A personalised service which helps people with disabilities and mental health needs find work has received the highest possible rating in an independent inspection.
Durham County Council’s DurhamEnable service was graded as ‘Excellent’ in an audit carried out by the British Association for Supported Employment after receiving a total score of 92 per cent.
Durham Enable’s job coaches work with people who face significant barriers to entering work because of the long-term impact of a disability or deteriorating mental health, helping them to find and stay in work.
The specialist service, which assists County Durham residents aged 18 and over, has been commended in all areas of its work.
Inspectors praised DurhamEnable’s “processes and the knowledge of staff” and complimented the team’s communication, enthusiasm and knowledge of the local labour market. The report also acknowledged that “all employers spoke highly of the support received by the DurhamEnable service.”
DurhamEnable’s training offer and its work to make the council’s recruitment more inclusive was also recognised: “Some outstanding work has been completed in raising awareness of neurodiversity in the workforce, with staff adapting new procedures and guidelines for all recruiting officers across the council. Durham County Council recognise they are the largest employer in the county and now use DurhamEnable as a source of staffing.”
Auditors also highlighted DurhamEnable’s potential as a future market leader in supported employment, with other services approaching DurhamEnable for advice and mentoring.
Cllr Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “This audit result provides well-deserved recognition of the fantastic work DurhamEnable staff do to help people overcome barriers and support them into employment.
“We know that their personalised support makes a huge difference in helping people to develop the skills and confidence needed to successfully apply for jobs but to receive official recognition for it is a great achievement.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved and look forward to hearing about the future work of the service and its commitment to helping people into the world of work.”
