Framework colleagues share employability learning at national conference 

Jess Smith (Research and Evaluation Manager), Rachel Gibbs (Employability Implementation Coordinator) and Richard Oskwarek (Operations Manager) recently led a workshop at Homeless Link’s All Under One Roof conference. It focused on how employability can be embedded within supported accommodation services.

Using insights from our It Pays to Work project, they explored how building staff skills and confidence can increase engagement with employability, including support around work, training and education, volunteering, and meaningful occupation. Jess, Rachel and Richard encouraged attendees to think about how relationships underpin “work readiness”, and the important role they play in bringing employability into everyday conversations about recovery.

There was positive engagement from participants, with open discussion around common challenges such as financial risk and concerns about benefits, alongside sharing tools and real-life examples from services.

Jess Smith, Research and Evaluation Manager at Framework said:

“We believe in empowering people through work, lifelong learning, and skills development. Employability is not always prioritised in homelessness and SMD (Severe and Multiple Disadvantages) policy and provision.

“It Pays to Work is our practical response to this. It involves supporting staff in our housing-related services to feel more confident and equipped when it comes to employability. It’s early days, but we’re already seeing positive impacts in terms of staff learning and engagement, and positive outcomes for people who use our services.”

Richard Oskwarek, Operations Manager of Employment and Skills, said:

“There remains a stigma and mindset that people accessing Framework or similar services cannot, or do not wish to work. This simply is not true. Every individual – regardless of background or support needs – should have the opportunity to explore and access meaningful employment.

“Employment is, above all, a matter of personal choice. It should never be decided by others or limited by assumptions. What matters is that when someone chooses to explore the possibility of work, we are ready to support them – offering realistic opportunities, clear benefit advice, and specialist wrap-around support.

“The impact of employment goes far beyond financial independence. It can be a turning point in recovery, a source of confidence, and a pathway to resettlement. Work provides structure, purpose, and a renewed sense of identity – helping individuals to rebuild their lives and look forward with hope.”

The conversation comes at an important time. Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show that just over one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training, underlining the scale of the challenge and the need for effective, person-centred support.

While much of the national focus is on young people, Framework’s approach recognises that barriers to employment can affect people at any stage of life, particularly those with experience of homelessness or multiple disadvantages.

We’re proud of Jess, Rachel and Richard for representing Framework on a national stage and sharing their experiences with colleagues from across the sector.

Visit our research section to learn more about Framework’s wider work.