Job overview

IPS Grow is a national programme designed to support the expansion of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services in mental health, primary care, and drug and alcohol teams across England. The programme is led by Social Finance in partnership with the Centre for Mental Health. It is funded by NHS England (NHSE), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).

A core element of the programme is the expert delivery of detailed IPS fidelity reviews by a team of IPS professionals, enabling providers to deepen their understanding of fidelity requirements and strengthen employment outcomes for their clients.

Role

We are seeking IPS professionals based across England and Wales with current or recent experience working within an IPS service, with a solid understanding of the IPS model and its practical application. The Connect to Work fidelity assurance contract offers a unique opportunity to strengthen and elevate the impact of IPS across the national work and health landscape. We are seeking ambitious, adaptable and purpose‑driven individuals who are motivated by delivering change at scale and improving people’s lives through high‑quality, evidence‑based practice.

A key responsibility of this role is coordinating and undertaking fidelity reviews for the Connect to Work supported employment programme. The postholder will conduct on-site IPS fidelity reviews, produce clear and insightful fidelity reports, and facilitate local Communities of Practice (COPs) to promote shared learning and continuous improvement. Following fidelity reviews they will support the development of action plans that enhance performance, embed best practice, and ensure high‑quality outcomes for people accessing IPS.

Post holders will receive comprehensive training to build the skills and knowledge required to become a confident and effective IPS fidelity reviewer.

This role involves a blend of remote and on‑site work within either:

North of England and North Wales

Most travel will be within your area. There may be occasional requests to support work elsewhere in England and Wales; when this happens, you’ll receive advance notice. All associated costs are covered.

You’ll also be invited to attend occasional organisation‑wide events and IPS Grow team days in London.

For any questions about locations or travel expectations, please contact the IPS Grow team

Responsibilities

Quality assurance and fidelity reviews

  • Train to become a fidelity reviewer and conduct regular fidelity reviews across IPS services.
  • Guide services through the fidelity review process, ensuring each stage is well‑coordinated, timely, and delivered to a high standard.
  • Produce impactful, concise and accurate fidelity reports within agreed timescales.
  • Ensure active, measurable fidelity action plans are implemented.

    • Stakeholder engagement

  • Maintain clear and consistent communication with services throughout the fidelity review process to support understanding, preparation, and smooth delivery of fidelity reports, COPs, and action plans.
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including accountable body representatives, adapting style and approach to achieve clarity, build understanding, and support the intended outcomes of the assessment process.
  • Work with services and key stakeholders to identify case studies that showcase impact and support the national promotion of the fidelity assurance process.
  • Facilitate learning networks and communities of practice
  • Use insights from fidelity reports to shape the content and focus of localised COPs, ensuring sessions address priority themes and deliver maximum impact for services.
  • Facilitate localised in person COPs that encourage shared learning, reflective discussion, and continuous improvement.
  • Support the delivery of national webinars and workshops in line with wider team objectives.

The person

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

  • IPS experience and expertise: Demonstrable experience working within an IPS service with a solid understanding of the IPS model, the fidelity scale, and their practical application. Applicants with experience in roles such as Employment Specialist, Team Leader, IPS Trainer, or other IPS‑related positions would all be well‑suited to this role.
  • Driving quality improvement: Proven experience delivering high‑fidelity IPS practice, with an understanding of how strong adherence to the fidelity model directly contributes to improved employment outcomes
  • High‑performance delivery: Experience working in a fast‑paced, performance‑driven environment, consistently delivering high‑quality outputs at volume while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Planning and organisational skills: Manage workloads and competing priorities efficiently and meet deadlines consistently while maintaining detail focussed high-quality output.

    • Personal Attributes & Competencies

  • Driven by a core belief in evidenced-based employment support and integrity to the IPS model.
  • Takes a structured approach to solving problems and develops creative and innovative solutions to overcome challenges.
  • Highly organised and meticulous, with strong attention to detail and a consistent ability to produce accurate, high‑quality work.
  • Commitment to race equity and willingness to contribute to IPS Grow race equity objectives.
  • High level of integrity, empathy and commitment to driving social change.
  • Thoughtful and effective communicator.
  • High levels of initiative and personal leadership and with the ability to adapt quickly.
  • Commitment to travel. The role involves significant travel to undertake fidelity reviews as well as meeting with IPS Grow team members from across England and Wales.