Connect to Work: Recognising Progress Into and In Work
One of our newest collaborations has been supporting the rollout of Connect to Work, a free and voluntary employment support programme coordinated by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The programme is designed to help people who are finding it difficult to start or stay in work due to health conditions, disabilities or other barriers to employment.
Working closely with the programme's lead provider, Cambridgeshire County Council, we have co-designed a digital badge approach that recognises both participant progress and the development of workplace skills throughout the employment journey.
The badge framework has been designed to recognise key milestones such as:
engagement with employment support
completion of vocational profiling
preparation for work opportunities
starting employment
Alongside these participant milestones, the programme uses our workplace skills badges that can be used by employers to recognise skills demonstrated in real work settings, including communication, problem solving, digital literacy, self-motivation, innovation and customer service.
A key aim of the badge approach is to make progress and achievement more visible, helping participants recognise their strengths, build confidence and develop a portable record of skills that can support future progression.
We're particularly excited to see how Connect to Work delivery partners, including Switch Now, Amplius, SPS Training and CPSL Mind, use badges within their delivery to support participant development, celebrate progress and encourage ongoing skills growth once participants enter employment.
The framework also includes a suite of employer recognition badges designed to acknowledge employers who demonstrate inclusive recruitment and workplace practices. While aligned to the principles of the Disability Confident scheme, these badges provide an additional way to recognise and celebrate employers helping to create more inclusive employment opportunities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
As delivery progresses, we'll be sharing examples, learning and impact from Connect to Work and highlighting how digital badges are supporting people on their journey into, and within, work.
