Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based employment service for people living with severe or complex mental illness who want to find, return to or remain in paid work. Employment specialists provide personalised, practical support based on each person’s preferences and goals, working alongside health professionals and employers.

Make employment part of every annual health check. Ask each patient whether they are working, would like to work, are considering returning to work, or need support to remain in their current job. If they are interested, explain that specialist employment support is available and offer to make a referral.

How to refer

• Patients with severe or complex mental health needs can now be referred directly to IPS employment support, even if they are not currently open to a Community Mental Health Hub (CMHH) or MINT service.
• For patients who are open to CMHH or MINT services, IPS support can continue to be requested through the usual team referral route.
• The IPS referral form is available through the SMI or CCMI health-check template. Complete it with the patient’s agreement and send it to the relevant service by email or SystmOne task.
• Select the referral option that matches the patient’s borough and needs:
  • CNWL IPS employment support for patients with SMI or CCMI in the relevant CNWL boroughs.
  • WLT IPS employment support for patients with SMI or CCMI in the relevant West London boroughs.
  • WorkWell IPS employment support for eligible patients with common mental illness.