« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Working for a change? The same as you?
Looking ahead
Currently, there is no clear statutory basis for supported employment. In future, the Scottish Parliament could bring forward an 'Additional Support for Working' Bill to establish a clear modern framework of rights and responsibilities.
Such a Bill could be linked with a clearer financial framework for employers who invest in supported employment, offering an 'additional support for working' grant claimed by employers on the basis of an annual submission.
A first step in this process could be an enquiry by the Parliament's Enterprise and Culture Committeeinto employment of people with a learning disability.
Next steps
This short-life working group has only been able to make a start on tackling this highly complex issue, but we have been delighted to see areas of best practice which have given us the confidence to know that our objectives are achievable.
A short-life group on Changing Day Services is being set up which will follow on much of the work of this group. Their work will be relevant to any development programme for supported employment for people with learning disabilities in Scotland. There will therefore be a need for clear links between that group and any proposals to take forward implementation of this report.
The work to date on this report has been undertaken by members of the short-life working group alongside many other responsibilities. Taking the report forward now requires dedicated staff time and a more visible focus.
Recommendation 10: Practical leadership for the supported employment strategy
The next steps for implementation of this report involve:
Providing assistance and support to the different agencies identified to implement this joint strategy.
Commissioning the programme of research and development work, described above.
Working across departments of the Scottish Executive and with all the stakeholders to keep developing and refining the national strategy for employment of people with a learning disability as set out in this report.
The Scottish Executive may wish to consider appointing a national development officer for the supported employment strategy, to provide this practical leadership.
« Previous | Contents | Next »