Blog

 

Every year, as Employability Day approaches, I find myself thinking more than ever about the people that Ingeus, and our wider sector, supports. Our member body, the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA), leads this annual awareness day each June and it’s a highlight of the Ingeus calendar. The theme this year, We Get Britain Working, feels especially powerful when you consider the real lives, challenges, and hopes that sit behind every outcome our sector records. Performance is important but those stories are what stay with me. 

 

Millions of people remain out of work for reasons not always reflected in a spreadsheet. Health conditions, caring responsibilities, homelessness, addiction, trauma, digital exclusion and low confidence all shape the journeys people take. These are not abstract barriers or employability quick fixes; they are deeply human experiences. Practitioners across the country help people rebuild confidence, reconnect socially, develop new skills and rediscover their strengths. The recent launch of our four Connect to Work programmes, primarily supporting people with disabilities and health conditions, has again reinforced the fact that while employment may be the destination, the first steps often involve restoring belief in what is possible. 

 

As an ERSA Board member, I believe the diversity of our sector is one of its greatest strengths. ERSA members support disabled people, young adults, refugees, women returning to work, veterans, people with lived experience of the justice system, older workers and neurodivergent participants amongst others. Every group brings a variety of some similar and some very distinct needs, and every provider brings specialist expertise. The willingness to share learning through ERSA forums and networks creates a culture where collaboration is the norm, not the exception. We never lose sight of the fact that we are all here for the same reason: to help people move forward. 

 

I also see the innovation that shapes the programmes of support. Joined up thinking, new partnerships and the uptake of technology all reflect a sector that adapts quickly and listens closely to the communities it serves.  

 

My visits to our centres remain the highlight of my role. Meeting participants, hearing their stories and watching their confidence grow is a constant reminder of why this work matters. We always start our Staff Calls and Leadership Team Meetings with a participant good news story. It brings to life what we do and ensures we never lose sight of the people behind the statistics. 

 
Many participants arrive at Ingeus centres needing support that stretches far beyond employment. Confidence building, social connection and digital inclusion often come first. Our new AI Academy, run throughout our Restart Scheme Centres, is a perfect example. Participants learn how to use AI safely and practically, whether that is for managing appointments, preparing for interviews, or helping their children with homework. These skills strengthen confidence and capability, moving people closer to work and supporting our mission to Enable Better Lives. 
 

Employability Day is a chance to celebrate a sector that changes lives quietly, consistently and with deep humanity. We Get Britain Working on many levels – some far from an employer’s front door. We help people rediscover their potential, rebuild their futures and re‑enter the world with confidence. 


Julie Graham FIEP is Chief Executive Officer of Employment Services. She brings extensive executive experience across the non profit and social impact sectors, with a career dedicated to improving lives and delivering meaningful employment outcomes. Julie has a strong track record in organisational leadership, performance, and large scale service delivery, supported by expertise in HR and customer centred design. A Deakin University graduate, she combines strategic insight with operational excellence. She also serves on the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) board, helping advance sector standards and best practice.