About Us

Connect to Work – Strategic Lead

£49,939 - £60,515

Fixed Term 2 Year Contract

Full time

Wandsworth/Richmond

We are establishing a new programme within the council’s Work Match function to deliver the 'Connect to Work' supported employment programme. This ambitious new initiative is part of a national roll-out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Launched through the government's 'Get Britain Working' White Paper, this initiative is part of a broader range of programmes addressing skills gaps, responding to employer need and driving local growth to achieve the best outcomes.

This key strategic role provides leadership for Connect to Work in Richmond and Wandsworth councils. The role will develop and manage links with key stakeholders, capacity building and ensuring appropriate processes are in place to encourage appropriate referrals.

About the role 

Accountable for the delivery of Connect to Work programme including key performance indicators, ensuring key metrics are achieved and reported to accountable bodies.

Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders e.g. NHS colleagues, GP practices, Public Health and Adult Social colleagues and community/voluntary partners in Richmond and Wandsworth to ensure Connect to Work is embedded within their services.

Strategic Leadership, management and responsibility for the performance of staff across multiple locations and associated boroughs.

Use the established models of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and Supported Employment Quality framework (SEQF) which are evidence-based 'place then train' methods of supported employment.

To oversee the implementation of the CRM system within the team, ensuring that management information is being developed for appropriate internal and external partners.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Detailed and demonstrable knowledge of large-scale employment programmes that ensure an integrated and co-ordinated approach to meeting current and future needs of businesses  
• Experience of managing employment support services through remote teams, resource planning, identifying training needs and ensuring performance against identified outcome targets 
• Proven experience of delivering externally funded provision 
• Ability to strategically develop, lead and manage a high-quality employment programmes aimed at helping people with complex barriers access local job opportunities 

Closing Date:  20th July 2025

Shortlisting Date: W/C 21st July 2025

Interview Date: w/c 28th July 2025 (In Person)

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chantelle Daniel Head of Employment and Skills  by emailing chantelle.daniel@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. 

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils