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Connect to work programme in Greater Essex: evaluation framework and study protocol
Julia Gawronska1,2, Dimitra Mouriki1,3, Hannah Talor1
1Health Determinants Research Collaboration Greater Essex, Essex County Council, Chelmsford, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Public Health
|August 15, 2026
Summary
The Connect to Work programme supports individuals with barriers to employment. This study assesses its first-year impact on job seeking, retention, and preventing job loss to inform future development.
Area of Science:
- Social Determinants of Health
- Employment Support Programs
- Disability and Health Policy
Background:
- Employment is a critical social determinant of health, impacting financial security and overall well-being.
- The Connect to Work (CtW) programme was established to aid individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and other barriers in securing and maintaining employment.
- Launched in England and Wales, the CtW programme aims to support the 'Get Britain Working Again' initiative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the employment-related outcomes of the Connect to Work programme during its initial year of operation in Greater Essex.
- To assess changes in employment status, including job progression, sustained employment, and prevention of job loss.
- To gather evidence that will inform the future delivery and development of employment support programmes for individuals facing barriers.
Main Methods:
- A pre-post single-arm study design utilizing a mixed-methods approach.
- Data collection through online surveys at baseline, 3, and 12 months, qualitative interviews, participant workshops, and an economic evaluation.
- Surveys and interviews explored participants' employment readiness, motivation, barriers, and overall experiences with the programme.
Main Results:
- The study is designed to assess employment-related changes, including progression into work, sustaining employment, and preventing job loss.
- Qualitative data will capture participant and stakeholder experiences, identifying facilitators and barriers to programme engagement.
- An economic evaluation will quantify the programme's value to the local economy.
Conclusions:
- Findings will provide insights into the effectiveness of the Connect to Work programme in its first year.
- The results will contribute to the evidence base for supporting individuals with employment barriers.
- This study aims to inform the ongoing development and refinement of employment support strategies.
