About Supported Employment

About Supported Employment?

Supported Employment

is an evidence- based framework which has been used successfully used for decades to support Disabled people, particularly those with a Learning Disability and or Autism into paid employment.

The Supported Employment model is underpinned by a set of clear values, that ensure people are supported into good quality careers, whilst also meeting the workforce development needs of business, creating positives experiences for all. It's sometimes referred to as the "Place, Train and Maintain " model

Whilst the model was originally designed for people with a Learning Disability, there is increasing evidence that the supported employment five-stage model is best method for supporting a wider range of Disabled, Neurodivergent, and Disadvantaged people into work. The DWP's Connect to Work programme , launching in 2025 will utilise the supported employment model .

The Supported Employment model is based on strong partnerships which empower individuals and employers at every stage of the employee lifecycle and the strong value base at the heart of the model is what defines the real difference between "employment support” and “Supported Employment”.

The five-stage model underpins a range of employment provision including

Supported Internships: youth-focused
Inclusive Apprenticeships: on the job supported employment
Individual Placement and Support (IPS): supporting people with Mental Health issues

The model is highly aspirational, ensuring that everyone who wants to work is given the right opportunity and support, where employers are valued as equal partners throughout the lifecycle of the employee and we think careers not jobs.

The Five Stage Model

1. Engagement

With a starting point of assuming everyone can work, supported employment proactively engages with individuals and communities to promote high aspirational careers for all. Supported Employment doesn’t wait for people to come to them, instead they take Supported Employment to the people.

2. Vocational Profiling

This is a process of getting to know an individual well, by building a rich profile of everything that you need to know, in partnership with the person, to help match them to the right career. The profile is strengths based, so is not only about finding a job someone is good at but a job where both the individual and employer can flourish.

3. Employer Engagement

Employers are valued as equal partners within the Supported Employment Model and their business requirements need to be at the heart of all conversations. Just as with individuals, supported employment proactively works with Employers to understand their workforce development needs and develop strong partnerships to embed inclusive recruitment into both early careers and workforce retention planning. Completing a Job analysis, you will build of a rich picture of their business needs.

4. Job Matching

Using the vocational profile and Job analysis supported employment matches the right person into the right role, based on the aspirations of the individual and the business needs of the employer. Supported Employment will look at every aspect of the match including workplace cultures to provide the best opportunity to meet all needs.

5. In-Work Support and Career Progression

Getting a job is the very beginning of everyone’s journey and in work support focuses on providing a personalised support to enable individuals to learn and integrate into every aspect of their job and providing the support the employers need to feel Disability Confident in Action. This support will be over and above the reasonable adjustments needed and will help to address and overcome barriers throughout the lifecycle of an employee. Trained Job Coaches are the heartbeat of the Supported employment model and builds the confidence and competence of the whole partnership. Career progression is an important part of the model, so people continue to flourish and grow

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