Purpose

WorkWell is a new government funded work and health programme that will support residents with health-related barriers to access employment through personalised, non-clinical coaching and integrated support.

It is proposed to be delivered across Surrey and Sussex through a regional partnership arrangement with Surrey County Council (SCC) acting as Lead Accountable Body for the Surrey & Sussex geography and the County Council delivering the programme locally.

Participation ensures West Sussex residents benefit from early, health led employment support and aligns with the Council’s prevention and economic participation priorities.  Authority is now sought to agree the required arrangements for delivering the WorkWell programme.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills has approved: -

(1) The County Council’s participation in the WorkWell programme and entry into the WorkWell Partnership Agreement with Surrey County Council (acting as Lead Accountable Body), NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board and other Delivery Partners.

(2) The County Council’s acceptance of the WorkWell grant funding for 2026–2029 to be proportionately distributed by Surrey County Council, in line with the WorkWell Partnership Agreement and the Department for Work and Pensions expectations.

(3) The delegation of authority to the Executive Director of Communities to finalise and implement the local WorkWell delivery model, recruit the workforce required to deliver the Programme, finalise and enter into the WorkWell Partnership Agreement and enter into any related partnership, grant or contractual arrangements required to implement the local delivery model.