As we wrap up Black History Month 2024, IPS Grow proudly reflects on the strides made by IPS services across the country, including South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA), Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), and Ability Slough in driving forwards our Race Equity Action Plan (REAP).

This month also saw the launch of a significant research paper by Rinaldi et al., revealing that 46.2% of participants gained or retained employment or educational support, with a median time to employment of just 132 days. 84.7% of these individuals did not require time-unlimited in-work support, and outcomes were consistent across various demographics. These findings affirm the effectiveness of IPS while challenging assumptions about support durations.

We’re happy to highlight the great progress made by several IPS services in implementing their Race Equity Action Plans (REAP). These snapshots from services showcase best practices and demonstrate how commitment to race equity can lead to meaningful change.

South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA): Embedding Race Equity in Everyday Operations

SYHA has taken impressive strides in advancing race equity within their organisation:

  • By appointing a new Performance & Fidelity Manager to lead their race equity work, SYHA has shown their dedication to this crucial issue.
  • The simple yet powerful step of making race equity a permanent agenda item in all meetings has opened up honest conversations and integrated it into daily operations. As Helen Phoenix, Head of Work and Wellbeing, notes, “This was a quick but significant ‘win’ for us – Easy to do, but really opened up the conversation on Race Equity with managers, staff and commissioners”.
  • SYHA’s deep dive into diversity data demonstrates their commitment to ensuring zero exclusion policies. By analysing this information, they’re identifying gaps and improving their services to reach all communities effectively.
  • The creation of a Diversity Working Group for Employment Specialists and participation in an organisation-wide Diversity & Belonging Steering Group shows SYHA’s holistic approach to promoting inclusion.
  • Their engagement with local community organisations has strengthened recruitment efforts, helping build a more diverse and inclusive team.

Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT): Data-Driven Approach to Inclusive Services

CPFT’s innovative use of data is ensuring their IPS services reach underrepresented communities:

  • Their Senior Employment Specialist meticulously tracks referrals and compares them with local population data, guiding decision-making to improve service accessibility.
  • CPFT has launched initiatives such as translating materials into Polish and Russian and offering drop-in sessions for non-English speaking clients, breaking down language barriers.
  • The creation of an Employer Engagement log helps identify employers willing to support non-English speaking clients, opening up new employment opportunities.
  • By reaching out to local ethnic minority community groups and participating in quarterly diversity meetings, CPFT is broadening its network and striving for an ‘accessible for all’ service.

Ability Slough: Proactive Steps Towards Inclusivity

We’d like to recognise Ability Slough for their commitment to race equity. Their data analysis and subsequent actions demonstrate proactive efforts to promote inclusivity within their service.
Click here to read.

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These success stories show how IPS services are making tangible progress in race equity. By sharing these experiences, we hope to inspire and motivate others to take similar steps, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Launch of new research paper: Equity and effectiveness of IPS in clinical practice.

A recent study by Miles Rinaldi, Rachel Perkins, Robert Baxter, Paul Dorrington, and Kat Saville offers valuable insights into IPS in clinical practice. The research conducted at South West London & St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust provides valuable insights into how IPS services operate in real-world settings.

The research revealed that 46.2% of participants gained or retained employment or were supported in education, with a median time to employment of 132 days. Notably, 84.7% of people did not require time-unlimited in-work support, and outcomes were consistent across diagnoses, ethnicities, ages, and genders.

Read and download the paper here.