The New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) – Innovative Schemes project was set up in late 1997 to identify and test different approaches to helping disabled people move into or remain in work.

Twenty-four schemes were commissioned over a two year period, representing a wide range of different approaches. An Evaluation team of the Tavistock Institute was commissioned to undertake an evaluation alongside this programme.

The evaluation methods included a two-stage visit to every scheme, analysis of documentary material, case studies of a small selection of schemes and emerging issues, and secondary analysis of monitoring data. The ‘Innovative Schemes’ were recruited from across different sectors of provision: voluntary and independent sector (twelve); public sector (seven); and private and commercial firms (five).