What Are The 8 Principles of IPS?

Rooted in evidence and recovery, the 8 principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) guide how we help people find and keep meaningful, paid work:

1) Focuses on competitive paid employment

IPS is built on the belief that everyone is capable of thriving in real, paid work, not just in voluntary or sheltered roles. Competitive employment is seen as a key driver of recovery, independence, and social inclusion. Employment specialists work with you to identify meaningful roles in the open labour market, supporting you to build sustainable careers rather than short‑term placements. This principle reinforces that paid work is both achievable and central to wellbeing.

2. Open to those who want to work

IPS operates on a zero‑exclusion basis if you express a desire to work and are eligible. There are no tests, and no exclusions based on diagnosis, symptoms, substance use, housing status, or past employment history. This principle ensures that motivation is the only requirement, promoting fairness and widening access to opportunity.

3) Provides job searches consistent with individual preferences

IPS is highly personalised. Employment specialists take time to understand your interests, strengths, values, and long‑term goals, ensuring job searches align with what matters to you. This includes preferences around job type, hours, location, work environment, and career progression. By centering your choice, IPS increases job satisfaction, retention, and long‑term success.

4) Provides rapid job searches

Rather than lengthy pre‑employment training or assessments, IPS begins job searching within weeks of engagement, often within the first month. This rapid approach helps maintain motivation, reduces anxiety, and demonstrates belief in your ability to succeed. It also ensures that employment becomes a core part of your recovery journey, not a distant goal.

5) Encourages co‑location and partnership working with clinical teams

Employment specialists are embedded within mental health teams, attending meetings, sharing information (with your consent), and working collaboratively with clinicians. This integration ensures that employment goals are treated as part of your overall care plan. It also enables timely support, consistent messaging, and a holistic approach that recognises the link between mental health and meaningful work.

6)  Develops relationships with local employers

IPS specialists proactively build trusting, long‑term relationships with employers in the community. You will learn about workplace cultures, hiring needs, and job requirements, enabling them to match individuals to roles that genuinely fit. These relationships also help employers feel confident in offering opportunities to people with mental health conditions, fostering more inclusive workplaces.

7)  Provides ongoing, individualised support once in work

Support does not end when someone gets a job. IPS offers time‑unlimited, tailored in‑work support for both the employee and the employer. This may include help with onboarding, workplace adjustments, confidence‑building, problem‑solving, or career development. The goal is to ensure you not only gain employment, but keep it – and progress in ways that feel meaningful to you.

8) Provides benefits advice

IPS includes access to accurate, personalised welfare benefits guidance, helping you understand how employment may affect your financial situation. This support reduces anxiety, dispels myths about losing benefits, and empowers you to make informed decisions. Clear benefits advice is essential for building confidence and ensuring that you feel secure as you move towards work.

Further reading:

https://ipsgrow.org.uk/about/what-is-ips/8-principles-of-ips/

Key source info for content above:  https://shawtrust.org.uk/ips-focus/