Individual Placement and Support

Telephone: 0115 9661088

Employment Connections, Foster Drive, Nottingham NG5 36L

The Evidence Based Practice of Supported Employment

Supported Employment is a generic term used by many types of programs that provide long term supports to people with disabilities. This page refers to a specific type of supported employment also called Individual Placement and Support (IPS) which we at Employment Connections use. There is strong evidence that IPS is the most effective method of helping people with severe mental health needs to achieve sustainable competitive paid employment.   The evidence base includes 16 randomised controlled trials as shown in the graph. People who participate in supported employment services (mean average employment rate 61%) are almost three times more likely to find paid employment  than those who engage in other types of vocational programs/control (mean average employment rate 23%). 

There are seven key principles of Individual Placement and Support:

1.  Competitive employment is the primary goal

The central focus of an IPS service should be to support job seekers to gain paid employment (part-time or full-time) and that this is a realistic goal for everyone who wants a job.

2.  Everyone is eligible

People using services decide when they are ready to start the return to work process (i.e. anyone who is using secondary mental health services or other clinical team can decide they want to find or return to work). Research shows that wanting a job is overwhelmingly the most important factor for successful placement in paid employment (Grove B & Membrey H, 2005, New Thinking about Mental Health and Employment).

3.  Job search is consistent with individual preferences

Working closely with someone’s personal interests and experience significantly increases the chances of them enjoying and retaining a job. The focus is on job matching based on service user choices and preferences (as well as transferable skills and experience)

4.  Job search is rapid

Job search begins quickly (normally within one month).  Clear targets with dates for action are agreed and adhered to.

5.  Employment Specialists and clinical teams work and are located together

Our Employment Specialists are integrated into the clinical team, so that there can be a team approach to supporting people who use services to achieve their vocational goals.

6.  Information about benefits

Individualised benefits advice is provided to understand the financial implications of starting work. This includes the process of managing the transition from welfare benefits to work, and advice on in-work benefits such as tax credits.

7.  Support is time unlimited and individualised to both the employer and employee

The IPS approach makes getting the job the start of the process rather than the end point. Individuals receive support based on their individual needs in relation to their job, skills and preferences. Employment specialists may also provide support to employers in line with the individual’s wishes.

For further information on Individual Placement and Support visit:

Dartmouth IPS Supported Employment Centre

Centre for Mental Health

FInd out more about an IPS research study running in Nottingham City