The inclusive employment market across Essex is growing. ECC externally commissions 2 direct services across MH and AWD to support people into employment directly and to sustain that employment. There are other services commissioned from different routes such as the Internal Targeted Employment Team and ACL which support people into the employment pathway in full or in part.
AWD
ECC Commissions several services to assist people to realise their ambitions in gaining and sustaining employment. The largest spend and volume is in the LIVE service delivered by ECL which has the most ambitious targets and is designed to help people out of day services for better outcomes and with the aim of reducing their commissioned care. There are also a number of providers in the day opportunities market who are offering part of the pathway to employment, e.g. training, CV writing, volunteering experience but these are fragmented, may not be connected to wider employment pathways at present, and can be of varying quality.
This is a developing market and there are other providers in London and the East of England who could deliver parts of the pathway if they move into the Essex area. ECC is investing in coordinating the vision and delivery and exploring grants and seed funding to create additional provision in the market for more job carving opportunities. ECC is also exploring opportunities to support progression for adults with disabilities within that employment.
Mental Health
The MH service is currently delivered by EPUT. It is delivered in two parts, the Individual Placements and Support (IPS) service is to support people with severe and enduring Mental Health needs to find employment and is one of the highest performing contracts nationally. The other part of the contract is focused on supporting people to retain their existing employment. The IPS service is required to be integrated into assessment and care management teams. Both parts of the contract support the ASCOF measures against which this contract performs very well.
This is a developing market and there are other providers in London and the East of England who could deliver parts of the pathway if they move into the Essex area. ECC is investing in coordinating the vision and delivery and exploring grants and seed funding to create additional provision in the market for more job carving opportunities and pilot schemes.