25/03/2026
The IEP’s latest Connect to Work Collective brought together over 100 people from across the employability sector. More importantly, it brought together a mix of perspectives — local authorities, delivery partners, support organisations — all in one space.
Connect to Work is moving quickly, and while there’s a national framework, what it actually looks like on the ground is still taking shape.
The Collective was designed to create a space where people can talk about that openly — not just what’s working, but what’s difficult, what’s unclear and what people are figuring out as they go.
As we said at the start of the session:
“We know that no single organisation has the answers… the ambition is for the Collective to be a space for shared learning.”
That came through clearly in the discussion.
Different Areas, Different Approaches
One of the most useful parts of the session was hearing how different areas are approaching delivery.
Gary Wynne Jones from Denbighshire County Council talked through the mixed delivery model in North Wales — combining in-house and commissioned services across six local authorities.
The thinking behind this was straightforward:
- Build on what already exists locally
- Allow areas to make decisions based on their own context
- Use the programme as a chance to learn what works
He described it as effectively running multiple approaches at once, which should give them a strong evidence base going forward.
At the same time, he was open about the challenges:
- Keeping things aligned across different models
- Avoiding duplication
- Making sure participants have a consistent experience
That balance between flexibility and consistency is something a lot of areas are working through.
What It Looks Like in Practice
From a delivery perspective, Zach Haider (Intuitive Thinking) talked about what it actually takes to make Connect to Work work on the ground.
A big part of that is integration, particularly with health services, and getting organisations to genuinely work together.
“The single most important part… is the partnership.”
He also spoke honestly about the realities:
- Short mobilisation times
- The need to build trust quickly with partners
- The challenge of shifting thinking, especially around who is “ready” for work
That point about language and mindset came up more than once — this isn’t just about delivering a programme, it’s about doing things differently.
The Workforce Question
Warren, who has spent the last year working closely with Connect to Work at a national level, focused on something that underpins all of this — the workforce.
His main point was simple: this doesn’t work without the right people in place.
That’s not just about numbers, but about:
- Values
- Belief in what’s possible for participants
- The ability to work in a genuinely person-centred way
He also highlighted the practical realities, recruiting at pace, making sure supervision is strong, and not relying on training alone to build capability.
It’s a reminder that delivery models are only part of the picture. The people delivering them matter just as much.
A Growing Network
Alongside the discussion itself, the session reflects the growing number of local authorities the IEP are now working with in relation to Connect to Work.
We are currently working with 21 Local Authorities as part of Connect to Work, involved in delivery, supporting workforce development and professional practice.
What’s becoming clear is that no one is starting from the same place — and that’s exactly why these conversations are important.
A key takeaway from the session is that there isn’t a single model emerging. There isn’t full clarity yet. And there are still practical challenges to navigate.
But there is a willingness to share what’s happening — including what isn’t straightforward — and that’s where the value of the Collective sits.
It gives people a place to compare approaches, hear how others are tackling similar issues and sense-check their own thinking
What Next
We’ll continue to run the Connect to Work Collective as the programme develops, shaping future sessions based on feedback and what people want to explore next.
Because if this session showed anything, it’s that there’s real value in having a space where people can talk honestly about delivery.
The full recording from the session is available to members in the Member Resources area.
If you’d like to join the Connect to Work Collective — or get involved in other professional collectives — you can register here: IEP Connect to Work Collective – Fill in form