Case Study: Library research for the Immigration Issues Advisory Group
What was done?
In 2005 a cross-department Immigration Issues Advisory Group was formed, including representatives from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Home Office, and the Department for Work and Pensions. Early discussions within the Group highlighted a need for an up-to-date knowledge base to inform cross-government decisions on tackling immigrant issues.
Towards the end of 2005, the Group representative from HMRC’s Immigration Issues Team was asked to find out how immigrant groups in the UK interacted with the UK Tax and National Insurance systems. The aim was to help these groups comply with the tax system and gain their entitlements. A project was set up, drawing on the skills of Analysts and Librarians. Library researchers were asked to conduct a broad ranging review of information sources. This set out to cover all types of immigrant groups in the UK and focused on three key issues:
1. Contact that immigrant groups have with the Tax and NI system
2. Guidance that staff use with immigrant groups
3. Any compliance issues including labour provider issues
The Analysts then identified key issues in the literature, giving them context. A database, named Literature Tool, was produced in Excel and populated with the information we found. It can be searched in various ways and can be used by other business units and government departments. Project documentation for lessons learnt, together with research methodologies have been made available to other business units via a shared file store.
What changed as a result?
We now have a reliable body of research that can be updated and searched in a timely and cost effective way. This is being used to inform government policy.
What are the benefits so far?
The Immigration Issues Team is beginning to build a clearer picture of the migrant worker landscape. They have demonstrated the database to one of their Voluntary Sector partners that specialises in Ethnic Minority issues, and have begun a process of sharing knowledge to increase their understanding of this customer group.