Through the world’s first randomised controlled trial (RCT)  for this cohort, the Centre for Homelessness Impact will explore the effectiveness of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) – an approach that has already changed lived in other sectors such as severe mental illness and for people with substance use disorders – by focusing on helping homeless individuals secure and maintain employment. Funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, this trial represents a critical step in the broader mission to end homelessness and rough sleeping across England. Find out more about the Test and Learn programme here.

What is Individual Placement and Support (IPS)?

IPS is an evidence-based approach to supported employment that focuses on rapid job placement followed by ongoing support. Originally developed for individuals with severe mental illness, IPS has shown remarkable success in helping people with complex needs enter the workforce.

Why IPS for Homelessness?

Homelessness and unemployment are deeply interconnected, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break. Breaking this cycle requires more than just offering jobs – it requires an approach that understands the unique challenges homeless individuals face, from trauma to lack of support. IPS offers a pathway to break this cycle by focusing on rapid employment and ongoing, individualised support. IPS helps provide not just jobs but hope for the individual and their families/networks and the chance for long term stability. By adapting IPS for individuals experiencing homelessness, this trial offers the potential to provide a life-changing solution at a critical time in their lives.

The Trial

The RCT will be conducted across multiple areas in England, with delivery partners including Beam, South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA) and Enable. IPS Grow from Social Finance will provide technical support and assist with service mobilisation and quality assurance to the IPS approach.

Helen Phoenix, Head of Work and Wellbeing at SYHA, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “We are thrilled to be a part of this important initiative. IPS has the potential to transform lives, and we’re excited to see its impact on the homeless population in Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield.”

Alex Stephany, Founder & CEO at Beam said: “This trial represents a significant step forward in our understanding of how to effectively support homeless individuals into employment. We’re honoured to be contributing to this crucial research in Barnet, Fareham, and Wakefield.”

Roshni Shrosbree, Head of Employment Services at Enable shared her perspective: “At Enable, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of employment. We’re eager to apply the IPS model to support homeless individuals in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, potentially opening new doors for those who need it most.”

IPS Grow, which will play a crucial role in ensuring quality delivery, emphasised the importance of this research. Niall O’Reilly IPS Grow National Director: “Innovation and rigorous evaluation are key to advancing our understanding of what works in employment support. This trial will not only build the evidence base for IPS with this cohort but also paves the way for more effective interventions in the future.”

Looking Ahead

The Centre for Homelessness Impact expects to have interim findings from the trial by autumn 2025. These results could have far-reaching implications for policy and practice in both homelessness and employment services. This research could lay the foundation for a future where homelessness and unemployment no longer go hand-in-hand.

As we await the outcomes of this groundbreaking study and others, one thing is clear: by combining the proven effectiveness of IPS with a focus on one of society’s most vulnerable groups, we may be on the cusp of a significant breakthrough in the fight against homelessness.

 The Centre for Homelessness Impact expects to have interim findings from the trial by autumn 2025. Register to receive regular updates on this project and stay informed on how evidence-driven solutions like IPS could reshape the future of homelessness in the UK.