Connect to Work scheme launches to help residents secure good-quality employment
Buckinghamshire Council is delighted to announce the launch of the ‘Connect to Work’ scheme which is being delivered by Intuitive Thinking.
Connect to Work is a nationally funded scheme and will support residents with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or those facing complex barriers to employment (including carers, veterans, and ex-offenders), to find and sustain employment.
Working with Intuitive Thinking, which have many years’ experience in delivering supported employment programmes, means residents will be able to work with a dedicated employment specialist who will identify their skills, experience, wants and needs, and then tailor their work search accordingly.
The scheme not only supports people who are looking for work, but also those who are already employed and facing challenges due to a disability or health issue. This includes help to stay in work or to return after a period of ill-health. Support continues beyond starting a job, with ongoing coaching, training and advice to help residents remain in work and progress in their careers.
Councillor Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said:
“Connect to Work is all about giving people the support they need to thrive and realise their full potential.
“We want to help residents break down the barriers that make finding or staying in work difficult by offering personalised, practical guidance. Good, meaningful employment doesn’t just provide financial stability, it strengthens people’s health, confidence and wellbeing.
“That’s why I’m so pleased to see this programme launched and ready to make a real difference in our communities.
“Residents who are ready to break down barriers and get the best start into a new job, are encouraged to visit the website buckinghamshire.gov.uk/your-best-start, and register their interest.
Councillor Broadbent added:
“In addition to Connect to Work, to help residents who are looking for employment, the council has launched BEST, the Bucks Employment and Support Tool. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to strengthen local skills and employment initiatives.
“The council partnered with students from Buckinghamshire College Group to design and build a simple, user‑friendly tool that helps residents quickly find the support that that will help them in their job search.”