IPS training for Connect to Work programmes

IPS implementation training for managers

This 1-day course is designed for new Connect to Work services and provides a strategic overview of IPS and fidelity to the model. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to set up and support a high‑quality IPS service from an implementation perspective.

The course thrives on active participation, delivered in small groups of up to 16 delegates where everyone gets involved.

Who should attend?

Staff who do not directly manage a caseload of IPS clients, including:

• Managers
• Directors
• Implementation staff
• Quality assurance staff
• Accountable bodies
• Commissioners

This course is not intended for employment specialists.

When to attend?

Anytime, ideally as soon as possible to assist with implementing IPS.

The training will cover:

• The principles of IPS
• Fidelity to the model
• What is expected from employment specialists
• What is expected from IPS team leaders and supervisors
• Integration in the Connect to Work setting
• Employer engagement using the IPS model

Delivered live-online, £210 + VAT per person.

Doing what works: IPS training for employment specialists

This comprehensive 2-day training is designed for newly appointed IPS workers and covers the full approach to supporting people into paid employment using the IPS model.

Within the span of two days, you’ll learn the intricacies of the IPS model, from the initiation of a referral to vocational profiling, engaging employers, job placement and providing ongoing support, among other key steps. We explore the relevance of each of the 25 fidelity items and what best practice looks like.

The course thrives on active participation, delivered in small groups of up to 16 delegates. Everyone gets involved. We use a mixture of presentation, group work, discussion, breakout rooms, polls and homework to create an interactive learning experience.

Who should attend?

IPS workers who directly manage a caseload of IPS clients, which typically include:

• Employment specialists
• Senior employment specialists
• Team leaders

Senior staff who do not directly manage a caseload of IPS clients may instead choose to attend IPS implementation training for managers.

When to attend this training:

New to post. It’s recommended that delegates complete their internal induction before attending this training, as this makes the content most relevant and impactful.

The training will cover:

• The 8 principles of IPS
• Integration with treatment teams
• The evidence for IPS
• The fidelity scale
• Overcoming barriers to employment
• Marketing and generating referrals
• Motivational tools
• Benefits advice
• Vocational profiling and action planning
• Disclosure
• Collaborating with other employment agencies
• Employer engagement
• Interview and job start preparation
• Ongoing support for employer and service user
• Case studies
• Ongoing personal development as an employment specialist

Testimonials:

This course is accredited and certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Certificate number A014503.

Delivered live online, £370 + VAT per person on open courses.

Leading for excellence: Training for IPS supervisors

This 1.5-day course will explore the essential elements of what it means to be a successful IPS supervisor or team leader, equipping you with the skills to effectively lead your service towards high fidelity.

You’ll gain a clear understanding of your role and responsibilities – learning how to lead your team, how to access available resources, and support employment specialists in delivering high-quality outcomes.

Who should attend?

Senior employment specialists, team leaders and managers who supervise employment specialists.

Entry requirements and when to attend this training:

After completing Doing what works: IPS training for employment specialists.

Leading for excellence builds on the core IPS knowledge gained through Doing what works.

The training will cover:

• The key success factors in IPS and what drives high performance.
• The roles and responsibilities of an IPS supervisor.
• Applying a strengths-based approach to get the best from your team.
• Techniques for coaching and supervising employment specialists.
• Managing difficult conversations.
• Quality and performance management practices to achieve high fidelity.
• Partnership working and building effective relationships with stakeholders to support your IPS services.

Testimonials:

Delivered live online, £280 + VAT per person on open courses.

Employer engagement

Level up your employer engagement with this course.

Are employers telling you to apply online? Do you introduce yourself but find things don’t progress? No problem – we understand the challenges of employer engagement, and we’re here to help you overcome them.

In this 1-day course, you’ll learn how to make a strong introduction and how to progress to a follow-up visit. We’ll guide you on what to say, and what to save for later visits. You’ll also explore how to build relationships by asking the right questions and sharing the right information.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to confidently connect with local employers and make better job matches.

Who should attend?

IPS workers who directly manage a caseload of IPS clients, which typically include:

• Employment specialists
• Senior employment specialists
• Team leaders

Entry requirements and when to attend this training:

2+ months after completing Doing what works: IPS training for employment specialists.

The training will cover:

• The challenges of employer engagement and how to overcome them
• Making a good introduction
• Progressing to follow-up visits
• Managing employers’ concerns (and yours)
• Building relationships that feel natural
• How IPS benefits employers
• … and more

Testimonials:

Delivered live online, £210 + VAT per person on open courses.