2026 European Supported Employment Conference
2026 European Employment Conference
2026 European Supported Employment Conference
2026 European Employment Conference
Supported Employment is an evidence-based model used successfully for decades to support Disabled people, particularly those with a Learning Disability and or Autism into paid employment.
Whilst the model was originally designed for people with a Learning Disability, there is increasing evidence that the supported employment five-stage model is the best method for supporting a wider range of Disabled, Neurodivergent, and Disadvantaged people into work.
The DWP’s Universal Support programme, which launches in 2024, will utilise the supported employment model, often referred to as the “place, train and maintain” model.
The Supported Employment model is based on strong partnerships which empower individuals and employers at every stage of the employee lifecycle.
The model is highly aspirational, ensuring that everyone who wants to work is given the right opportunity and support, where employers are valued as equal partners throughout the lifecycle of the employee, and we think careers, not jobs.
With a starting point of assuming everyone can work, supported employment proactively engages with individuals and communities to promote high aspirational careers for all.
Supported Employment doesn’t wait for people to come to them, instead they take Supported Employment to the people.
This is a process of getting to know an individual well, by building a rich profile of everything that you need to know, in partnership with the person, to help match them to the right career.
The profile is strengths based, so is not only about finding a job someone is good at but a job where both the individual and employer can flourish.
Employers are valued as equal partners within the Supported Employment Model and their business requirements need to be at the heart of all conversations.
Just as with individuals, supported employment proactively works with Employers to understand their workforce development needs and develop strong partnerships.
Using the vocational profile and Job analysis supported employment matches the right person into the right role, based on the aspirations of the individual and the business needs of the employer.
Supported Employment will look at every aspect of the match including workplace cultures to provide the best opportunity to meet all needs.
Getting a job is the very beginning of everyone’s journey and in work support focuses on providing a personalised support to enable individuals to learn and integrate into every aspect of their job and providing the support the employers need to feel Disability Confident in Action.
Trained Job Coaches are the heartbeat of the Supported employment model.
Explore the standards, values, frameworks and pathways that shape good Supported Employment practice, whether you are an employer, jobseeker, provider or future BASE member.
Core guidance and recognised standards that underpin strong Supported Employment practice.
Helpful routes into employment support, service access and employer-focused information.
Ways to connect with BASE, deepen knowledge and build confidence in Supported Employment delivery.
Need help choosing the right route? Start with the quality framework, or get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
