Council and democracy

Croydon steps in to develop supported employment

Status Employment was one of two organisations contracted by the council in April 2006 to support people with disabilities to move to open and supported employment. The two parties have met and reviewed current service provision and have agreed that the current model for providing supported employment to a wide range of people with physical, sensory and mental health disabilities through one organisation needs a new approach. It has been agreed that the contract will end in November and the Croydon Employment and Support Service (CESS) will take the lead role in re-providing this service. This will provide an opportunity to consult with a range of stakeholders to explore how future supported employment can be provided. Status Employment will continue to work with clients during a handover period to ensure appropriate support and consistency is given to clients.

Following the Ofsted Workstep report, CESS has been working with the Ofsted quality improvement advisors and its partner agencies to look at how the areas highlighted for improvement can be taken forward.

Cabinet member for health and adult social care, Councillor Margaret Mead, said: "It is our responsibility to look after the people who need support and to enable them to move to open and supported employment. The Workstep contract is a small part of a much broader service managed by Croydon Employment and Support Service. Whilst we have valued the work of Status Employment, the changing needs for employment support require a new approach for the future."