Work and Health Pioneer
No longer taking new referrals, Local London Work and Health Programme (WHP) Pioneer, continues to provide support to help people get into work quickly, whether they are receiving benefits or not.
WHP Pioneer was launched on 13 September 2023 as part of Universal Support. This £53 million Government-funded support was designed to provide specialist employment support for people in Wales, London and Southern Region who are looking for work.
Jobcentre Plus and Maximus UK (contracted to deliver this support on behalf of Local London) referred people who were eligible from across our nine boroughs onto WHP Pioneer.
Although no longer taking new referrals we are working with our partners at Maximus UK to ensure people on WHP Pioneer get the best support possible to help them find work.
26,000
part of our employment support portfolio that has helped over 26,000 people
£53m
part of £53million Government investment
Who is Pioneer for?
Work and Health Pioneer was designed to help people who wanted to find work but were not currently being assisted by work coaches. Those who were eligible were referred onto Work and Health Programme Pioneer by Jobcentre Plus or Maximus UK - our delivery partner.
The support was available to people who were eligible from across all nine of our London boroughs.
People on WHP Pioneer were allocated an employment advisor who worked closely with them on their journey into employment. Through the programme, people looking for work were introduced to suitable employers based on their preferences, strengths and any lessons learned from previous work experience, to ensure they found a job that was right for them.
What support do people get through Pioneer?
People on Pioneer receive individualised support to address their barriers to employment and wrap-around in-work support to sustain their employment, which may include debt advice, travel funds, housing advice and frequent engagement with their employer.
How is WHP Pioneer different?
This is different to traditional employment support, as it aims to get participants into suitable employment at the earliest opportunity and is then followed up by highly personalised support to overcome challenges as they arise, rather than having to train before being allowed to start employment.
The Work and Health Programme - Pioneer is funded by The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
