URL: https://rutlandcounty.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=996

Decision Maker: Strategic Director for Places

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Connect to Work is the new DWP funded supported employment programme that aims to support disabled people, people with health conditions and people from disadvantaged groups with multiple and complex barriers to move into and maintain employment. DWP is proposing an annual ring-fenced Connect to Work grant to support a maximum of 1,600 people per annum (at peak volumes) across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, with volumes ramping up over time. The funding formula indicates a total grant of up to £17.2m from 2024/25 to 2029/30 to cover programme management and delivery costs. Connect to Work requires the commissioning or establishment of a supported employment programme to ‘place, train and maintain’ eligible participants to move into and maintain, or retain, employment. The service will be delivered by teams of ‘Employment Specialists’, who will work with individuals and co-ordinate access to integrated health and wider support (for example – debt, housing, skills). Leicester City Council, as the ‘Accountable Body’ for the programme, is responsible for: • Commissioning or establishing a Connect to Work service using the defined supported employment models. • Establishing Connect to Work governance arrangements with Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council, including securing sign-off of the Connect to Work proposals using agreed governance processes. • Leading the development of a Connect to Work Delivery Plan, working with Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, Health Board/Integrated Care System partners and other key local stakeholders. • The day-to-day management of the programme and have overall accountability for the funding and how the grant operates. This will include managing eligibility and referral/ triage for individuals, and responsibility for managing external inspection audit requirements.

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Date of Decision: November 5, 2025