1 Overview
Connect to Work is an innovative employment programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and delivered by West Sussex County Council.
The programme supports disabled people, individuals with long-term health conditions, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to find and stay in meaningful work.
Participation is voluntary and completely free. Eligible participants can receive up to 12 months of personalised support, including help with searching for a job, applications, interviews and settling into the workplace.
Connect to Work also supports people who are already employed but at risk of losing their job, helping them keep their position.
Across West Sussex, our programme aims to help 2,700 residents who are motivated and ready to work. We match each person with opportunities that fit their skills, experience and ambitions and support them every step of the way.
2 Information for individuals
The Connect to Work programme is completely voluntary and fully funded by the government.
If you're eligible, we’ll offer up to 12 months of personalised employment support to help you find a job and up to 4 months support to settle in once you start. We can also help if you are in work but risk losing your job.
Who can apply for Connect to Work
For Connect to Work to accept you, you will need to:
- be 18 years old or over
- live in West Sussex
- be either unemployed or at risk of losing your job
- have a health condition or disability, or be a member of a group facing complex barriers to employment, such as:
- people with experience of the criminal justice system
- carers or former carers
- individuals who are currently homeless
- people in care, or with experience of being in care
- refugees, resettled Afghans, or individuals on the Homes for Ukraine Scheme
- people experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic violence and/or abuse
- individuals with experience of being forced into activities of modern slavery
- young people involved in, or at risk of being involved in, serious violence
- members or former members of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, or their partners
- people finding it hard to get or keep a job due to drug or alcohol dependency
How to apply
If you would like to apply for Connect to Work complete our online form.
Connect to Work (external link)
3 Information for businesses
West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council run the Connect to Work programme locally, with support from the Department for Work and Pensions.
We know that having a job can greatly improve someone’s life and also benefit the wider community.
That’s why we’re inviting employers to partner with us in this inspiring programme. Together, we can make a real difference to local residents and workplaces.
How Connect to Work supports your business
Our specialist advisors work directly with you to understand your recruitment needs and find candidates who are keen to join your organisation.
We provide support and training to help you meet your social responsibility goals, improve diversity and inclusion and deliver on your social value commitments.
Our expert guidance helps your business feel confident about hiring and supporting people with disabilities or other complex challenges, building a more inclusive and capable workforce.
We continue to support both your business and your new employees after hiring, helping with onboarding, improving retention and reducing staff turnover.
We also promote your organisation as a Connect to Work partner, positioning you as a leader in inclusive employment across the West Sussex business community.
We’d love to talk with you about how your business can benefit from joining Connect to Work. Together, we can build more inclusive workplaces and make a positive impact in our community.
Contact us
We’d love to talk with you about how your business can benefit from joining Connect to Work. Together, we can build more inclusive workplaces and make a positive impact in our community.
Contact us by emailing connect-to-work@westsussex.gov.uk.
4 Information for referral partners
If you are a referral partner, contact us and we will get in touch to discuss opportunities.