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A workshop by Kelly Dillon - Pilot Project - Newly Implemented - frameworks are valuable, but practicalities differ from the Australian Market. EQUALex: Modern Work Experience EQUALex  is a contemporary approach to work experience that reimagines how young people — especially those with disabilities or barriers to employment — gain exposure to real workplaces. Traditionally work experience often relies on a one-week placement with limited context, minimal support, and varying

A Reflection on Personalisation, Readiness, and Regional Realities Supported Employment has always been built on a radical idea: people can—and do—become ready for work on the job , not before it. This is why the model has always prioritised real workplaces, real expectations, real routines, and real support. It is deeply personal, deeply human, and grounded in individual capability rather than systems-driven assumptions. But with the rollout of Connect to Work , a nationalis

At the BASE Conference, Project Nemo’s guest speaker Kris Foster  delivered more than a keynote—he delivered a blueprint for reimagining financial independence for people with disabilities. His message connected deeply with Social Role Valorisation (SRV) principles: valued roles, autonomy, dignity of risk, and the right to direct one’s own life . What emerged through the stories, research, and lived experience shared in the room was a powerful reminder: personal finance is th

A recent visit to Preston offered unique and valuable insights as we engaged with Lancashire County Hall, which has been allocated £23 million for local distribution within the Lancashire area. We also met with an employment specialist overseeing three teams of job coaches in Lancashire, focusing on assisting individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we consulted with a newly appointed Employment Engagement Expert. Nicola from the council shared information on the guidelin

Today we had the privilege of meeting David Stenning , a key figure in the supported employment landscape across the UK and Europe. David manages an employment organisation in Kent and Medway and sits on the board of BASE  (the British Association for Supported Employment). He also represents the UK in ACE Europe , playing a central role in discussions around implementing the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)  across the continent. What struck us most was David’s

Discussing all things supported internships and the success for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in bridging the gap for people with disabilities from school to work. Supported Internships in the UK work with school-aged students to be able to enter the workforce on an internship basis based on their Vocational Profiles. They are designed so that students can finish their schooling within a workplace. They have access to job coaches that support both the ac

Today, we welcomed a new (and very iconic) member to our team — Paddington Bear. Yes, that Paddington: the small bear from “deepest, darkest Peru” who arrived in London with little more than a suitcase, a hat, and a hopeful heart. A bear known for kindness, empathy, and the simple belief that people can be good if you give them the chance. As we begin our Supported Employment Study Tour across London, Paddington will be travelling with us as a gentle reminder of what this wor

Visiting Dover BeChange: Connection Through Doing Today we visited Dover BeChange, where we spent time with the Camerados Public Living Room and the local Men’s Shed. What immediately stood out was how much structure and rhythm the centre has- each day is dedicated to different activities, creating a sense of routine and belonging for the people who attend. One thing we noticed again and again was the power of activity-led connection. Even if people don’t join in every time,

Our visit to Pure Coffee with Neryssa Charman  and Daniella Sidderley  offered far more than a café stop — it became a window into how Supported Employment is lived, adapted, and shaped by local realities in Manchester. Pure Coffee itself is staffed by people who have completed Supported Employment pathways, creating a warm and bustling environment where community meets inclusion. The 50/50 mix of disabled and non-disabled staff was visible not because it was highlighted, but

A blog by Amy Sandiford Laura Davis is the CEO of the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE), and one of the strongest voices advancing inclusive employment across the UK. Her leadership is grounded in a clear and unwavering mission: remove barriers, uphold model fidelity, and build pathways so disabled, neurodivergent and disadvantaged people can access meaningful, sustainable, and dignified work. With a background spanning employer partnerships, operational lea

Travelling across the UK to visit BASE (British Association for Supported Employment) members, local councils, social enterprises, families, and individuals with disabilities gave me a rare, 360-degree view of disability employment — its strengths, its tensions, and its evolving direction. From grassroots voices to employer partnerships, from national frameworks to regional challenges, the visit left me with a deeper understanding of what truly sustains employment for people

BASE Conference 2025 – Day One Reflections: A Turning Point for Inclusive Employment Today’s opening session at the BASE 2025 Conference set a powerful tone for the future of disability inclusion across the UK workforce. The morning brought together government leaders, innovators, and advocates whose stories reminded us that inclusive employment is not just policy—it is people, relationships, and community. A Government Vision for Change: Keynote from Julia Gould Julia Gould