In a remarkable display of collaborative innovation, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), part of the Department of Health and Social Care, has revolutionised employment support for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. Through the rapid expansion of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services, OHID is not just changing policies – it’s changing lives.


A Vision Becomes Reality

The seeds of this transformation were planted in 2016 when Professor Dame Carol Black’s independent review of drugs, alcohol, obesity and employment, which highlighted IPS as a potential beacon of hope for those struggling with substance use. OHID seized this opportunity, launching the IPS-AD trial from 2018 to 2021. The results were so promising that the UK government made an unprecedented commitment: to make IPS available in every community drug and alcohol treatment program across England by 2024-25.


This isn’t just about employment statistics, It’s about giving people a second chance, a path to dignity and self-sufficiency. We’re seeing lives transformed before our eyes.

Paul Anders, a key architect of the IPS expansion at OHID.

Rapid Expansion, Impressive Results

The numbers tell a story of extraordinary progress:

  • Year 1 (2021-2022): 46 local authorities launched IPS teams, covering 40% of the treatment population.
  • Year 2 (2022-2023): 26 additional services joined the movement.
  • Year 3 (2023-2024) 31 additional services mobilised by August
  • By year end: Around 96% of the English treatment population will have access to IPS

A Blueprint for Success

OHID’s strategic approach has been key to this rapid, high-quality expansion:

  1. Structured Commissioning: Ensuring local buy-in and readiness.
  2. Mobilisation Support: Providing immediate guidance and training.
  3. Technical Assistance: Ongoing support from IPS Grow and the Centre for Mental Health.
  4. Leadership Engagement: Steering committees driving local impact.
  5. Communities of practice facilitated both by OHID and IPS Grow, and by individual IPS providers with more than one service.
  6. Peer to peer support, with the phased approach to roll out enabling more experienced IPS teams to support and mentor newer ones in nearby areas.
  7. A strong focus on performance via regular meetings between OHID and IPS team leaders, backed by high quality management information and twice-yearly outcome analysis.

Our success is built on great services and collaborative partnerships between commissioners, IPS providers, and treatment services. It’s this ecosystem of support that allows individuals to thrive.

Paul Anders explains.

International Recognition

The impact of OHID’s work has not gone unnoticed. Recently, Paul Anders and his team were awarded a prestigious Leadership Award by the International IPS Learning Community for their role in disseminating IPS and building the infrastructure for expanded access.

Looking Ahead

As OHID aims for complete coverage by 2024-25, the future looks bright for thousands more individuals seeking a path to recovery and employment. This initiative isn’t just setting a new standard for England – it’s becoming a model for the world. Through vision, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, OHID is proving that with the right support, anyone can rebuild their life and contribute to society.
It’s more than a policy success – it’s a testament to the power of believing in human potential.

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