Local Supported Employment

The information on this page is also available in easy read: About the Local Supported Employment scheme (easy read version) (PDF, 1001 KB).

How we will support you

Our team offer personalised, one-to-one support to help you start and stay in work. We also offer support if you are already employed but absent from work or struggling in the workplace due to your health condition or other challenges.

We work with Norfolk businesses to find jobs and match these positions to meet your preferences.

Our Job Coaches will:

• Help you explore your strengths, experience and skills
• Agree an action plan that helps you reach your employment goals
• Help you search for jobs and prepare for interview
• Provide tailored support on employability and workplace skills and building your confidence
• Offer continuous support for you and your employer to help you stay in work
• Support you to move back to work if you're employed but absent from work due to your health condition or other challenges

Who can take part

The Local Supported Employment programme can help you if you:

• Are autistic, have a learning disability or physical disability (you don't need a formal diagnosis)
• Belong to one of these groups:
  • A person serving a community sentence
  • A person with previous convictions
  • Care experienced young person or care leaver

To take part, you must:

• Live in Norfolk
• Be aged 18 or over (16 or over under some circumstances)
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Be in one of these employment situations:
  • You are not currently doing any paid work, have not worked for around 6 months, and would be available to start a suitable job, or
  • You have been employed for at least 3 months, and are at risk of losing work

You must also be motivated to take part in Local Supported Employment. Participation is voluntary - you are not required to join if you choose not to.

How to get support

You can refer yourself to Local Supported Employment or someone else can refer you (with your consent). For example, your employer, GP, local council, or a family member could refer you.

Refer yourself to Local Supported Employment

Refer someone else to Local Supported Employment

For employers

We can help you recruit and retain great people while creating a supportive workplace. Our service includes:

• Matching candidates to your roles from a pool of motivated individuals.
• Job Coaching and onboarding support for you and your employee.
• Practical advice on workplace adjustments and Disability Confident accreditation.
• Ongoing support to improve retention and reduce absence.

Why work with us?

We help you save time, reduce costs, and build a thriving workplace.

Contact us

If you have a question about Local Supported Employment, you can email [email protected] or call 01603 493640.

Read our privacy notice to find out how we use your personal information.

Feedback from employers

Norse Commercial Services

"I have worked with the LSE team now for multiple candidates across various sites so was well aware of how they can support candidates into work.

S interviewed really well. S's Job Coach helped me understand S's needs and what we could do as an employer to support her.  

Since she has started, she has fitted well into the team, and they find her personable and friendly. She is always on time and has helped out with additional overtime where needed.  

With LSE support we have put in place crib sheets and additional job coaching to help her stay on track, especially with completing tasks in a timely manner."

Royal Norwich Golf Club

"Partnering with the Adult Social Services Employment team at Norfolk County Council has been such a rewarding experience.

We've had the pleasure of supporting two work placements, both of whom have now been with us for over two years and continue to grow in both skill and confidence.

The team is incredibly supportive, and the impact of their work within the community is inspiring. As an employer, it's been a meaningful way to give back whilst benefiting from the dedication and development of our team members."

Thurlow Nunn

"Working with Local Supported Employment team at Norfolk County Council has given us valuable insight into our recruitment process from the perspective of applicants. Through our discussions, we were able to review and improve our interview questions, which has had immediate benefits for recruitment. Being able to discuss a candidate's needs and previous work experience helped us make informed decisions rather than dismissing an application early. The support offered throughout the interview process and into the first day helped ensure a positive start to employment."