Purpose

Connect to Work is the new DWP funded
supported employment programme that aims to support disabled
people, people with health conditions and people from disadvantaged
groups with multiple and complex barriers to move into and maintain
employment.

DWP is proposing an annual ring-fenced Connect to Work grant to
support a maximum of 1,600 people per annum (at peak volumes)
across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, with volumes ramping
up over time. The funding formula indicates a total grant of up to
£17.2m from 2024/25 to 2029/30 to cover programme management
and delivery costs.

Connect to Work requires the commissioning or establishment of a
supported employment programme to ‘place, train and
maintain’ eligible participants to move into and maintain, or
retain, employment. The service will be delivered by teams of
‘Employment Specialists’, who will work with
individuals and co-ordinate access to integrated health and wider
support (for example – debt, housing, skills).

Leicester City Council, as the ‘Accountable Body’ for
the programme, is responsible for:
• Commissioning or establishing a Connect to Work service
using the defined supported employment models.
• Establishing Connect to Work governance arrangements with
Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council, including
securing sign-off of the Connect to Work proposals using agreed
governance processes.
• Leading the development of a Connect to Work Delivery Plan,
working with Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council,
Health Board/Integrated Care System partners and other key local
stakeholders.
• The day-to-day management of the programme and have overall
accountability for the funding and how the grant operates. This
will include managing eligibility and referral/ triage for
individuals, and responsibility for managing external inspection
audit requirements.

Decision

To approve the Connect to Work delivery plan.
The DWP have final approval.

Alternative options considered

The alternate option is to not endorse the
Connect to Work delivery plan. This would not be a viable option as
Rutland County Council officers have been involved in shaping the
plan throughout, supporting Leicester City Council as the
accountable body.