IPS Support Lead

We are recruiting for an experienced IPS professional to join the IPS Grow team, supporting services across London and the South East.

This role is ideal for a current or recent Employment Specialist or Senior Employment Specialist looking to develop their IPS expertise and support services to improve quality, fidelity and employment outcomes.

Position: IPS Grow Support Lead - London & South East

Location:

London & South East/Hybrid, with a mix of remote and onsite working

Hours:

Full-time

Contract:

Permanent

Closing date for applications: 4 September 2026 at 9am

First stage interviews: 23 September 2026, via Zoom

Second stage interviews: 7 October 2026, face to face in London Bridge

You will work alongside experienced IPS Grow colleagues to develop your skills and knowledge while providing practical, hands-on support to IPS services across London and the South East.

A key focus will be training to become an IPS fidelity reviewer, initially working as a co-reviewer alongside Regional Leads. You will also support services to overcome barriers to successful IPS delivery, improve performance and achieve strong employment outcomes.

• Training to become an IPS fidelity reviewer and supporting fidelity reviews and guided self-assessments
• Producing clear and accurate fidelity reports and action plans
• Supporting services to implement and monitor fidelity and race equity action plans
• Providing in-field mentoring and modelling IPS best practice
• Coaching IPS staff in employer engagement, race equity and performance management
• Supporting the development of training materials and resources
• Building relationships with IPS services and regional stakeholders
• Supporting Regional Leads with performance and quality conversations
• Helping services improve data quality and use of national reporting systems
• Supporting learning networks, communities of practice, workshops and webinars
• Producing reports and case studies demonstrating impact

The role involves significant travel across London and the South East, with occasional travel outside the region. You will also attend regular team days and quarterly organisational events.

IPS Grow is a national programme supporting the expansion of Individual Placement and Support services across mental health, primary care and drug and alcohol teams throughout England.

The programme is led by a not for profit organisation in partnership with a leading mental health charity and is funded by national health, employment and public health bodies.

A core element of IPS Grow is the expert support provided by a team of IPS professionals who work directly with providers to improve fidelity to the IPS model and achieve better employment outcomes.

As a Support Lead, you will work closely with Regional Leads, Workforce Leads and other Support Leads, developing your own IPS expertise while providing practical support to services across the region.

This role suits an IPS professional with current or recent experience at Employment Specialist or Senior Employment Specialist level who is ready to build on their frontline experience and develop your knowledge of IPS quality and service improvement.

• Current or recent experience as an IPS Employment Specialist or Senior Employment Specialist
• A good foundational understanding of the IPS model, fidelity scale and practical application
• A track record of achieving good employment outcomes for people accessing IPS
• Strong experience of employer engagement and integration within clinical teams
• The ability to support positive change and improvements within IPS services
• Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• A structured and practical approach to problem solving
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to race equity and evidence-based employment support
• High levels of integrity, empathy, initiative and personal leadership
• Commitment to your own professional development and keeping up to date with IPS practice
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly across London and the South East

Join an ambitious not for profit organisation that works with governments, service providers, the voluntary sector and the financial community to find better ways of tackling complex social problems.

The organisation combines expertise in financial analysis, data, service design and social research to understand the needs of people and communities and develop practical solutions capable of creating systemic change.

Its work addresses issues including homelessness, domestic abuse, mental health, learning difficulties, employment, loneliness and support for vulnerable children and families.

The multi-skilled team brings together people from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to creating meaningful social change. The organisation's work is guided by three core values: curious, empathetic and…