What does a good employment strategy look like? Anne Williams and Kathy Melling What does a good employment strategy look like?

An employment strategy explains the journey DREAM The system works so that all people with learning disabilities get and keep jobs An employment strategy explains the journey Where are we at now?

Who are we talking about and what is the dream? Children What do you want to do when you grow up? Positive role models Young people Person-centred transition plans from year 9 with a focus on jobs Meaningful work experience Weekend/evening jobs Pathway to get a job from education Adults in day and community services Supported employment Support for self-employment and enterprise development

Who needs to be involved? People with learning disabilities Family carers Childrens and Adult Services Economic Development Chambers of Commerce Education Further Education colleges Jobcentre Plus Connexions/Careers Service Day Services Supported Living MAKING SURE THAT PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES GET AND KEEP JOBS IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY ONE AGENCY

Work in partnership Be honest about your starting point Be clear about the roles that each agency will play and how you will work together Identify the gaps Prioritise – start small and build on progress Be clear about who is commissioning support services – standards and outcomes Be clear about the number of people Performance monitoring Regular monitoring of results by the Partnership Board

Resources – Valuing People Now Employment Resource Hub

JOBS ARE THE GOAL Remember that making sure that people with learning disabilities get and keep jobs is not the responsibility of any one agency WORK IN PARTNERSHIP