Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health

'Do what works' to help people to gain employment, says Sainsbury Centre briefing paper

18 February 2009

People with severe mental health problems are much more likely to get and keep jobs if services use the most effective methods of supporting them into employment, according to a briefing paper published today by Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health.

Doing What Works shows that Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is by far the most effective way of helping people with severe and enduring mental health problems to gain and retain the jobs they want. But it is only effective if all seven of its key principles are in place.

Individual Placement and Support services offer help to anyone who wants to work to achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Job search based on a person's preferences begins quickly, unlike in traditional services which provide training and sheltered work as a precursor to employment. Health care and employment support are provided together, not separately, and expert advice on benefits is offered to anyone starting or thinking of starting work.

Sainsbury Centre policy officer and an author of Doing What Works Jenni Bacon said: "An IPS service is tailored to the needs of the individual, it emphasises placement into mainstream employment and it offers ongoing support for as long as the person and their employer need it.

"Individual Placement and Support works. Across the world, IPS services have achieved employment rates of over 50% among people with severe and enduring mental health problems. Yet in the UK only a small, if growing, number of mental health services apply all of the principles of IPS and many service users say they are not offered help to find employment."

Sainsbury Centre employment programme director Dr Bob Grove said: "The vast majority of people with severe mental health problems want to do some paid work. With the right support, and with motivation and self-belief, many can. Despite the recession, we should not fail to offer people who want to work the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Yet too many are barred from achieving their ambitions because they do not get the support they need.

"Sainsbury Centre today begins work to put that right. We are seeking expressions of interest from NHS trusts or local service partnerships who want to become centres of excellence in evidence-based employment support. Sainsbury Centre will offer advice and assistance to the centres of excellence so they are set up to implement IPS and their staff have the skills they need to make it work."

The principles of IPS

1. Competitive employment is the primary goal;
2. Everyone who wants it is eligible for employment support;
3. Job search is consistent with individual preferences;
4. Job search is rapid: within one month;
5. Employment specialists and clinical teams work and are located together;
6. Support is time-unlimited and individualised to both the employer and the employee;
7. Welfare benefits counselling supports the person through the transition from benefits to work.