What is Supported Employment

What is Supported Employment

Supported Employment is a way of providing assistance to people with a disability who need extra support to move towards and into work. BASE member organisations have the specialist knowledge to give you this support.

Supported Employment is also known as IPS (Individual Placement and Support), an American term for the employment support offered to people who experience mental health conditions.

BASE member organisations can give you advice and help all through the process of looking for and gaining a job. You can search for an organisation or service close to you here.

They can advise you on all stages of job hunting, from the start of your search up to getting an interview and beyond. Some of the services our members provide are:

  • help to build your confidence and self esteem
  • training, from basic skills to vocational and professional qualifications
  • help to match you with the right job for your experience and skills
  • work trials so you can try a job and gain experience
  • help through the interview process, sometimes even attending interviews with you for support
  • 'on the job' help to guide and support you through the early stages
  • advising potential employers on reasonable adjustments
  • help to keep your job if you become disabled or are finding work difficult with your existing disability.

You can find out more about Supported Employment here.

 

Supported Internships

If you are under 25 years old and have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) then you may be able to access a place on a Supported Internships programme. Find out more about Supported Internships 

 

Apprenticeships

The Government has introduced Inclusive Apprenticeships. There are now more flexible requirements for Maths and English so that more people with learning disabilities can access an apprenticeship programme.

You will find more information on our knowledge pages but here are some links to help you find out more.

View all our easy-read materials from our Knowledge pages.