This project is testing the effectiveness of Individual Placement and Support (IPS), an evidence-based employment model, for people experiencing homelessness. IPS focuses on helping people find work quickly, alongside ongoing personalised support from an Employment Specialist. While IPS has shown strong results for people experiencing severe mental health conditions and people using alcohol and other drugs, less is known about its impact in homelessness services. This trial adapts IPS for this context and evaluates whether it can improve employment outcomes, housing stability, and wider wellbeing. 

How the trial works

This trial delivers IPS through homelessness services, providing tailored employment support integrated with wider support needs. The evaluation comprises three components: 

1. an impact evaluation (Randomised Control Trial)
2. an implementation and process evaluation (IPE) 
3. an economic evaluation (cost consequence analysis). 

The primary outcome being measured is whether participants move into competitive employment.

IFF Research is evaluating the impact of the trial. You can read a blog from IFF’s Senior Research Executive, Laura Dunbar, about the learnings so far. 

Why this trial matters

People experiencing homelessness face significant barriers to employment, and existing services do not always lead to long-term job outcomes. This trial explores whether a well-evidenced model can be adapted to address this gap. The findings will strengthen the evidence base and inform how homelessness and employment services can work together to support a core route out of homelessness. 

Sarah shares her story of finding work and moving out of homelessness after working with her Employment Specialist, Matt. 

Project status

Recruitment to the trial has now closed with around 500 people being referred to the service. Participants will remain in the service for up to18-months with outcomes measured at 6 and 12 months after the baseline surveys, as well as linking to HMRC data at 12 and 18 months post randomisation.

We expect to have the results of the trial in late 2027.

Sign-up here to keep up to date with this project.