Inclusive Employment
Inclusive Employment
ECL’s highly successful Inclusive Employment programme has transformed the lives of hundreds of people with learning disabilities and/or autism in Essex, by supporting them to secure paid employment.
Funded by Essex County Council, it is a free service to candidates aged 18 or over, with a diagnosis of autism or learning disability, and to any employer ready to embrace a diverse workforce.
The service was approved by SEQF (Supported Employment Quality Framework) in 2022 and won the highly acclaimed MJM achievement award for building diversity and inclusion in 2024.
The ECL Inclusive Employment team work closely with both candidates and employers looking to recruit new talent.
If you are a potential candidate:
We will get to know you and together we will complete a vocational profile to establish your skills, experience, and personal employment goals. If you’re not quite ready for paid employment, we will signpost and support you to get additional skills and experience. We will support you through the job application and interview process and then provide on the job coaching for as long as it takes for you to become confident in your role.
For employers:
We take time to understand your recruitment needs, match any suitable candidates to vacant roles, and can advise and guide you to make any reasonable adjustments to ensure you get the best experience as an inclusive employer.
The ECL Inclusive Employment programme differs from other supported employment schemes by going beyond initial job matching to supporting the job candidates and employers for as long as it takes for them both to be confident of sustaining a productive and happy, long term employment relationship.
Zach at East of England Co-op
Amy at Perryfields School
David at Marsh Farm
Masie at Hylands School
Ellen at Geek Retreat
Sarah at The Lion Inn
Not only has Maisie gained from this experience, but as an employer, we have gained too, and it's important to give these young adults the opportunity to learn and gain skills for their future.
Before I was nervous and shy and quite scared to even go out of my front door sometimes, but ever since I’ve had the job I’ve come on leaps and bounds.
Candidate information
Discover more about Inclusive Employment and how it can help you.
Candidate informationEmployer information
Information about inclusive employment for prospective employers
Employer information
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) and ECL have devised a process that will make job applications for roles more accessible for people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Published:
Amy, a 27-year-old with a zest for life embarked on a life-changing journey towards inclusive employment with the support of ECL (Essex Cares Limited) Inclusive Employment program.
Published:
Marsh Farm is an animal adventure park spread over 30 acres of farmland in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex. Taken over by the Partyman Company in 2013, the Farm has become a top-class attraction which employs around 130 people and welcomes thousands of visitors every year.
Published:
David is a 39-year old an animal fan who loves learning. He had been enjoying volunteering at a local nature reserve before Covid-19 took hold. Once the world reopened, he was keen to regain some of the independence he had lost during the pandemic.
Published:
ECL's Inclusive Employment partnership with the East of England Co-op wins an MJ Award for Innovation in Building Diversity and Inclusion.
Published:
ECL’s Inclusive Employment service is celebrating supporting over 400 people with learning disabilities and/or autism to fulfil their ambitions of paid employment.
Published: