16/07/2025
By The Growth Company
The IEP Award for Employability and IPS Integration (Award EI) is designed to make sure that employability specialists have the knowledge and tools to effectively deliver Connect to Work services.
More specifically, it combines classroom sessions and vocational learning to help professionals apply the principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and thus boost employment outcomes for their clients.
Why the Growth Company got involved
As a longstanding provider and contributor to the IEP, the Growth Company was more than happy to take on the role of IEP Development Partner for this new training program.
We already have a wealth of experience in managing IPS services, with three ongoing contracts across 11 locations, including primary care, severe mental illness, and drug and alcohol interventions.
This has given us a unique understanding of the opportunities presented by the IPS model. It has also convinced us of the importance of setting and raising standards in the sector, not least our own. One way of achieving this is to formally identify and recognise the skills required to deliver high-quality support, and that is exactly what the Award EI does.
The value for IPS professionals
The most significant aspect of the award is the way that it clarifies the differences between IPS on the one hand and more traditional supported employment models on the other. In doing so, the course gives people a grounding in the core – often novel – principles of IPS, such as clients and employers having a single point of contact and the centrality of employer engagement.
The latter principle came as something of a surprise to many practitioners. As one of our team leaders, acting as subject matter expert, observed: “It was the first time they’d encountered these expectations, and it really challenged their thinking.
“Questions like, ‘How do I talk to an employer about clients with mental health issues?’ or ‘Am I even allowed to visit a client’s workplace during in-work support?’ came up a lot.
“These were completely new concepts for them, and it was important that we took the time to explain and normalise them.”
All this adds up to a structured and evidence-based framework for person-centred support, which is crucial as IPS expands into new delivery models like Connect to Work. The qualification creates a shared understanding of best practice among employability professionals. For newer staff, it quickly builds confidence and capabilities. For experienced staff, it reinforces and enhances their existing approach. Ultimately, this should lead to better outcomes for the people with whom they work.
Working with the IEP
Our partnership with the IEP has been a constructive one that has produced space for learning and evolution within the IPS model, particularly in relation to fidelity.
The IEP brought deep expertise in the sector and professional development to the table, while we contributed practical insights from frontline delivery.
We co-designed, co-delivered, and reviewed content together to make sure the qualification stayed relevant to real-world challenges. Our subject matter experts, IPS team leaders Andy Spensley and Labisi Brimah, also worked with subject matter experts and delivery partners to support learners via tailored guidance, feedback mechanisms, and a strong focus on continuous improvement.
The IEP’s Emma Williams’ delivery was clear, engaging, and expertly paced, while breakout sessions helped the group relate to one another and build trust. As the course progressed, practitioners became more open and prepared, recognising the value of IPS principles such as tailored support and smaller caseloads.
Emma’s use of the Fidelity Manual stood out, with lesson plans that were both practical and inspiring. She introduced new ideas even to experienced staff. Her focus on keeping the client at the centre of the work reinforced the message that fidelity naturally follows good practice.
Outcomes and benefits
Thanks to this collaborative approach, we have seen a clear increase in confidence and competence from the start of the sessions to the end of the course. What’s more, each cohort has grown more assured over time.
The response from learners, meanwhile, has been overwhelmingly positive. In general, they have valued gaining a recognised qualification that directly benefits them in their day-to-day work.
From an organisational perspective, the course has helped us standardise practice across teams and strengthened our culture of continuous professional development. It has also helped us attract and retain staff who can now see a clear path for advancement in their careers.
Importance of accredited professional development
Over the next few years, we are likely to see an increase in IPS and supported employment programmes. In this context, ongoing professional development is of the utmost importance for the sector.
To be sure, accredited development is going to be essential for maintaining high, consistent standards across IPS and employability provision. For local authorities and delivery partners, it offers reassurance that professionals are equipped to deliver the right support. It promotes workforce stability, career progression, and service quality, too – all of which will become more important as we all adapt to new challenges and funding models.
Looking ahead
In light of all this, we believe the Award EI represents more than just a training programme; it’s part of a wider commitment to professionalising the employability sector and crediting the vital role that practitioners play.
The Growth Company is proud to back initiatives that invest in individuals and communities, raise standards, and help more people move into meaningful, sustainable employment. We encourage others to get involved and help shape the future of professional development and embed high standards across the sector.
View the Award for Employability and IPS Integration (Award EI) Here!