Information for Employers

Thank you for your interest in the WE:THRIVE Service.  

WE:THRIVE is based on IPS (Individual Placement Service), which is an evidence-based practice and is proven to be the most successful way of supporting clients with Mental Health difficulties to gain and sustain employment.    

There has recently been substantial investment into this way of working, allowing us to engage with and support more employers than ever.  

Our Employment Specialists work with individuals on a 1-2-1 basis and specifically liaise with local employers to match the right person to the right job - one that they are enthusiastic about. 

Once the individual has secured employment, the service can continue to support both the client/employee and you, the employer if necessary to assist with the induction, performance, and sustainability of the individual in the role.  

We engage with employers on an individual basis in order to compliment your existing recruitment practices and processes. In addition to supporting people into competitive paid work we promote the benefits of involving employers in our client’s journey and the subsequent social capital gain from interacting with our service.  

What is the WE:THRIVE Service?  

The WE:THRIVE approach involves following a set of evidence-based principles when working with employers and job seekers. These principles have been proven to be successful at not only assisting people to gain employment, but also in supporting both the employer and employee over a period of time to retain that employment.  

We have been commissioned by NHS Wales & DWP to support the national expansion of IPS services across the country. WE:THRIVE provide a free recruitment and employee well-being service; delivering motivated and committed candidates whose skills are matched to your vacancies. With no employment introduction fees or expensive agency margins, our unique vocational support and employment service supports individuals who are disadvantaged within the local employment market and can provide exceptional value and flexibility to your business, enabling a more content and diverse workforce. 

How can we can support your company with your recruitment/retention, staff wellbeing and training needs? 

• We can provide dedicated & motivated employees - we will only introduce you to candidates who have had their skills or enthusiasm matched to your organisation and who are ready and willing to work. 

• Flexible recruitment possibilities – we work with you the employer to explore job opportunities in your organisation whether they are full time, part time or even voluntary work trials. 

• We offer a free and confidential service and a dedicated Employment Specialist/ Specialist Support Worker liaison and if needed, in work support to employees and to you. 

• We can offer advice and guidance on the Disability Discrimination Act and other Employment Legislation Advice and guidance on equal opportunities in the workplace, or signpost you to someone who can help. 

• A free and confidential service. 

What are the potential benefits of using our service? 

• Our service will save you money and time by offering the opportunity to demonstrate equal opportunities and promote your business as a fair and respected community employer. 

• Improved employee well-being and satisfaction. 

• In work training and support in implementing workplace reasonable adjustments and Access to Work schemes. 

• Motivated employees can lead to increased productivity and allow an organisation to achieve higher levels of output. 

• Access to under-represented groups in the work place and more diverse employees. Employees from diverse backgrounds bring individual talents and experiences, suggesting ideas that are flexible in adapting to company demands  

• Staff whose skills and expertise match your needs.  

• Improved retention of workers, higher productivity and better employee relations.  

• Focused, dedicated and motivated staff who are willing and able to start work quickly reducing recruitment time and costs. 

Frequently Asked Questions/Concerns 

They won't be able to do the job I need. 

We supply staff with interests and skills matched to your company- did you know that people with mental health difficulties contribute £226 Billion to the UK economy? 

I will have to make a lot of changes to accommodate their needs.

Often our clients simply need understanding and awareness from their employers, and we would be able to support you with any needs you and your employer may have. 

We don't have the ability to make reasonable adjustments. 

You might not need to make any! If you do, we can support and help you gain support from Access to Work if required. The term reasonable has to be for both parties. We are here to support YOU as well as the client. 

Are you getting paid to get people off benefits? 

We do not receive any money for providing this service, as we are NHS employees. We work with health agencies to improve people's wellbeing through work. All the job seekers supported through WE:THRIVE have referred themselves or been referred by a member of their health team, and they want to work 

If this interests you, and you want to help make a meaningful difference to the lives of those around you as well as investing in your business, please contact us on IPS.PC.Cav@wales.nhs.uk