Case Study

Finding work isn’t always an easy task and for Ingeus participants who’ve been unemployed for a long time or face other barriers to work, the process can be daunting. Through its partnership with Bodyswaps, Ingeus is harnessing the latest technology to give its participants as much practical and tailored support as possible to assist their journey to employment. 

  

Bodyswaps – a virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) learning tool – launched at Ingeus’ Restart Scheme centre in Hackney in September 2024. Since then, it’s rolled out nationwide and has gone from strength to strength. More than 4,500 participants have used Bodyswaps in the past year, with almost a quarter progressing into employment. Such is the partnership’s success that it’s on the shortlist for a major industry award. 

  

The collaboration enables Ingeus participants to carry out interview simulations and receive real-time feedback. The AI component analyses vocabulary, the speed of speaking and use of filler words. Ingeus advisors are then able to use this feedback to support onward improvements. 

  

Laura Morris, Bodyswaps’ Head of Customer Success, says: “Our aim with Ingeus is to support participants with interview readiness and confidence. Our training focuses on soft skills, giving people space to practice, reflect and learn.” 

  

Advisors use a Bodyswaps App to track participants’ progress, with questions charting confidence before and after use. It can be adapted for individuals or groups, can be customised to focus on specific skills, and can be run on mobile devices, PCs or VR headsets. With a library of training content for Ingeus to choose from, bespoke needs can be easily met. Participants with anxiety for example can follow a learning journey involving guided meditation activities, with the pathway shaped by Ingeus.  

  

“Huge praise goes to the Ingeus team,” Laura adds. “We did the initial training but they’ve run with it. Their Champions passed everything on to different centres and they were able to ramp up very quickly, rolling out to more locations within just two months. They’ve been independent in using it and stayed on top of changes and new features. 

  

“We’re continuously opening up more opportunities with AI, creating scenarios such as building rapport or accepting a job offer, for instance. Our partnership so far has focused on building interview confidence but we also want to look at different environments people experience and make it as tailored as possible. 

  

“It’s a very positive partnership. Our mission is to empower people to reach their potential, and Ingeus is helping us to achieve that in a direct way. We’re jointly making a real difference to real people’s lives and to see these results and to be nominated for the award is so rewarding.”