Research Publications

The IPA publishes research reports, guides and case studies on a range of employment relations issues. Browse the links below or use the search function to look for a specific publication.

If you would like to commission the IPA to undertake a research project, please contact [email protected]

I think the report is extremely well written, the findings are very positive on the whole, and the areas for improvement are clearly articulated. Thanks very much and well done IPA. Department of Health

Workforce Engagement and the UK Corporate Governance Code

This report by the IPA and RHUL takes a look at company responses to the 2018 Corporate Governance Code's requirements for employee voice in the boardroom. Read more

A Guide to Establishing Staff Networks

This CIPD guidebook, written by IPA, provides managers and staff representatives with advice on setting up staff networks for women, BAME, LGBT+. Read more

Towards a new normal: What legacy might COVID-19 leave for UK working patterns?

The COVID -19 crisis has led to major, unprecedented changes in UK working practice. Many of them might be temporary, but some may prove to be long lasting. Read more

Representing people working remotely

The rapid move to remote working in response to Covid has had some positive outcomes but also raises important challenges. Read more

ICE: what, why and how?

On behalf of CIPD, the IPA has produced a guidebook for practitioners on the Information and Consultation of Employees (ICE) regulations. Read more

My boss the algorithm: An ethical look at algorithms in the workplace

This report by IPA on behalf of Acas sheds light on the increasing use of algorithmic management tools in the workplace and the opportunities and risks that this poses for the future of employment relations. The report includes practical guidance for employers on how to approach the question of algorithmic management in an ethical and effective manner. Read more

Is Thursday the new Friday? The future of working time

This paper by IPA on behalf of FES lays out the current state of the UK debate around working time reductions and the campaign for a four-day week. Read more

New technology and the world of work: the winners and the losers

Building on previous research, this latest policy report by IPA and Acas looks at the likely winners and losers from the new wave of technology. Read more

Forces of Change: Innovation and Engagement in UK Policing

This report looks in detail at how well UK police forces have managed change and innovation over recent years. Read more

High-involvement design: the time has come

This report by Professor Wood outlines a new approach to management termed high-involvement design, putting employee involvement back at the heart of HRM where it belongs. Read more

The Way Ahead: trade unions and the third sector

This report is an examination of the relationship between the third sector and trade unions. Read more

Working Well for Yourself: What makes for good self-employment?

This report seeks to address the question ‘what makes for good self-employment’? Read more

Working Well: Perspectives on Good Work and why it matters

To coincide with the government's response to the Taylor Review, the IPA have produced a report which draws together 16 expert perspectives. Read more

Manufacturing Productivity and Engagement

A report on the findings from Nita Clarke OBE on how the UK's productivity gap might be addressed across major sectors of the economy. Read more

Tune in to temps: how employers and recruiters can support agency worker voice in the workplace

This report by IPA and REC examines how to provide engagement and voice for agency workers, through two case studies of best practice in the industry. Read more

Mind over Machines: New technology and employment relations

This report examines the relationship between the introduction of new technology into the workplace and employee wellbeing, autonomy, voice and engagement. Read more

Uncertain times: the need for new thinking on workplace relations in Britain

Over the past decade the UK workforce has already undergone rapid changes and evidence points to an accelerating pace of change in the coming years. Read more

Involvement and Productivity - The missing piece of the puzzle?

Since the economic crisis of 2008, the UK has experienced a lengthy and worrying stall in productivity. Read more

Addressing Unconscious Bias in the Workplace

Following on from the 2015 IPA Diverse Voices report, this report defines what what unconscious bias is and explore the various types of biases. Read more

ICE and Voice 10 years on

It's ten years since the introduction of the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations. Read more

Building on Partnership - SPF Stocktake 2015

The national Social Partnership Forum (SPF) exists to engage stakeholders in the NHS, and to give them a chance to discuss, debate and influence policy where there are workforce implications. Read more

Diverse Voices - Engaging employees in an increasingly diverse workforce

Diverse Voices is a pioneering project that examines the links between employee engagement and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Read more

Employee Engagement in Further Education

This research from the IPA, commissioned by Association of Colleges examines employee engagement in the Further Education sector. Read more

Latest

IPA Employee Voice Hub - 16th November 2021: Climate Change and Just Transition

Building on new work by the IPA in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) for this year’s COP26 climate summit, this meeting will look at the role of the workforce and employment relations in UK employers’ journey towards net zero carbon emissions, and the importance of achieving a just transition that protects jobs and secures employee voice, engagement and buy-in to the necessary transformation in our workplaces.
IPA Employee Voice Hub - 14th September 2021: Hearing Employee Voice at Board Level

Larger organisations are required by the UK Corporate Governance Code to report on how they listen to employee voice in the boardroom. IPA recently completed a report for the Financial Reporting Council examining how this is happening in practice and participants will have the opportunity to learn from the case studies IPA researched for the report, and also share their own experience of good practice in ensuring the employee experience is heard at board level.
Employee relations after the pandemic

Mike Emmott, former Employee Relations Adviser at CIPD, shares his thoughts on how employment relations has been shaped by the experience of the pandemic. Despite the obvious struggles and pain the pandemic has brought for millions, he observes signs of a more positive long-term impact on employment relations, as the lessons of the past 12 months may lead to more freedom, more influence and more rights for the workforce in future.
How Colleague Voice is Making a Difference at Zoetis UK

Zoetis is a global leader in animal health. This case study examines how their UK business is listening to employee voice through the UK Colleague Forum and how this is making a real difference to the business and the workplace experience of UK colleagues.

Employee voice

Employee voice exists, whether you recognise it or not. The only question is – "are you listening?"
Who are IPA?

The IPA is the UK's leading organisation delivering new ways of working based on employee participation, collaboration and trust.
Nita Clarke OBE

Nita Clarke OBE IPA Director
Statutory Employee Consultation and the Role of the Employee Representative

Employment law requires organisations to collectively inform and consult with its employees in relation to certain proposed changes
Working Well: Perspectives on Good Work and why it matters

To coincide with the government's response to the Taylor Review, the IPA have produced a report which draws together 16 expert perspectives.
Employee engagement

This training programme focuses around how to use the four key enablers of employee engagement.
Overview of services

Every workplace is different, so every project we undertake is individually developed by our professional and experienced team.
Engagement

Employee engagement is seen by a growing number of organisations as a key issue in measuring employee attitudes and establishing a strong employer brand.
The real impact of the EU on UK employment law

The UK is set to have a referendum on 23 June on whether or not to remain a member of the European Union. In this article, Rachel Suff, Public Policy Advisor at CIPD discusses how ‘the world of work might be affected’ if the UK voted not to remain in the EU. She highlights that a large part of the UK employment law is derived from the EU and that a vote to leave the EU could allow the review or repeal of legislation that came out of EU directives.
Derek Luckhurst

Training and Development Director