Employment support service is just the job in top scoring review

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Two Trust teams supporting people accessing secondary mental health services to find paid employment have been recognised for their “exemplary” standard of service.

A collage of photos of people holding certificates
Calderdale (top) and Wakefield individual placement and support service teams with their certificates

Wakefield and Calderdale individual placement and support (IPS) services have both been awarded the highest possible rating by IPS Grow following fidelity reviews carried out in September and October 2023.

Out of a possible 125 points, Wakefield scored 118, and Calderdale scored 120 – the highest score in the country. Both teams were praised for their “equipped, informed and confident approach”, passionate leadership, and strong relationships with partner organisations.

The teams also achieved the “Exemplary” IPS Grow Quality Kite Mark which recognises the quality of clinical integration, employer engagement and supporting over 30% of people accessing the service into paid employment. Our Wakefield and Calderdale teams join only a handful of other teams across the country to achieve this – including the Trust’s Kirklees IPS service.

Our individual placement and support services are open to anyone accessing secondary mental health services. Our dedicated employment specialists help individuals who want to work to find jobs based on their preferences, offering individualised support for both the person and their employer.

In the near future, our Wakefield and Calderdale teams will also be offering their support to people accessing primary care services in the area.

Darryl Thompson, chief nurse and director of quality and professions, said: “This is a fantastic accolade for both teams and is reflective of their enthusiasm, passion, and skill in supporting people to address and overcome barriers to employment and achieve their goals. Our individual placement and support services believe that anyone can work, if the right kind of job and work environment can be found and the right support is provided – and this positive approach is clear in their review feedback.

“The team are committed to learning from their review and appreciate that there is always room to improve further. In line with their ambition to be a ‘zero exclusion’ service, they’ll be working with teams referring into the service to ensure that they feel confident to make timely and appropriate referrals so that even more people can receive this support which has already changed so many lives.”

 

Employment support service is just the job in top scoring review

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