Applications are now open for a limited number of fully funded places on the Level 3 Certificate in Individual Placement and Support (IPS).

This NCFE-accredited qualification is an opportunity to gain formal recognition for your expertise, strengthen your IPS practice and build your confidence across the full IPS journey.

This qualification is fully funded by NHS England and OHID, providing a valuable opportunity for services to invest in the development of their IPS Employment Specialists at no cost. Places on each cohort are limited, so we encourage services to apply early and make the most of the opportunity available.

Develop your IPS practice

Developed by IPS Grow with the Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) and Centre for Mental Health, the Level 3 Certificate in Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is designed for Employment Specialists working in severe mental illness and drug and alcohol services. The qualification will help you:

  • Strengthen your knowledge and practical skills across the full IPS journey
  • Build confidence in vocational profiling, employer engagement and in-work support
  • Apply high-quality, high-fidelity IPS practice consistently
  • Gain a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
  • Support your continued professional development and career progression

What does the qualification involve?

  • Level: NCFE Level 3 Certificate (A‑Level equivalent)
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Structure: 6 mandatory units covering the full IPS journey
  • Delivery: Blended learning model including e-learning, live virtual sessions and action learning sets
  • Assessment: Written tasks and professional discussion

Please see the flyer here for more information.

Apply for a fully funded place

Applications for 2027 cohorts are now open! Places are fully funded but limited, and preferred cohort dates cannot be guaranteed. We therefore recommend applying as soon as possible and stating a preferred start date:  apply using this form

When are the cohorts?

The cohorts will run regularly from January 2027. The provisional start dates are outlined below (please note, these are provisional and subject to change).

Start Date:

  • w/c 4th January 2027
  • w/c 8th March 2027
  • w/c 14th June 2027
  • w/c 20th September 2027
  • w/c 8th November 2027
  • w/c 7th February 2028
  • w/c 6th March 2028

Who is eligible for the qualification?

The qualification is for employment specialists working within severe mental illness or drug & alcohol teams.

What is the time commitment for the qualification?

Each unit will include live Social & Collaborative learning sessions and learner huddles, in addition to approximately 2 hours of self-directed learning per week.

Are the places funded?

Yes, the places are fully funded. We have limited places, so we recommend applying for the qualification as soon as you are interested!

Who delivers the qualification?

The Level 3 Certificate in Individual Placement and Support (IPS) was developed by IPS Grow in partnership with the Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP). Previous cohorts were delivered in conjunction with IEP, but Social Finance, including IPS Grow, is now an accredited training provider. We are therefore excited to deliver future cohorts independently from January 2027 onwards. The qualification will be taught by our Senior Workforce Leads, who are subject matter experts in IPS.

Can I register my interest in future cohorts?

Yes. On the application form, you will be able to indicate which start date you would prefer. Please note, we will try to accommodate preferences but cannot guarantee this for all learners.

How can I register my interest for the qualification?

You can apply for the qualification using this link.

If you are interested in the January cohort, please complete the application form by the 2nd November 2026.

Can I do the qualification if I work part-time?

Yes, if your manager agrees that you can accommodate the required learning alongside your role.

What if I leave my role partway through the course?

We ask that learners are committed to the full 12 months for the course, as places are fully funded and limited.

If you were to move roles, the outcome would depend on the role you are moving into. If you are moving to a different role within IPS, continuing the course could be discussed with your line manager. If you are moving to a role no longer in IPS, the decision may be to leave the course at that stage.

Who can I contact if I have any other

We are running two drop-in sessions in October where you and/or your line manager are welcome to join and ask any questions you may have:

  • Wednesday 7th October, 14:00 – 15:00 – JOIN
  • Tuesday 13th October, 14:00 – 15:00 – JOIN

You can also contact the Learning & Development team at IPS Grow here: ips-grow-training@ipsgrow.org.uk.