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Unlock New Talent, Strengthen Your Workforce, and Grow Your Business

Gain motivated employees who are the right fit for your business, strengthen your team with diverse skills and benefit from free ongoing support for long term success.

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why work with us?

Connect to Work helps employers across Devon fill vacancies, strengthen inclusive recruitment and access motivated candidates who are ready to work.

What makes Connect to Work a standout programme is its personalised, one to one approach, with a dedicated Employment Specialist providing up to 12 months of free support to both the employee and employer. This ongoing support helps people settle into work and achieve sustainable employment outcomes.

We take the time to understand your business and recruitment needs, matching you with suitable candidates and providing support throughout the employment journey. We can also offer up to four months of in work support for existing employees who are at risk of losing their job, helping them remain in employment and continue contributing to your organisation.

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How it works

Our four-step process ensures a smooth journey from identifying your needs to successful long-term employment.

  1. Connect

    Connect

    Talk to us and help us understand what your needs are and what roles are available.

  2. Match

    Match

    We identify candidates based on their strengths and the job requirements.

  3. Prepare

    Prepare

    We provide support for interviews, onboarding, and reasonable adjustments.

  4. Support

    Support

    We continue to be involved to help your employees thrive in work.

free training and Inclusive recruitment

As part of the programme, we also offer a free training package to support your business and workplace culture. This can help strengthen inclusive recruitment practices, boost staff confidence and create an environment where new and existing employees can thrive

Connect to Work helps employers recruit inclusively. Participation is voluntary, so individuals are engaged and actively seeking work. Participants receive guidance to identify suitable sectors and are carefully matched to business needs. Support for both employers and participants will continue throughout recruitment and well beyond the start of employment, ensuring a smooth transition and positive outcomes.

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employer benefits

  • Access to Skilled Candidates: Connect with motivated individuals who are ready to work and bring diverse perspectives to your organisation.

  • Improved Workforce Diversity: Inclusive employment fosters innovation, creativity and better decision making.

  • Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating commitment to social responsibility, strengthens your brand, and attracts customers and partners.

  • Tailored Support: We provide guidance on inclusive hiring, onboarding and retention strategies to ensure success.

  • Ongoing Support: Once an employee is in place, the Connect to Work team work with the employee and employer to support a smooth transition and offer advice on workplace adjustments if required. Tailored support is available for up to 12 months.

  • Streamlined Recruitment Process: Connect to Work helps match employers with candidates who are motivated and suited to business needs.

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Ready to Strengthen your Workforce?

Register your interest today

fill employers form

or email us at

EmployersCTW@devon.gov.uk

Ready to Strengthen your Workforce?

Register your interest today

fill employers form

or email us at

EmployersCTW@devon.gov.uk

Success Stories

Connect to Work pays ‘dividends’! A Supported Return to Accountancy

Connect to Work

A fully qualified accountant, out of work for several years, was keen to rebuild their career. While highly skilled, they needed a gradual and supportive route back into employment. Through Connect to Work, the focus was on finding not just a vacancy—but the right employer who could offer flexibility and understanding.

— Connect to Work

Key Outcomes:

  • A Flexible Recruitment Approach
  • Positive Outcomes for All
  • Lasting Impact for Employers
Read Full Story
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Resources

Explore these key resources to help you create an inclusive workplace and meet your responsibilities as an employer.

Accessibility

View All Resources

An Introduction to the DWP Disability Confident Employer Scheme

To help Employers recruit, retain and develop disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.

Download

An Intro to Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a simple idea: People's brains don’t all work the same way - and that’s normal.

Download

5 Easy Steps to Remove Barriers for Neurodivergent Employees

A practical guide to supporting neurodivergent employees through clear communication, sensory-friendly spaces, flexible working, inclusive recruitment and better team awareness.

Download

5 Easy Steps to Ensure Your Website Passes Accessibility Checks

A straightforward checklist covering colour contrast, alt text, keyboard navigation, captions and accessibility testing to help make websites more inclusive and WCAG-compliant.

Download

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

View All Resources

Careers Hub Inclusive Employment 

Created by the Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Careers Hub Cornerstone Employer Group. This resource brings together the expertise of large employers to support smaller businesses to become more inclusive.  

Find Practical Guidance

Disability Confident Scheme

Learn how to employ disabled people with confidence and understand how the Disability Confident employer scheme can support your business. 

Get more information

Access to Work

Government support to help cover the cost of workplace adjustments for employees with disabilities or health conditions

Get more information

Equality Act 2010

Understand your legal responsibilities around equality and inclusion in the workplace

Find gov.uk guidance

Collaborating under the Get Britain Working Strategy to deliver supported employment services.

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