CTQ 2022-05 Agile Nation 2 Research - Learning & Women's Wellbeing

The main objective of this research is to further explore whether there is a link between engaging in learning and improved and sustained confidence, wellbeing and resilience among women.For the purpose of this research project, we are taking a broad definition of ‘learning’ that incorporates adult learning, job-related training, skills development and career development support and coaching.The research aims to gather further data to understand the extent to which learning can affect these so-called soft outcomes, whether there are any gender differences, whether particular features or delivery models affect them, and whether these outcomes are achieved for women.While an exhaustive exploration of the topic is not possible in the project timescales, we would like to bring together qualitative evidence and a rapid review of existing evidence, to inform discussions and recommendations for future design and delivery of learning and training for women in WalesResearch QuestionsThe principal research question is:What impact does engaging in learning have on women’s confidence, resilience and wellbeing?Secondary questions should include:• Does gender affect any link between learning and improved confidence, resilience and wellbeing? Are there any intersectional differences?• Do particular delivery models affect any link between learning and improved confidence, resilience and wellbeing? Consideration should be given to factors such as inclusion of coaching, individual vs group settings, women-only settings and in-person vs virtual delivery.5. Research MethodsWe anticipate the research having two distinct elements.1. Rapid Systematic ReviewDesk-based review of the existing literature exploring the links between engagement in learning and improved confidence, resilience and wellbeing, identifying any gender differences or gaps in the literature.2. Qualitative evidence collectionInterviews with providers and participants to explore whether engagement in learning affects confidence, resilience and wellbeing or any further ‘soft outcomes’. Interviews will also explore whether participants can measure the impact of learning on their own confidence, resilience and wellbeing.In the given timescales we suggest:• Review of existing data gathered through the interim evaluation of Agile Nation 2• Four further interviews with Agile Nation 2 participants• Interviews with three providers of learning, skills training and/or career development support in Wales• Interviews with twelve participants (four from each provider interviewed)LimitationsGiven the scale of this project we don’t foresee being able to explore gender differences or carry out comparative gender analysis through the qualitative element of the research, and as such suggest that the interviews are with women participants to focus on their experiences and what they gained from their learning experience.Through the rapid review of existing literature, we would expect consideration to be given to any evidence related to intersectional impacts, i.e. differential impacts related to gender and how gender intersects with other characteristics such as ethnicity, disability etc.We also do not expect the qualitative interviews to enable a comprehensive exploration of how different delivery models of learning and training affect these soft outcomes, but would expect the interviews to explore whether participants link any particular element of their learning experience with improved confidence, resilience or wellbeing.Audience and use of research findingsThe main audience for this research is policy-makers, funding organisations, training, education and career practitioners and third sector organisations. The Welsh Government and Senedd will be key institutions with whom the findings will be shared. Work may also be undertaken to share the findings with other stakeholder groups, such as future grant-making bodies and business leaders.The research will inform Chwarae Teg’s policy and influencing work, and future programme delivery.