Partnering for Impact: IPS Fidelity Assurance in Connect to Work

Social Finance, in partnership with the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE), are working together to support the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the successful delivery of Connect to Work. Securing good work for all is one of our core objectives at Social Finance. This adds to a growing portfolio of life-changing programmes that take a person-centred approach to health and work.

Running for 56 months from 1 August 2025 to 30 March 2030, this national contract will see Social Finance’s IPS Grow team conduct annual fidelity reviews* across all Connect to Work Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services in England and Wales. These reviews will be followed by facilitated Communities of Practice* to support services in refining and implementing their SMART* action plans for ongoing improvement. BASE will be doing the same; reviewing supported employment providers delivering through the Connect to Work programme using their Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF).

As a critical first step, Social Finance and BASE have established Expert Reference Groups to collaboratively review and adapt the language used in the Fidelity Scale descriptors, ensuring it is tailored to the unique context of Connect to Work services. No amendments have been made to the scales themselves.

Connect to Work is a central element of the Government’s Get Britain Working Strategy. The programme is voluntary and aims to support disabled people, individuals with health conditions, and others with complex barriers to employment, to secure and sustain meaningful work. It also supports individuals at risk of losing their jobs as a result of their condition or complex barrier, helping them to retain employment and remain economically active.

Niall O’Reilly – Executive Director, IPS Grow – at Social Finance – said:

We’re thrilled to be embarking on this groundbreaking national partnership with BASE to deliver fidelity assurance for the DWP’s Connect to Work programme. Evidence shows that when supported employment models are delivered to high fidelity, people find jobs quicker, stay in work longer and earn more.  

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the supported employment sector—combining Social Finance’s expertise in Individual Placement and Support (IPS) with BASE’s expertise in the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF). Together, we’ll work with Accountable Bodies and delivery partners to assess and improve fidelity to these models so Connect to Work participants get the high-quality, person-centred support they deserve.

Laura Davis, CEO, BASE and Inclusive Trading CIC:

BASE is delighted that the first-ever national Supported Employment model, following the international evidence base, is underpinning the government’s commitment to Get Britain Working. We are equally delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Social Finance in delivering Fidelity Assurance for the Connect to Work programme. Social Finance share our commitment to a values-based practice and consistent quality of delivery; essential to finding the right job, the right support, which leads to sustained outcomes.