Connect to Work is a new, voluntary supported employment initiative funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is the first major element of the Get Britain Working Strategy and will take a collaborative, locally led approach.

It will:

• Connect local work, health, and skills support using a “place, train, maintain” model
• Target “hidden unemployment” and disadvantaged groups
• Deliver IPS (Individual Placement and Support) and SEQF (Supported Employment Quality Framework) interventions with high fidelity to national models
• Ensure equitable access through a zero-exclusions approach
• Support at least 3,738 residents of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough between 2026 and 2030

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) acting as the Lead Authority and Accountable Body and have appointed Cambridgeshire County Council as Prime Provider to manage delivery across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and work strategically across the region to appoint a consortium of Delivery Partners, who will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) models of supported employment to high levels of fidelity.

IPS – Individual Placement and Support, is an intervention which integrates employment support alongside primary and secondary health services and other support services.

SEQF – Supported Employment Quality Framework, intensive supported employment for people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex barriers. SEQF is a more intensive intervention, where in delivery terms the Participant will receive more contact and support from their Employment Specialist.

Both models follow fidelity scales and evidence shows higher fidelity delivers stronger employment outcomes.

We will also work effectively with a wide range of partners and stakeholders who are operating in local areas, to provide therapeutic and holistic wrap-around support for participants. Effective employer engagement will be key to the success of the programme.

We are now looking to recruit to a number of new key roles which will be crucial for the successful delivery of this programme.

For more information about this opportunity please contact:

Rachel Carpenter, Connect to Work Programme Lead

rachel.carpenter@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

What will you be doing?

You will champion the Connect to Work programme, by supporting delivery partners under the fidelity models to build a network of account managed employers, ensuring a continuous supply of supported employment opportunities for Connect to Work participants across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The postholder will promote the Connect to Work programme at local partnerships, groups and relevant events, raising awareness and increase the number of potential participants completing expressions of interest applications.

The postholder will play a key role in influencing employers to support inclusive recruitment practices, helping to increase diversity and create a range of meaningful employment opportunities across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough workforce.

Interviews for these roles will be held on Friday 3 July 2026

About you

You will have:

• a good understanding of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough labour market challenges and effective approaches to address them
• good understanding of the employment needs and challenges faced by people with health conditions and complex barriers to employment
• the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners and establish productive working relationships quickly
• strong and effective communication skills including report writing, presentation and interpersonal skills within different environments.
• the ability to travel comfortably across the area to attend a range of meetings and visits with clients and other stakeholders

Our benefits

We value our colleagues in Cambridgeshire County Council and have developed a number of benefits in addition to the basics like annual leave, sick pay, pension and mileage…

• A comprehensive wellbeing package to cover all aspects of wellbeing, both in and out of work, which can also be accessed by your family
• Buy up to 4 weeks additional annual leave (pro-rata) through our salary sacrifice scheme
• Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
• Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings
• Access to development opportunities, apprenticeships and qualified coaches to support your personal and professional growth
• Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day
• Access to Peer Support Groups through our IDEAL staff equality, diversity and inclusion network
• Opportunities to nominate and receive Employee Recognition Awards
• An Our Cambs Rewards account, giving you access to in-store and online discounts as well as our Car Lease and Cycle to Work schemes

Take a look at our Employment Benefits Brochure attached to this advert to find out more.