Action for Blind People Action Works An introduction to WORKSTEP Action for Blind People's Employment Development Teams provide a free, impartial service to support blind and partially sighted people of working age with a range of employment related concerns. "Liam is one of the most reliable employees we have in the company. He doesn't mind what he is asked to do providing it is within his capabilities. He has become a valued member of the team," John Cleverley, Factory Manager, Beautiful Wood Reproductions. What is WORKSTEP? Action for Blind People is a provider of WORKSTEP, a Jobcentreplus programme designed to help people with disabilities find sustainable work, either in supported employment or in open, mainstream employment. Action for Blind People’s WORKSTEP contract is managed from our Salisbury offices. How do clients benefit? WORKSTEP is designed to overcome barriers to employment by helping companies to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Each client agrees a Personal Development Plan with an Action for Blind People Employment Officer and their employer. The client's progress is monitored and the Personal Development Plan updated, at regular meetings between the three parties, to ensure that the employee achieves their full potential within the organisation. Who is eligible? Any person who has a disability and is either: On Incapacity Benefit (IB), or Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) and / or NI credits only for at least 6 months, or As above for less than 6 months but on IB before claiming JSA, or Currently in work but in serious risk of losing their job as a result of their disability, or A former supported employee who has progressed but needs to return to the programme within 2 years, or A leaver from full time education or training. What does WORKSTEP mean for employers? Action for Blind People provides a package of support tailored to the individual needs of the client and their employer. This support is also available for job retention: an employee whose condition has deteriorated and is at risk of losing their job. This support could include, for example: Suitable work training Specialist equipment advice Equipment loan Health and Safety issues Job coaching and development of in house support Visual Awareness training for staff Help with Access to Work Advice on the Disability Discrimination Act Salary support grant The support package is entirely flexible within the available funds and may be tapered to provide additional support at the outset then reducing it as the employee gains confidence and experience. It is expected that support will be limited to a maximum of two years, although this depends on ability and the Personal Development Plan. An employee whose work causes concern may be reassessed in conjunction with the Jobcentreplus Disability Employment Advisor. Host organisations employ the client under their normal terms of employment and are responsible for paying salary, deducting tax and N.I. contributions. The employer will sign a Supported Employment Agreement with Action for Blind People detailing the required support and hours to be worked by the client and will also provide evidence of Employers Liability insurance and how their Health and Safety policy is communicated. The host employer is also responsible for submitting monthly client timesheets. What can you expect from Action for Blind People as a WORKSTEP Provider? Action for Blind People will: Work closely with you to match clients to suitable vacancies Develop a tailor made package of support to benefit both the client and the employer Advise on suitable work training, Health and Safety issues and specialist adapted equipment Discuss and agree the client's Personal Development Plan to help the client achieve their full potential within the company Carry out work place visits at agreed intervals when we will review the client’s achievements against their Personal Development Plan and help to resolve any problems Lend the supported employee special adapted equipment, if available, while waiting for Jobcentreplus to process any equipment requests The team at Action for Blind People will be happy to discuss any aspect of WORKSTEP further with you. For more information call 020 7635 4800, email info@afbp.org or visit our website www.afbp.org Action for Blind People enables blind and partially sighted people to transform their lives through work, housing, leisure and support. To find out more about our services call us on 020 7635 4800, email info@afbp.org or visit our website www.afbp.org Action for Blind People 14 - 16 Verney Road London SE16 3DZ Action for Blind People has been accredited with the Investors in People and Positive About Disabled People quality marks. Registered Charity no. 205913 © Action for Blind People September 2003