At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of evidence-based employment models to support local communities.
- Company: Join Cambridgeshire County Council, committed to diversity and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive wellbeing package, flexible holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by improving employment outcomes for disadvantaged groups.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Supported Employment models and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 has 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.
What will you be doing?
You will effectively and expertly lead on the development and implementation of the fidelity evidence‑based models for IPS (Individual Placement Support) and SEQF (Support Employment Quality Framework) under the Connect to Work programme across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, to ensure adherence and good quality outcomes for participants, which support achievement of the overall contract KPI's and provide subject matter expertise in all Supported Employment fidelity issues. You will work closely with the Connect to Work Delivery Partners to ensure excellent service quality and compliance by undertaking internal fidelity reviews, supporting external assurances and driving overall continuous improvement by delivering a range of training and support.
About you
You will be our Subject Matter Expert for all Supported Employment fidelity issues, providing expert advice and guidance for fidelity related enquiries, issues and actions from Delivery Partners, key stakeholders and DWP commissioned Fidelity Assurance services. You will have an in-depth, strong understanding of the Supported Employment models: Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) fidelity scales and a good understanding of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough labour market challenges and effective approaches to address them, alongside an excellent understanding of the employment needs and challenges faced by people with health conditions and complex barriers to employment. You will be experienced in working with other organisations to deliver results.
About us
Cambridgeshire is a great place to work and live with a diverse population, an urban centre in Cambridge, historic Isle of Ely, Huntingdon and St Ives as well as more rural landscapes. Our four values are central to our culture, driving everything we do. We are proud to serve the diverse communities of Cambridgeshire and want our workforce to be reflective of this diversity, which we firmly believe benefits our colleagues, the organisation and our communities.
If you don't meet every single requirement in the job role but think this could be you, please don't be put off. We are committed to building a workplace that is compassionate and inclusive as well as diverse, so if you think you could be a good candidate for this role please consider applying and speak to the recruiting manager if you have any questions.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, along with our employee network 'IDEAL' and self‑organised peer support groups help us to foster an inclusive, supportive and safe working environment where people feel valued, respected, and empowered. We collect relevant diversity data for monitoring as part of the recruitment process to understand the diversity of our applicants and monitor any trends throughout the recruitment processes so that we can take meaningful action. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader.
We fully support providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process, as well as when you join us, and we encourage candidates to contact the Hiring Manager, whose details can be found in the advert, to discuss any adjustment needs. Through a Guaranteed Interview Scheme, we will offer an interview to all applicants who disclose a disability and meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy. On your application form you can indicate you are disabled. Some examples of reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process could include additional time to complete an assessment or printing a document on pastel coloured paper with larger font size and line spacing. We would value talking about what might be possible to enable you to join us and thrive, so if there is something that would help you to do your best during your journey with us, please get in touch.
Visit our jobs and careers section to find out more about our wide range of learning and development opportunities; apprenticeships; our wellbeing package; staff benefits; our commitment to equality, diversity and Inclusion.
Connect to Work Quality and Fidelity Lead in Alconbury employer: Cambridge County Council
Cambridgeshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible annual leave, paid volunteering hours, and access to development opportunities, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in their communities while enjoying a balanced work-life experience in the vibrant and diverse region of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Connect to Work Quality and Fidelity Lead in Alconbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Connect to Work initiative. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and partners – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the IPS and SEQF models thoroughly. Understand how they work and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these frameworks. We want to see your passion for supported employment shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your understanding of the local labour market challenges and how you can contribute to overcoming them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our fantastic benefits right there!
We think you need these skills to ace Connect to Work Quality and Fidelity Lead in Alconbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Connect to Work initiative. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of supporting disadvantaged groups in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Showcase Your Expertise:As a potential Quality and Fidelity Lead, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of IPS and SEQF models. Share specific examples from your past work that showcase your knowledge and experience in these areas.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge County Council
✨Know Your Models Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) models. Be prepared to discuss how these frameworks operate and their importance in delivering high-quality outcomes for participants.
✨Research the Local Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough labour market challenges. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your ability to address employment needs and barriers faced by individuals in the area.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
This role involves working closely with Delivery Partners and stakeholders. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles, highlighting your communication and teamwork skills.
✨Prepare for Fidelity Discussions
As a Subject Matter Expert, you'll need to provide guidance on fidelity-related issues. Think about potential questions or scenarios that may arise during the interview and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
