Building connections across North Yorkshire – from mobilisation to meaningful impact
29 May 2026
By Kim Moss, Head of Delivery for Connect to Work in North Yorkshire.
Over the past two months, our focus in North Yorkshire has been clear - turning Connect to Work into a living, breathing service embedded within its local communities. What has been achieved in this short period of time reflects the power of our partnerships, and the local knowledge and dedication of our teams when it comes to supporting people into employment.
From day one to delivery
Often a behind-the-scenes phase, mobilisation has been an active, outward-facing process. We couldn’t wait to get out into the community and meet people where they feel most safe and comfortable to build relationships. Across Harrogate, Skipton, Ripon, Scarborough, Northallerton and Thirsk, our teams have been visible and engaged. Very quickly, we saw that being out in the community resulted in people coming to speak to us about how Connect to Work can help them enter, or re-enter employment.
We are now firmly in delivery mode. We have people starting on the programme and our first confirmed job outcomes already!
Community engagement - at scale
A defining feature of Connect to Work is the sheer level of community engagement. On average, our Integration Manager attends at least one community event or stakeholder meeting daily, plus our team of Employment Specialists are hitting the pavement and meeting people in GP surgeries, community hubs, and local authority events. If the local community is attending – we’re there to meet them!
We’re also working with charities and voluntary sector organisations to reach people furthest from the labour market. Letting them know that we’re here and that Connect to Work could be the programme that helps them access the job market.
This level of activity is not about visibility - it is about trust. By consistently showing up and listening, we are becoming a recognised and reliable part of the local support network.
Strength in partnership
Collaboration sits at the heart of Connect to Work, and we are already seeing the benefits of creating those strong local links. For example:
- Up for Yorkshire in Selby, are a community‑focused charity that works with residents, organisations and partners to strengthen local communities by providing support, creating opportunities and fostering collaboration across North Yorkshire.
- North Yorkshire Horizons are a county‑wide service that provides free, confidential support to help people reduce or overcome drug and alcohol dependency through treatment, recovery programmes and wellbeing support.
- Various social prescribers are helping us connect with individuals who can benefit from employment as part of their wider wellbeing journey.
Further relationships include organisations supporting armed forces communities, probation services and drug and alcohol support providers. Together, we create a network where all organisations have one goal – to help our shared customers.
A joined-up approach to support
This joined-up approach means that participants are not passed between organisations, but supported through a holistic, coordinated network. Whether someone is managing their health, rebuilding confidence or seeking employment, they can access the right help at the right time.
We are also supporting individuals who are already in work but need additional help to sustain their employment. While numbers are still growing in this area, around 10 participants are currently receiving in-work support, reflecting the breadth of need across the region.
Early outcomes and future focus
Every participant’s journey into work has significant milestones along the way, each with a tangible impact that supports the next step along the way. As referral pathways continue to strengthen and community awareness grows, we expect momentum to build.
At the same time, we are continuing to engage employers - exploring opportunities for participants and promoting the benefits of inclusive recruitment.
Looking ahead
What stands out most from the first two months of Connect to Work in North Yorkshire is the collective effort. Connect to Work is not delivered by one organisation alone - it is a shared endeavour involving health services, community groups, employers and local people.
By working together, listening to communities and responding to local needs, we know Connect to Work will make a lasting difference across North Yorkshire - helping people move towards sustainable employment and brighter futures.
Kim Moss is the Head of Delivery for Connect to Work in North Yorkshire. With nearly 20 years of experience in the employability sector, Kim’s passion for helping people move towards work has never wavered. Kim’s the first to celebrate any win, and the first to help our participants with any concern they raise, as they work towards their goals.
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