Factors influencing the delivery of evidence-based supported employment in England

This paper assesses the extent to which the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach is currently adopted in England. Interviews based on the Supported Employment Fidelity Scale were conducted with staff from five of the leading providers of supported employment. One provider obtained a good IPS adherence score, three a fair score and one a non-adherence score. Constraints influencing providers' capacity to provide an IPS service related to funding, values and organizational policy. The authors discuss the implications of these constraints in relation to the recent commissioning guidance for vocational services in the UK.