Blog

Learn to adapt

28 Sep. 2026

Julie Graham, CEO of Ingeus Employment Services, reflects on the art of staying relevant and ready for today’s – and tomorrow’s – fast changing workplace. 

As a mum of three, I can well remember the post-summer back to school routine: new teachers, new topics, new shoes! It’s a time of new beginnings and one that has prompted me to think of how much the world of learning has changed. No longer a choice of history or geography, biology or physics, but instead options such as creative media, software development, and construction design. These fit-for-the-future subjects are undeniably a good thing but how long will they stay relevant in a world now somewhat unrecognisable from my school days?

No matter what you study, whether you subsequently diversify and switch roles, or find your vocation and stay in an industry you love, your work life will evolve. Jobs are constantly changing and will continue to do so, long after today’s college students master their cutting edge new subjects. Those who flourish will not only stay of interest to their employers but will stay interested in their employment. Today’s workforce needs not just to keep pace, to stay relevant, but to stay engaged in a rapidly changing world – and that takes knowledge of what’s coming next. 

What's changing?
Like most industries, the employability sector has changed significantly over the past decade. Digital technology, AI, and the active use of data have transformed how we work.
Our understanding of neurodivergence, integrated health support, and other societal barriers has developed enormously, as too has our focus on employee wellbeing.     

These factors have inevitably led to changes in the roles we perform. Some titles are distinctly new: integration coordinators, transformation specialists, heads of digital business engagement, mental health first aiders… all have all grown from a desire to understand and embrace the changing world around us. 

Other roles may not be entirely new, but the level of specialisation certainly is. Whereas I began my career as an employment advisor more than 30 years ago, today Ingeus employs advisors with specialisms including mental health, neurodivergence, and self-employment. Our AI trainers uncloak the digital world for jobseekers, while others pilot new programmes to work with young people, care leavers, and people who speak English as an additional language. Put simply, as the needs of the people we support change, so too do the skills required by our teams.

My own role is no exception. Digital communications mean I can connect easily and regularly with my UK-wide team – or internationally with family, friends and colleagues back in Australia. The world has shrunk on a commissioning level too – no longer solely the domain of central government departments. A move to place-based, specialist services has transformed how Ingeus works with partners and stakeholders and brings with it interesting changes in how I work.  

The ‘how’ is of course integral to the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of work. Technology and AI now help Ingeus teams work more efficiently, reducing administrative burdens and supporting colleagues with disabilities. Our lunch and learn sessions on tips to use Copilot simply didn’t exist not too long ago. Ways of working have become slicker and more interconnected as data, communications and projects are shared at scale. Certainly at Ingeus, flexibility abounds as contracts change, teams connect and we as an employer adapt to the needs of our colleagues’ changing needs and expectations.   

How to respond 
In this sea of change, some people will dive into opportunities, others simply hope to weather the storm. My view is somewhere in between. Staying relevant isn’t about jumping on every new bandwagon, but standing still is a huge risk.

I’ve long promoted my belief in lifelong learning. Regardless of age, role, or seniority, I believe learning new skills and staying interested in the world around you are key to staying relevant. I would urge you to take any development opportunity available, especially those that cultivate human skills such as communication, empathy, and leadership, which are uneasily replaced by technology. Volunteer for new projects, working groups, and staff forums that interest you and when you have the chance, step into others’ shoes. I still spend time with Ingeus participants to understand how their wants and needs are changing.

Switching jobs and/or employers will expose you to new ideas, people, and techniques. You can also develop your professional network online, or personal network in your community to learn fresh perspectives from different industries, backgrounds, and generations. We can all learn from people whose experiences are different from our own.

Finally, make a conscious effort to access information from a range of sources. The national news, history podcasts, science fiction novels, autobiographies, and industry bulletins are all part of my daily brew.

None of us can predict exactly what the world of work will look like in the future but I don’t see that as something to fear. Stay curious about how the landscape around you is changing and you next pin the map will follow. 
Perhaps it’s at Ingeus? Search Ingeus Career Opportunities | Ingeus

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.