This year, we had the privilege of attending the International IPS Learning Community Annual Meeting 2026 in Covington, Kentucky, representing IPS GROW and England’s growing IPS community. The event brought together more than 250 delegates from across the United States, Japan, France, Norway, England and Australia for two inspiring days focused on learning, collaboration and the future of Individual Placement and Support (IPS).

From the very beginning, there was a real sense of shared purpose. Although delegates came from different countries, cultures and systems, everyone was united by the same belief: that meaningful employment can play a transformative role in a person’s life and that everyone who wants to work should have the opportunity to do so.

A Truly Global IPS Community

The International IPS Learning Community has grown significantly since its inception in 2001, when only a small number of participating sites were involved. Today, it has evolved into a worldwide network spanning multiple countries and regions, all committed to strengthening IPS implementation, maintaining fidelity to the model and improving employment outcomes for people experiencing severe mental illness and new cohorts such as those with criminal justice history, people with a drug and alcohol history, to name a few.

England officially joined the international community in 2019, and this year it was wonderful to see Norway and Australia warmly welcomed into the expanding global IPS network. One of the strongest themes throughout the conference was the growing international reach of IPS, which is now implemented across every continent, from Mexico to Uganda, and is expanding to support wider groups, including autistic people, refugees, and individuals leaving the criminal justice system.

The conference highlighted the strength of the evidence behind IPS. With more than 43 randomised controlled trials worldwide, including 14 in Europe, IPS consistently achieves significantly better employment outcomes than traditional vocational approaches. Long-term studies also show that people supported through IPS not only gain employment, but often sustain work over time and increase their income.

Keeping “Zero Exclusion” at the Centre

A recurring message throughout the conference was the importance of remaining rooted in the core IPS principle of “zero exclusion.” Sessions explored how IPS services are adapting to increasingly complex labour markets while continuing to ensure that support remains person-centred, inclusive and recovery-focused.

There were important discussions around equity, diversity and inclusion, with delegates reflecting on how services can better understand people’s cultural backgrounds, lived experiences and individual journeys. It was recognised repeatedly that barriers to employment are rarely about motivation. Research consistently shows that around 60% of people living with severe mental illness want to work, yet fewer than 20% are employed. The barriers are often systemic: housing instability, stigma, fragmented services and transport difficulties continue to prevent many people from accessing opportunities.

The Power of Lived Experience

Some of the most moving moments of the conference came from hearing directly from people with lived experience of IPS services.

One keynote speaker spoke openly and honestly about his experiences of addiction, depression and rebuilding his life through employment. After spending seven years out of work, he was referred to IPS through his therapist. With support from an encouraging IPS team and an inclusive employer, he gradually rebuilt his confidence and sense of purpose. Over the last three years, he has progressed from helping in a hospital kitchen to training in a technical support role within a pharmacy setting.

His message to delegates was both simple and powerful:

Give yourself permission to seek help.

He spoke about the unwavering belief his IPS team had shown in him and how life-changing that support had been. At the same time, he acknowledged the importance of openness and willingness on the part of the individual engaging with support, reminding everyone that recovery is built through partnership, trust and opportunity.

Another speaker reflected on the stigma surrounding schizophrenia and the importance of sharing stories of success and recovery:

People don’t understand schizophrenia. The stigma is extremely strong. But sharing my story, presenting people who are living with schizophrenia and who are successful in their professional careers, creates understanding and it gives hope.

These voices reinforced the importance of co-production and lived experience expertise within IPS and wider mental health systems.

England’s Contribution: Guided Self-Assessment

England contributed strongly to this year’s programme through a workshop led by Tracey Elsdon and me (Gary Johnson), titled Empowering IPS Teams through Guided Self-Assessment.

The workshop explored how Guided Self-Assessment (GSA) can strengthen IPS practice between fidelity reviews by creating reflective, supportive and team-led approaches to continuous improvement. We discussed how GSA can help services:

  • Build team confidence and ownership
  • Deepen understanding of the IPS fidelity scale
  • Celebrate strengths while identifying development opportunities
  • Promote equity and inclusion within services
  • Support ongoing quality improvement through reflective practice

The session generated excellent discussion and highlighted a growing international interest in approaches that empower teams while maintaining high-quality IPS delivery.

Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

Several emerging themes were discussed throughout the conference, including workplace trauma, psychological safety and how IPS services can better support people navigating difficult working environments.

There was also significant interest in the growing use of AI within IPS services and wider mental health support, particularly around how technology might improve accessibility, engagement and personalised support for clients in the future.

Importantly, there was increasing recognition of the need to support Employment Specialists themselves. Across many discussions, delegates acknowledged that the creativity, resilience and wellbeing of IPS practitioners are central to delivering effective services.

Family involvement was another key area of focus, with family committees continuing to develop internationally to help relatives and carers better understand the role employment plays in recovery.

Hope, Momentum and International Collaboration

Beyond the workshops and presentations, one of the conference’s greatest strengths was the opportunity to strengthen international relationships and develop new collaborations. It was fantastic for us 3 to connect with colleagues from Australia and Japan while also renewing partnerships with France, Norway and the United States.

The 2026 International IPS Learning Community Annual Meeting closed with a real sense of optimism and momentum. Across countries and cultures, IPS communities remain united in their commitment to expanding access to employment, protecting quality standards and ensuring recovery-oriented approaches continue to grow internationally.

This year’s conference once again demonstrated that IPS is far more than an employment programme. It is a global movement built on hope, inclusion and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to work, recover and thrive.

For more information about the International IPS Learning Community, visit the IPS Employment Center

By Tracy Elsdon, Niall O’Reilly, and Gary Johnston, IPS GROW