People in Staffordshire Can Now Connect to Work Through New Support Programme

• Connect to Work will provide personalised employment support that helps residents build confidence, develop skills, and move into sustainable paid work.
• The programme will join up local health, skills, and employment services so that people receive coordinated, wrap‑around support that reflects their needs.
• The IPS element will be delivered by the Growth Company, offering evidence‑based and person‑centred support.

People in Staffordshire who may struggle to work due to health conditions or other barriers can now access the support they need through a County Council‑run supported employment programme – and the Growth Company is set to play a big role.

The five‑year Connect to Work programme will support eligible residents to gain sustainable paid employment outcomes, developing personal and vocational skills, and providing tailored support that enables them to thrive in the workplace.

It will also help to connect employers with jobseekers who can fulfil their business needs, offering ongoing support with inclusive recruitment and workplace adjustments.

It joins up local health and employment support so that people have a better chance of finding work and retaining their position. The programme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and delivered by Staffordshire County Council, in partnership with Stoke‑on‑Trent City Council and expert providers across the county.

The County Council has appointed specialist organisations to deliver these services to participants and employers, including the Growth Company, Intuitive Thinking Skills, Mencap and Stoke‑on‑Trent City Council, which will run the programme across the city.

A new webpage is live which provides all the information about the programme which will support people looking for work, an organisation working with eligible people who could benefit or a business looking to fill positions with dedicated employees. It can be found at the Staffordshire Jobs and Careers service website.

Eligible residents who are out‑of‑work can receive intensive employment support for up to 12 months, whilst residents who are in‑work, but who are at risk of losing their job, can receive up to 4 months of support.

Help includes early access to jobs based on people’s preferences, job and skills matching, on the job training and help to sustain employment – which might include job coaching at work, training, support from a workplace mentor, and regular workplace reviews.

Support will also be provided to employers, as well as tailored self‑employment support where appropriate.

The Growth Company’s Managing Director for Employment Justice, and Health, Michelle Leeson, said: “The Growth Company has delivered IPS programmes in several areas in the UK and we have seen first-hand how this approach can transform people’s lives by helping them move into work that’s right for them.

"We are very much looking forward to working with partners across Staffordshire to support residents to find good jobs and succeed in them.”

Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills said: “Everyone in our county should have the right to access meaningful employment, whatever their circumstances.”

“Many people with perceived barriers to work are determined to overcome them and gain employment that is matched to their needs.”

“This can boost their self‑confidence, skills development and future life chances. And the programme can help county employers to find candidates for their growing opportunities, supported by our providers.”

“The programme is now live, so we’d urge interested people to visit the website, find out more and take the first steps.”

“As a county council, we’re committed to fulfilling the potential of all our residents, improving lives and communities here at the beating heart of the country.”

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke‑on‑Trent City Council and cabinet member for economic development, said: “We are proud to be a partner for the Connect to Work programme, working with Staffordshire County Council and DWP to deliver the service across our city and the county.”

“In Stoke‑on‑Trent, the programme will build on the fantastic work of our JET (Jobs, Enterprise and Training) service, which has supported more than 10,000 residents with employment advice since it was established in 2009.”

“Specifically, this five‑year programme – set up with Government funding – will have a real focus on helping people break down barriers and inequalities that have made it difficult for them to find work. It also ties into our vision to strive to be a healthier, wealthier and fairer city.”

Connect to Work in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

There is a total investment of £19million in the programme across Staffordshire and Stoke‑on‑Trent over five years.

Connect to Work is one of the key programmes to deliver the broader Get Staffordshire and Stoke‑on‑Trent Working Plan, which aims to increase employment, tackle economic inactivity, and create opportunities for all residents.

Find out more on the Connect to Work website.