab team
If you are interested in using the service and have a programme that might be suitable, the first step is to email the team to arrange a meeting to discuss suitability and next steps. The Employment Data Lab email address is: employment.datalab@dwp.gov.uk
Step 2: Data Protection
The service works by user organisations sharing information about their programme and participants with DWP, so it can be analysed, and the results shared back. At this stage the Data Lab team will provide details of how the data will be processed. Before proceeding further, you will need to confirm that you are able to share your participants’ data for this purpose.
Information on how the data will be processed in the Data Lab can be found in the Methodology document, on the Information and Guidance page.
The participant data required includes identifiable information such as names, addresses and dates of birth. This is used to link the participants to government data that are used in the analysis. The Data Lab team will also need information relating to the programme, its objectives, any inclusion criteria for participants and how they were selected.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you can share the personal data of your participants with DWP for this purpose in accordance with data protection regulations. Further information about data sharing can be found at the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) website.
The Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) held a workshop which included guidance relating to data sharing and the Data Lab. A recording of this workshop is available.
Step 3: Data Sharing
Having confirmed that you are able to share the required data, the Data Lab team will arrange transfer of data via a secure method.
Step 4: Data Lab team analyse the data
Once the Data Lab team have received the data, they can begin the analysis. The time it takes to produce a finalised report will vary depending on demand. During this time, it might be necessary for the Data Lab team to contact you for questions or clarifications about the data or programme.
Step 5: Read and finalise report for publication
Before the results are published you will have an opportunity to review and comment on the analysis. These comments and a description of your organisation in your own words can be included in the report. Once the analysis has been completed and quality assured it will be published on the GOV.UK website.