Norway has scaled Individual Placement and Support (IPS) from four pilot sites to near-national coverage over the past decade. Preliminary register-based analyses suggest population-level employment gains in municipalities implementing IPS, though these appear concentrated in earlier cohorts. Separate preliminary register-based analyses further indicate that employment participation among people with schizophrenia has changed little despite this investment. As IPS in Norway is administered by NAV as a labour market measure, we invite participants to discuss what health services can proactively contribute to improve reach among people with severe mental illness, and what other countries aiming to scale IPS equitably might learn from Norway’s experience.

In this workshop we will first focus on the experiences from the UK regarding the implementation of online zoom courses for IPS training and experiences of delivering employer engagement in a stepped approach online and in person. Based on the lessons learned from the UK we will discuss experiences and lessons learned of IPS training and employer engagement in your own IPS practice.

IPS has a strong evidence base demonstrating superiority over standard supported employment through randomized controlled trials (RCTs). For broader research about the effectiveness of IPS, it is not always possible or desirable to run a RCT. However, there are analytical approaches that can generate high quality evidence that can be utilised without the downsides of a RCT.  One of these approaches is propensity score matching (PSM), an experimental statistical approach that enables the creation of a synthetic control group to enable comparisons. In this workshop we will further elaborate on this approach and the lessons learned from the UK. While this workshop explores complex analytical approaches, it is suitable for attendees from all professional regardless of their level of analytical knowledge, and they are encouraged to provide their input as well in this workshop.

This interactive workshop explores how fidelity assessments can support the development and improvement of IPS services. Using the Czech IPS implementation experience as a starting point, participants will reflect on common fidelity challenges across different contexts, share good practices, and discuss how quality can be strengthened over time. Through group discussions focused on different fidelity areas, participants will exchange practical experiences and ideas for improving IPS implementation in different areas.

The IPS-model stems from the US and a western culture which idealizes independency and career achievements. However, many of the persons receiving IPS-support have their background in cultures with other values, like stronger focus on family and the collective and less focus on the individual. In this workshop we will focus on the subject of IPS and cultural diversity through a focus on preliminary results of a qualitative research about this subjects and discussion groups about how to make IPS more culturally-sensitive.

How can we better support people who want to work but whose needs go beyond mental health problems alone? IPS is the most evidence-based and uniformly applied approach, but due to its main focus on people with mental health problems, it is not reachable for all target groups in need for support towards work. In this workshop, we will introduce a new employment support approach based on the effective principles of Supported Employment and Individual Placement and Support (IPS), developed for people with complex support needs for whom IPS is not available. Participants will gain insight into the key elements of the approach, see how it can be applied in practice, and exchange experiences on current practices and what is needed to better support people with complex support needs. The workshop aims to inspire participants to tailor employment support and enable more people with complex support needs to experience the benefits of competitive employment.

In this workshop the facilitators will present about the Connect to Work (CtW) programme. This is a large scale programme which is broadening out evidence based Supported Employment interventions to a much wider group, many of whom will not have strong relationships with healthcare providers. Through this workshop we share examples of other integration pathways outside of traditional IPS Community Mental Health Teams and explore how best to support broader cohorts within the IPS Supported Employment framework.

The well-being of IPS specialists is not only a workforce issue: it is a key condition for the quality and sustainability of IPS pathways. This interactive workshop will briefly introduce research findings on well-being, professional competencies, and organizational support. Participants will then work in small groups to share experiences, identify barriers, and develop practical solutions. Together, we will explore how better supporting IPS specialists can strengthen both their professional practice and the outcomes of the people they support.

Discover how Norway and the Netherlands are using self-evaluation to strengthen IPS fidelity. Learn about the experiences, successes, and challenges of both countries, and explore the similarities and differences in their approaches. Gain practical insights from real-world implementation and join the discussion on the future of fidelity measurement in Europe. An interactive workshop for everyone interested in IPS fidelity, quality improvement and learning.

Stigma related to mental health remains a significant barrier to employment. For individuals with mental health problems, the question of whether to disclose their condition in the workplace is a profound and complex decision. IPS professionals are uniquely positioned to support their clients through this decision, but how can this be done effectively and in a structured way? 

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to CORAL (Conceal or Reveal), an evidence-based decision aid designed to help people with mental health conditions make an informed choice about disclosure in the workplace. Participants of this workshop will gain insight into the impact of stigma on employment and learn how to use CORAL in practice to help clients make informed choices about disclosure.

In this interactive workshop, the facilitators will demonstrate how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) can be effectively combined to support people with mental health challenges in finding and maintaining meaningful, sustainable employment. The workshop focuses on working from personal values and shows how ACT helps clients take steps toward work despite stress, uncertainty, and unhelpful thoughts. Participants will explore how ACT can strengthen IPS trajectories through practical examples, an experiential exercise on ACT in relation to work, case discussions, and concrete tools for professionals. The session highlights how psychological flexibility can enhance motivation, resilience, and long-term employment outcomes. This workshop is particularly relevant for professionals in mental health care, vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, recovery support, and social services who support clients in achieving sustainable and meaningful work.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) can impair neurological, physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional functions, which has major consequences for daily life.  People who live with the consequences of their ABI experience not being able to work as one of the most difficult changes. Recent applied research shows that IPS can be helpful in improving the employment outcomes after ABI. In this workshop we share the research results, including a few challenges with respect to the IPS-framework and ABI-specific tips for employment support. Together we will discuss the potential for wider application of IPS among people with ABI.

In this interactive workshop, we will explore the opportunities and challenges of supporting people with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) within Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services. Through practical examples and experiential activities, you will gain insight into the barriers that may arise in employment support and the strategies that can help individuals succeed.

We will discuss how IPS trajectories for people with MID differ from standard IPS services, when to involve specialized MID expertise, and how to navigate the interaction between mild intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. By the end of the workshop, you will have practical tools to recognize key indicators and tailor your support to better meet the needs of this population.

Join GGZ Delfland for an interactive workshop exploring how Virtual Reality (VR) can enhance Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services.

Discover inspiring real-life examples of how VR helps strengthen candidates' recovery, confidence, and readiness for work.

Through practical insights, shared experiences, and hands-on VR demonstrations, you'll experience the potential of this innovative approach firsthand. Leave the session with fresh ideas, practical tools, and inspiration to bring VR into your own IPS practice.

How can we make Individual Placement and Support (IPS) more accessible without compromising quality? In this interactive workshop, discover E-IPS: an innovative, digital platform that combines face-to-face guidance with engaging digital support for people with mental health challenges. We will share our vision, demonstrate the platform, and discuss the key choices we made to preserve IPS fidelity while embracing hybrid support. You will leave with practical insights, inspiration, and concrete ideas for integrating digital innovation into your own IPS practice. Join us to explore how hybrid IPS can help expand access, empower clients, and shape the future of IPS together.

Join this interactive workshop and gain a practical insight into how an IPS group is implemented within Mondriaan’s daily practice. Learn about the structure and content of the IPS module, explore real-life experiences, and discover how participants are supported in their journey towards meaningful employment. Through concrete examples and practical tips, you will gain valuable inspiration for your own work. Whether you are new to IPS or looking to deepen your knowledge, this workshop offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective.

Clients encounter a great deal of stigma during treatment and in society. Naturally, this comes up in an IPS trajectory. In this workshop, you will learn about the various times clients encounter stigma and how it can be overcome. We will focus on stigma regarding participation in the trajectory, self-stigma in relation to being able to participate, stigma from the professional, loved ones, and during job applications and in the workplace. We will show tools on how to overcome this, but personal experiences will also be shared regarding which questions have been helpful and which have not in overcoming stigma.

This workshop is designed for both IPS practitioners and professionals involved in training IPS practitioners. We will take a step further than the basic IPS competencies, and participants will explore how three core values: patience, persistence and acceptance of barriers can lead to sustainable employment.  Through reflection and dialogue, participants will discuss how to work in resonance with each IPS candidate's individual situation, needs, and recovery journey. Together, we will share experiences and identify practical approaches to strengthen person-centered and high-fidelity IPS practice.