The IEP welcome the final report of the Commission on the Future of Employment Support, launched by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) in partnership with abrdn Financial Fairness Trust at the Westminster #WorkingForTheFuture event. This report highlights critical developments that align closely with the IEP’s mission to professionalise and set quality standards for employability sectors worldwide.
The IES said the report was a result of two years of consultation and evidence-gathering on employment support, and sets out proposals for once-in-a-generation reform to boost growth and raise living standards.
“It makes detailed proposals to raise participation in the labour force and boost productivity. The report calls for reforming employment support to guarantee support for those who need it; ending the ‘compliance culture’ in jobcentres; and creating new Labour Market Partnerships to meet local priorities and join up delivery.”
The IES state the report makes recommendations in four main areas:
- An ambitious approach to the government’s new Jobs and Careers Service: underpinned by a new online employment service, an on the high street network of employment, skills and careers centres that are open to all, and on the doorstep integration of employment and careers advice within wider public, community and voluntary services; alongside a clear, joined up offer for employers
- New Labour Market Partnerships within local areas – so that ‘work, health and skills plans’ can enable areas to join up services, broaden access to support and tailor provision to local needs
- Ending the ‘compliance culture’ in jobcentres –including by ending the ‘35-hour rule’ for jobseekers and those in low paid work, having a clearer separation between benefits administration and employment support, and replacing the Claimant Commitment with forward-looking Action Plans
- A clear framework for a reformed system, across national and local services – underpinned by specific objectives on raising employment, tackling poverty at work and reducing inequalities; a guarantee that if you want help you will be able to get it; and common standards for the quality of services for individuals and employers
One of the key insights from the report is the call for common accreditation and standards for Employment Advisors. It notes the lack of a unified approach across the sector, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) currently using a mix of internal accreditation and progression to a Level 4 Certificate in ‘Managing the Delivery of Services to Customers.’ Meanwhile, the IEP offers accredited training that covers various aspects of employment support, up to and including the Employability Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard. This standard as well as our other specialist work-based professional accredited learning and qualifications ensures that practitioners possess the knowledge, skills, and behaviours necessary to support individuals into sustainable employment.
The report advocates for greater collaboration between the government, the IEP, and the wider industry to establish a common approach to accreditation. Such a unified framework could be implemented across all services, ensuring consistency in the standards of support provided to both job seekers and employers. This would represent a significant milestone for the IEP and the wider employability sector, reinforcing the importance of quality assurance and professionalisation in helping individuals secure meaningful employment.
During the panel discussion, IEP Chair, Pat Russell FIEP, underscored IEP’s deep commitment to training professionals to provide the best possible support. She emphasised that employability services should be easy to access for everyone, as employability is something we all need at various stages of our lives. Pat also highlighted the IEP’s continued investment in the professionalisation of the sector, helping to elevate standards and ensure that those working in employability are equipped with the required skills and expertise.
As the only professional membership body for the global employability sector, the IEP continues to lead the way in setting standards for employability professionals. Our accredited programs provide a structured pathway for those in the sector to develop and excel in their roles. We believe that organisations investing in workplace learning enable their staff to perform better, ultimately supporting more individuals into work and helping employers find the right talent.
Learn more about IEP’s training and membership opportunities at www.myiep.uk
