BASE sceptical of "consensus" on commercial supply chains

Huw Davies, Chief Executive of the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) has written the third of our series of articles setting out the expectaitons of the trade associations. Hugh offers a dissenting voice on the effectiveness of commercial supply chains in supporting into work people with significant disabilities.

Hugh writes:

“As we approach what may be the tightest general election for decades and deal with an economy that is facing tight fiscal pressures, the temptation is to focus efforts on easy wins and concentrate on supporting those unemployed people who are closest to the labour market. While PSA16 has done much to promote the interests of those facing the greatest danger of social exclusion, BASE wants to see continued cross-government efforts to improve the life chances and economic prospects of those individuals with the most significant disabilities.

“There seems to be a political consensus that commercial supply chains are the only means to achieving effective employment support but we would challenge the evidence for this. For too long there has been a quest for the big fix; a model imported from abroad that promises to answer all the questions, fix all the wrongs and deal successfully with all the issues. Unfortunately, while supply chain procurement may be appropriate for mainstream provision, the evidence suggests that ever larger programmes tend to marginalise those with the greatest needs.

“With only 7.5% of people with significant learning disabilities and 3.5% of people with severe mental health needs in any form of paid work, there is a clear case for invest to save principles to be applied more locally. We would like to see a more pragmatic approach to supporting those furthest from the labour market that builds from within communities and offers local solutions whilst remaining accountable through local strategic partnerships.

“BASE would like to see a continuation of PSA16, more local commissioning of employment support, the continued implementation of Valuing Employment Now and Work, Recovery and Inclusion and clearer pathways to sustainable employment through education, health services and social care. There must be closer monitoring of data and a developing focus on workforce development.

“There is much to do and it is likely to be achieved through evolution rather than ideological revolution. While there is general acceptance that individuals need support to reach their potential, there is less understanding that providers would also benefit from supportive structures and policies that encourage improved quality and the spread of effective evidence-based practice.

“Personalisation may hold the key to enabling people to reclaim individualised support. BASE would like to see it being embraced more fully with the inclusion of additional funding streams from further education and Jobcentre Plus. As long as safeguards and quality standards are put in place then it has the potential for achieving the whole system change that is needed.”