What is supported employment?

An evidence-based approach that helps people with learning disabilities find, get, learn, and keep the right job. It also helps employers hire more people with learning disabilities in meaningful roles.

There are 5 stages in the supported employment model underpinned by the BASE UK Supported Employment Quality Framework Model Fidelity Standards (SEQF model fidelity®), core values, and national occupational standards for practitioners.

The North Wales Supported Employment Strategy and the North Wales Supported Employment Service uphold the SEQF model fidelity® as the standard required to provide quality assured supported employment services to people with learning disabilities.

image displaying 5 stages in the supported employment model.

BASE and Inclusive Trading CIC, along with the University of Strathclyde and the University of Sheffield, have created resources to help Supported Employment providers deliver and show high-quality support. The resources can be found here

The resources include 9 videos which can be found on the BASE UK YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@base-uk

Find out more about the BASE UK Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

The BASE UK Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) aims to ensure high-quality service delivery in the sector. The SEQF Model Fidelity® focuses on the five stages of supported employment, business results, and key performance indicators to help services evaluate their adherence to the model.

Evidence shows that following these stages and embedding the core values of supported employment leads to better outcomes for individuals and employers. What separates the Supported Employment model from other types of employment support are the underpinning vales and National Occupational Standards which are at the heart of all delivery.

Read more about BASE

An illustration of the core values of supported employment shows how job coaches support jobseekers and employers. Central to these values is the policy of zero rejection, ensuring that everyone who wants to work can work with the right job and support.

Core Values Supported EmploymentDownload

Find out more about the national occupational standards for supported employment practitioners

The Supported Employment National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe the skills and knowledge needed by supported employment practitioners and are based on the internationally agreed 5-stage model of Supported Employment.

Visit Base National Occupational Standards
Scroll to Top