YOU Trust to deliver Dorset Council's supported employment service
Dorset Council has appointed the YOU Trust to deliver its supported employment service, helping residents with additional needs to find and stay in work, education or training.
Following a procurement process, the YOU Trust took over the contract on 1 April, replacing the previous provider, Pluss. Three existing staff members have transferred to the new service to ensure continuity and a smooth transition for people currently receiving support.
The supported employment service is available to Dorset residents with Care Act eligible needs who have an employment, education or training goal. This includes people with a learning or physical disability, autism or mental health needs. The service provides personalised, one‑to‑one support to help people identify their ambitions and achieve sustainable outcomes that work for them.
The initial two‑year service design contract has been co‑produced with people who have lived experience. Building on what has worked well previously, a key development is the introduction of peer mentoring within the staff team, creating shared learning and offering additional insight and support for people using the service.
Cllr Steve Robinson, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, said:
“Access to good employment opportunities can be life‑changing. This service is about supporting people to realise their potential, build confidence and achieve greater independence. I’m pleased that the YOU Trust is bringing its experience and person‑centered approach to Dorset, while maintaining continuity for people who already rely on this support.”
Support is tailored to each individual, focusing on strengths and aspirations. This may include help with CV writing, interview preparation, travel training, confidence building and developing skills ready for employment, voluntary work, education or training. Once someone is in placement, the service will continue to offer support to help them sustain their role, using schemes such as Access to Work, Individual Service Funds or Direct Payments where appropriate.
The YOU Trust will also work closely with employers and education and training providers across Dorset, promoting the benefits of inclusive employment and matching opportunities to people’s interests and goals.
The service links directly with the Government‑funded Connect to Work programme, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions. The YOU Trust will work collaboratively with Connect to Work to align referral pathways, engage employers and ensure services complement one another.
Phillip Freed, Director of Operations and Business Development at the YOU Trust, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be delivering the supported employment service in Dorset. Keeping the existing staff team was really important to us, as it ensures continuity and maintains strong relationships, helping people move into employment that is meaningful and sustainable.”
Over the past few years, the service has helped people like Jack learn new skills in retail, given David confidence with a new gardening role, provided Felix with work on a North Dorset dairy unit and helped Heather find a job with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Notes to Editors
Recent Supported Employment case studies include:
Jack - Learning new skills in the retail trade - Dorset Council
Gardening employment boosts David's confidence - Dorset Council
Categories: Adult's Services
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