Across England and Wales, thousands of people want to work but face barriers that make finding or sustaining employment more challenging. Whether that’s a long-term health condition, disability or another complex barrier, many have historically struggled to access the personalised support needed to build lasting careers.
Connect to Work is changing that.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as part of the Government’s wider Get Britain Working agenda, Connect to Work is a voluntary, locally commissioned Supported Employment programme. Working through local authorities and delivery partners, the programme brings together employment, health and community services to help people move into, and stay in, meaningful employment.
Buckinghamshire Council has appointed Intuitive Thinking Skills, part of AKG Group, to deliver the service across the county, combining nationally recognised expertise in employment support with a deep understanding of health, behaviour change and local partnership working.
Phil White, Head of Supported Employment at Intuitive Thinking Skills, believes Connect to Work represents one of the most significant developments in employment support for many years.
“Connect to Work recognises something we’ve known for a long time – that good employment can be a powerful part of improving someone’s health, confidence and independence. Rather than expecting people to overcome every barrier before looking for work, we’re supporting them to find the right opportunity first, then providing tailored support for both the individual and the employer to make that employment sustainable. It’s a more personalised, evidence-based approach that delivers better outcomes for everyone.”
That philosophy is already shaping delivery in Buckinghamshire.
Led by Service Manager Jocelyn Garner, the local team works with people living with a wide range of health conditions and barriers to employment, including neurodiverse individuals, those experiencing anxiety or depression, people with physical health conditions and others who need additional support to access work. Every participant receives personalised support built around their own ambitions, strengths and circumstances, rather than being expected to fit a standard process.
Unlike traditional employment programmes, Connect to Work invests time in developing a detailed vocational profile over several conversations, allowing Employment Specialists to understand what matters most to each individual before identifying suitable opportunities.
The programme also works differently with employers.
Rather than simply filling vacancies, Employment Specialists build relationships with businesses to understand their recruitment needs while providing advice on creating inclusive workplaces that enable people with health conditions or disabilities to succeed. Ongoing in-work support is available for both employers and participants, helping placements become sustainable careers rather than short-term jobs.
Support extends beyond those looking for work. Connect to Work also helps people who are already employed but at risk of leaving work because of a health condition, ensuring they receive practical support to remain in employment wherever possible.
Working across Buckinghamshire, Employment Specialists spend much of their time meeting people within their own communities such as, libraries, cafés, Jobcentres and community venues, making support accessible, flexible and centred around the individual.
By combining the national ambition of Connect to Work with the expertise of AKG Group and Intuitive Thinking Skills, the Buckinghamshire service is helping create healthier communities, more inclusive employers and brighter futures for local residents.
