Understanding how to improve the quality of money guidance delivered across the UK
In April 2021 the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) began a pilot to improve the quality of money guidance delivered across the UK, by upskilling organisations and individuals providing money guidance to their service users.
The Money Guiders Programme pilot (Phase 1) formally ended in October 2021. MaPS commissioned Revealing Reality to conduct an in-depth process evaluation of that phase. The evaluation was designed to understand who the pilot is reaching, how effectively the programme components are working and ways to improve the user experience of individuals and organisations as they improve their money guidance skills.
This report outlines the findings of a multi-phased research project by Revealing Reality. It includes multiple interviews with managers and practitioners in 15 pilot partner organisations, analysis of observations of six network events as well as data from the Learning Hub, Network delivery partners and the MaPS website.
Key findings
The report findings show that engagement with the programme during the pilot exceeded expectations, whilst pilot partners were motivated to join the pilot to gain recognition for their services, expand their offer and upskill staff. There are also some areas of identified improvement highlighted. The report highlights that the Money Guider Networks were the least well-known component and understanding of them could be improved, whilst support and communications for pilot partners could also feel inconsistent at times.
MaPS is an organisation with evaluation at its heart. We believe in applying the principles of understanding what works to develop and improve programmes and services so that outcomes are maximised for people, and everyone makes the most of their money and pensions. This report will be part of the evidence base used in any future programme growth or development for Money Guiders.