Connect to Work in Staffordshire
September 8, 2026
Connect to Work links employers to candidates who make a real difference to the bottom line.
The government’s Connect to Work programme targeted at getting more people with health conditions and support needs into work has started across Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent.
Staffordshire County Council has begun to receive dedicated five-year funding aimed at helping disabled people and those with health conditions and additional support needs back into work. This support is part of the new national Connect to Work programme launched in early 2025.
The programme uses a “place, train, and maintain” model to support individuals into sustained work and the Staffordshire scheme aims to help over 5,300 people across the county and city.
Support will be delivered locally and designed to fit around people’s needs, while also helping employers to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. Delivered by commissioned providers (The Growth Company, Intuitive Thinking Skills (AKG), Royal Mencap & Stoke on Trent City Council) Connect to work provides dedicated 1:1 support to help match individuals with the right employer, whilst also providing ongoing in work support.
What are the benefits to employers?
Connect to Work aims to match candidates with businesses and roles which complement their skills and experience. Helping employers to access a broader pool of talent, with greater staff retention, enhanced productivity and a more inclusive workplace culture. These benefits can help employers not only meet their legal obligations but also enjoy a more resilient and diverse workforce.
Connect to Work also provides in-work support, working with participants and employers to help individuals maintain their current roles.
Local delivery partners are now proactively getting in touch to help with employers and business across Staffordshire, to introduce the programme and find out how Connect to Work can help you.
For more information and to find out how you can access the programme, visit our Connect to Work webpages available on the Staffordshire Jobs and Careers webpages, or contact us via The Growth Hub.
