NHS England funding to expand IPS employment support across Sussex
NHS England has awarded funding to Southdown, working in partnership with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, to expand Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment services across Sussex over the next two years. The investment supports the NHS ambition to help more people with mental health challenges access employment support and move into paid work. The expansion aims to significantly increase referrals and improve employment outcomes across Sussex.
The programme reports into NHS Sussex and Surrey Integrated Care Board (ICB) and will strengthen the role of employment support within mental health recovery and neighbourhood-based support (Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams and Early Intervention Teams).
The programme is focusing on:
Increasing referrals and expanding referral pathways
Increasing paid employment outcomes
Reducing inequalities in employment support
Maintaining high national IPS fidelity standards
Building a sustainable model for future delivery
To support the expansion, Martin Dominy has been appointed as IPS Expansion Programme Manager. Martin says:
Employment can play a transformative role in recovery, wellbeing and social inclusion. This investment gives us an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between VCSE providers such as Southdown with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, expand access to high-quality IPS support, and ensure more people are supported into meaningful paid employment. The programme will bring partners together around a shared delivery plan, with a focus on quality, continuous improvement and achieving national IPS targets.
The expansion of IPS services reflects the wider Sussex ambition to integrate health, care and community support around people’s lives, helping individuals achieve improved recovery outcomes, independence and social participation through meaningful work.
About IPS employment support
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based approach that helps people with mental health challenges find and keep paid employment. IPS is based on the principle that anyone who wants to work can do so with the right support. The model focuses on rapid job search, personalised support and close integration with clinical teams. Research shows IPS can improve employment outcomes, mental health, confidence, social inclusion, and overall wellbeing. In Sussex, IPS employment support is provided by Southdown in partnership with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Further information about IPS employment services in Sussex is available on Southdown’s website. Similar services are available in Surrey provided by Waythrough and WorkWell.