Case Study

Breaking down the many and varied employment barriers people face is a team effort, which is why working with like-minded partners sits at the heart of Ingeus’ success in supporting people. When it comes to neurodivergence, the subtleties of providing the right help, at the right time, become even finer.  

 

With neurodivergent people making up a significant proportion of participants on the Restart Scheme in Manchester, Ingeus is bridging that gap with the unique talents of our partner, AutonoMe. Combining specialised coaching and video-led mobile technology, questions are answered and skills are taught in accessible, repeatable steps unique to each individual. Together with the employability expertise and employer links of the Restart Scheme it’s a formidable double act. 

 

Tom is just one of over 50 participants to have benefitted from its dual support in the past two years. Diagnosed with autism and struggling with his mental health, he says that working with AutonoMe while job searching with the Restart Scheme made a ‘huge difference’. With that combined, ongoing support, he’s now thriving in his new job. 

 

Nicola Lennox, Head of Supply Chain Delivery at Ingeus, founded the relationship with AutonoMe and agrees with Tom:  

“It’s a brilliant service with a unique offer,” she says. “Our participants receive eight structured sessions with a coordinator who mentors them, building strategies for managing any challenges they face. There’s also 24/7 access to over 150 instructional videos through the AutonoMe App. 

 

“Our Restart Advisors refer and support people to work with AutonoMe. They have provided us with a bespoke language guide and can liaise with employers as required. Through ongoing Access to Work funding they can continue to support participants to sustain and progress in their roles. 

 

“Together, we really get to know and understand our neurodivergent participants’ needs. Our partnership offers tangible support to build up self-belief and workplace skills.” 

 

William Britton, Chief Executive of AutonoMe describes the impact of that support:   

“Our approach offers the comprehensive and sometimes continual reinforcement that neurodivergent jobseekers need to truly feel confident. Together, we have watched participants who initially felt entirely excluded from the job market completely transform, moving from deep social isolation to securing and thriving in meaningful employment.  

 

“Seeing our learners successfully navigate interviews, master new workplace routines, and sustain their roles has proven time and again that when AutonoMe’s digital and human support is backed by Ingeus’s employability expertise, long-term unemployment can be broken.” 

 

So, what’s the secret to this distinct partnership’s success? 

 

“Working alongside Ingeus has been a masterclass in alignment, with advisors and managers embracing our expertise,” adds William. “Ingeus operates as a true partner, sharing our passion for inclusion, streamlining communication, and co-creating a unified journey for participants. It is this synergy, mutual trust, and shared mission that allows us to optimise our collective impact and deliver exceptional results for participants.” 

 

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AutonoMe is a social enterprise supporting people with neurodivergent conditions and learning disabilities to gain employment and develop skills for independent living: