The spin Seebeck effect is a relatively new phenomena that could be harnessed for waste heat recovery. Its advantages lie with a new device architecture (compared to conventional thermoelectric generators) that would not only reduce the cost of fabrication but also enable separation of the key drivers of device efficiency: electric and thermal conductivity of certain active components. We are exploring Co_2MnSi as a potential material for spin Seebeck based devices, where in previous PNR we observed indications of a magnetic dead layer that could have a dramatic effect on the functionality of any potential device. We propose to explore this feature further whilst also characterising basic devices (Co_2MnSi:Pt bilayers). This will enable determination of whether a magnetic dead layer exists at the Co_2mnSi:Pt interface as well as determine the extent of the proximity effect in Pt.