Preparing for the Future of Employability: How the IEP support you
Employability provision is undergoing significant transformation. As services evolve to support more individuals—particularly those with complex needs—into meaningful work, the IEP is here to help.
Whether you are commissioning services, managing large-scale contracts like Connect to Work, or developing your own service delivery teams, we at the IEP support, provide the knowledge, resources, and partnerships to empower you to deliver impactful results for your communities.
The Connect to Work program is a bold new step in employability—designed to support people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and complex barriers into sustainable work through a high-fidelity Supported Employment model.
Delivering it well requires not only commitment but a confident, capable workforce that understands what works.
How do the IEP support Connect to Work?
We are the only global professional institute dedicated to employability specialists. We’ve developed a bespoke learning and support pathway tailored specifically for Connect to Work delivery, aligning with the program’s fidelity model and built around the real-world Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) needed for success.
Why Partner with the IEP?
The professional institute for the global employability sector
Purpose-built Connect to Work learning pathway based on IPS and SEQF fidelity standards
Faster than traditional options – complete the full pathway in 17–18 weeks (vs 15 months)
Already trusted by major providers like Ingeus
Helps strengthen bids by evidencing workforce capability
Backed by a community of expert enablers, practitioners, and partners
Modular and flexible – learn your way, at your pace
What your Team needs to succeed - and how we deliver it
For organisations and accountable bodies bidding for or contracted to deliver Connect to Work, one of the biggest concerns is making sure the right training, CPD or qualifications are available for both existing and new team members as they support in the delivery of the contract.
The Connect to Work program requires employability professionals to demonstrate a clear set of Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) to ensure high-fidelity Supported Employment delivery.
The IEP Learning Academy has designed its pathway to develop and reinforce these KSBs at both practitioner and supervisor level — making sure your teams are not just trained, but ready.
For Frontline Employability Specialists
Knowledge
Understanding the objectives of Connect to Work
Familiarity with local health systems and employment pathways
Strong grounding in the high-fidelity Supported Employment (IPS) model
Safeguarding awareness and understanding of service user protection
Skills
Assessing client needs and building tailored support plans
Communicating effectively with clients, employers, and stakeholders
Collaborating with partners and integrating local services
Problem-solving to remove employment barriers
Behaviours
Empathy and respect for clients’ experiences
Adaptability in the face of change and feedback
Professionalism and ethical conduct in every interaction
Commitment to achieving sustainable employment outcomes
For Supervisors and Delivery Managers
Knowledge
Team leadership and service oversight
Health and safety, safeguarding, and quality standards
Project lifecycle management and budget awareness
Aligning delivery with local strategic priorities
Skills
Leading, developing and motivating delivery teams
Planning and monitoring performance and progress
Managing risk and delivering continuous improvement
Communicating with stakeholders at every level
Behaviours
Professional judgement and ethical leadership
Commitment to developing others and self
Fostering innovation and a culture of continuous learning
Promoting collaboration and excellence in service delivery
Our Structured Learning Pathway: Built for Connect to Work
The IEP Learning Academy’s extensive learning opportunities are specially curated by employability specialists and sector experts with years of practical experience. Our learning programmes offer in-depth support to help employability specialists build the capabilities required to deliver effective services under Connect to Work.
We have worked with the NHS and Social Finance to understand the IPS and Supported Employment principles and practices that underpin Connect to Work. We’ve also engaged with local authorities, housing providers, charities, and employment support organisations to identify knowledge and skills gaps that need addressing. As a result, we’ve built a recommended Connect to Work learning pathway for frontline staff and supervisors.
Organisations can follow the full pathway or pick and mix individual modules to suit their unique needs. Optional add-ons are available for deeper specialisation, particularly around supporting people with complex needs or through motivational interviewing techniques.
Our Connect to Work learning pathway includes:
Accredited qualifications aligned with fidelity expectations
Practical, evidence-based training developed by practitioners
Flexible delivery options that meet the needs of diverse teams
Modular learning that builds toward comprehensive competence
Key Learning Programs:
Employability Essentials
Providing solid sector knowledge and advice on best practice, serving as a sector induction or a key platform for upskilling and gaining further accredited qualifications through the IEP Learning Academy.Introduction to IPS for Employability Practitioners
Introduction to Trauma-Informed Practice
IEP Award in Employability for IPS Integration
Covers IPS principles, service models, clinical integration, employer engagement, and job retention strategies. Developed in partnership with an occupational psychologist with almost 20 years of experience in practising and managing the delivery of IPS, and providing specialist training. This ensures practitioners can effectively integrate the IPSS model and adhere to employment fidelity scales when moving from traditional employability provision to a model of supported employment, such as Connect to Work.Award in Supporting Participants with Complex Needs
Covers mental health, neurodiversity, addiction, and social exclusion, providing practical tools to support clients with complex needs.Award in Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Enhances communication skills, client engagement, and motivation strategies, empowering specialists to guide clients effectively.Awards in Coaching for Growth & Progress
Develops coaching techniques for both practitioners and managers, focusing on mentoring, coaching, and team leadership skills.Award in Employer Solutions
Equips employability professionals with the skills needed for effective employer engagement. It offers practical strategies to build strong employer relationships while maintaining a person-centred approach that meets IPS and SEQF fidelity standards.
Evidence-Based, Real-World Learning
All IEP learning and training is grounded in proven methodology and developed by practitioners, with guidance from our Centre for Employability Excellence and the IEP Quality Improvement Framework (QIF).
Your teams gain access to:
Evidence-informed resources and toolkits
Sector-specific updates and insights
Learning that reflects what works on the frontline
Practical Support for Service Delivery
We collaborate with an extensive network of specialist partners to provide recruitment, onboarding, and delivery support for employability programs of all sizes.
From small-scale projects to large contracts, we ensure your teams have the resources and expertise to meet their goals.
Embedding Excellence with the IEP Quality Improvement Framework (QIF)
Continuously improve your service delivery with our proven framework, designed to enhance outcomes through real-time data analysis and feedback.
The QIF ensures that your programs remain adaptive, efficient, and impactful.
Facilitating Connections with Expert Enablers
Gain access to our Global Centres for Excellence, where you can collaborate with industry leaders, share best practices, and explore innovative tools from across the world.
We connect you with our extensive network of corporate and strategic partners, enabling you to leverage expertise and resources tailored to your specific challenges.
Our Partnership Offer: Tailored Support for Local Authorities and Providers
As the global Institute and membership body for employability professionals we offer unparalleled support through our international network of specialists and experts.
We offer tailored partnership options designed to support organisations who provide employability services including Accountable Bodies, Local Councils, and specialist employment organisations delivering the Connect to Work program.
Regional Corporate Affiliate Partnership [CAP]
Ideal for Accountable Bodies or organisations with delivery partners, this membership provides:
- Regional Corporate Affiliate Partnership status for the main organisation.
- Full access to CAP benefits.
- Corporate-rate memberships for delivery partners, which can be funded either by the Accountable Body or directly by the partner at the corporate rate.
Providing IEP Membership to delivery partner staff ensures consistent accreditation, equipping teams with the necessary support, tools, and knowledge to deliver high-quality services to customers.
IEP Corporate Affiliate Partnership [CAP]
Suited for any organisation working in the employability sector, this partnership offers access to a broad range of benefits designed to enhance organisational performance and equip staff with the knowledge, tools, and techniques they need to excel.
Partner Benefits
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Access to a large network of experienced employability specialists
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Staff development through our accredited e-Learning platform, providing employees with essential knowledge and skills to excel in their roles
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Access to proven 'What Works' evidence through our Quality Improvement Framework and the Centre for Employability Excellence
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Evidence-based learning and professional development
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Recruitment and workforce development
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Regular networking opportunities
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Keeping practitioners updated with sector developments
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Practical support and collaboration opportunities
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Building professional standards and demonstrating commitment
