Supported employment programme launching across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

A new employment scheme is being launched in Devon to help support almost 6,000 people into work over the next five years.

The Connect to Work programme, backed by £22.7 million from the UK Government’s Get Britain Working Programme, is being led and delivered by the three local authorities to ensure support reflects local priorities and reaches the people who need it most. It will improve access to employment, health and skills support, and help reduce economic inactivity across the region.

This supported employment programme is designed to support disabled people, those with health conditions, and those facing other complex barriers, to move into paid sustainable employment.

Participants who take part in the voluntary initiative will be supported by a dedicated specialist employment adviser who will:

• Work with them to understand their career goals;
• Provide tailored support to participants based on their health and employment needs, and address specific barriers;
• Support people to talk with prospective employers, removing the need to go through complex application processes;
• Provide ongoing support to employers and participants after starting a job to ensure long-term success.

Connect to Work is due to go live in Plymouth this month (November), and will then be rolled out in Devon and Torbay in December. The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority retains a strategic role in the project, working to align activity with the wider ambitions of the Get Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Working Plan and strengthen coordination across the area.

Devon County Council is the lead authority on the programme working in partnership with Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.

Connect to Work in Devon

Devon will deliver the programme through a combination of in-house expertise and commissioned services to ensure broad coverage and specialist support. It’s aiming to support almost 3,000 people in the Devon County Council area through the programme.

Those wishing to access the programme in Devon can do so via existing Employment and Youth Hubs which are located across the authority area, with further centres due to open to provide greater geographical coverage and access. They provide in-person support and information about different career options, jobs and learning opportunities to adults and young people in Devon.

Skilled advisors will help individuals to identify whether Connect to Work is right for them and provide support to access their nearest and most appropriate provider. If Connect to Work is not the right choice, individuals will receive advice and guidance on a range of alternatives to help them progress into employment or further education and training.

Connect to Work in Torbay

The programme is aiming to help over 800 people in Torbay to access employment and stay in work. There will also be support available for employers and businesses through the programme, which will help them to adopt more inclusive recruitment practices, access advice and toolkits, and create more flexible and sustainable opportunities for local residents.

More information about the programme in Torbay will be available when a provider has been appointed. They will work closely with Torbay Council, charities, employers and other local organisations to deliver the programme locally.

For more information on how to access support in the Devon County Council area please visit our Connect to Work webpages.  and in Torbay go to https://www.torbay.gov.uk/connect-to-work