15 Sep 2026 | Posted by Mike Underwood

Community Learning in Partnership (Clip), part of Acis Group, has secured nearly £4 million of funding to deliver a major supported employment programme across Lincolnshire. 

Clip will lead a consortium of providers to deliver Connect to Work, a free programme funded by the UK Government and run by Lincolnshire County Council that is tailored to individuals. 

Every participant gets a dedicated Employment Specialist who gets to know them properly, adapting support to their specific health needs, confidence levels, caring responsibilities, travel situations, skills, and works to find employment that fits their lives.  

The programme is designed for people who face barriers to finding or staying in work including: 

  • A health condition or disability affecting someone’s ability to work 

  • Caring responsibilities or experience of the care system 

  • Experiences of homelessness, domestic abuse or other significant challenges 

  • Experiences within the criminal justice system 

  • Others facing potential barriers to finding or keeping a job, including veterans and those recovering from substance dependency 

Clip’s share of the contract aims to support more than 900 people over the next three years to overcome barriers to work and build long-term independence. 

It will be delivered by Clip, Riverside Training, Abbey Access Training, Lincolnshire Action Trust, Green Synergy, YMCA Lincolnshire, Lincoln City Foundation, First College, Development Plus and Pelican Trust. 

Claire Woodward, Director of Community Investment at Acis Group, said: “Connect To Work is a perfect fit for our unique range of education, wellbeing and employability services and we’re delighted to have led a consortium of providers who will deliver this valuable service. 

“Bringing together our partnership has meant we have a wealth of experience and expertise to support people who need our help the most in our county. We will not only support them to find work, but to thrive in jobs for the long term. 

“We know there are many barriers to work for so many people and we’re here to help them find solutions and, more importantly, find jobs that can help them flourish.” 

Lincolnshire County Council was allocated £23.4m from the UK Government to deliver Connect to Work and support people to overcome barriers to employment. 

Cllr Paul Lock, executive councillor for economy and investment, said: “Connect to Work is a fantastic opportunity for people who want support to find a job, progress in their career, or overcome barriers to employment. 

“It provides that guidance and practical assistance to build confidence and, recognising the everyone’s circumstances are different, the programme offers personalised support tailored to each individual. 

“Employment can improve financial security, wellbeing and independence, and I would encourage anyone who feels that they could benefit from this support to find out more and get involved.”  

You can come and meet the team and find out more about how Connect to Work could help you at a series of upcoming events. 

These will showcase the range of local opportunities available, including employment, training and specialist support services, while providing further information about how Connect to Work works and how residents can access personalised support. 

The events are: 

  • Grow Your Skills – The Source, Sleaford 
    Thursday 16 September, 10am - 12.30pm 

  • Job Expo – The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe 
    Wednesday 30 September, 10am – 4pm  

  • Gainsborough Careers and Training Fayre – Riverside Room, Bridge Street, Gainsborough 
    Wednesday 7 October, 10am-2pm 

  • Young People's Wellbeing Event – Alive Church, Newland, Lincoln 
    Thursday 15 October, 10am-1pm 

  • Grow Your Skills – Sudbrooke Drive Community Centre, Lincoln  
    Wednesday 22 October, 10am-12.30pm 

Interested individuals can sign up to the programme directly, or referrals can be made on someone’s behalf with their consent. 

For more information about Greater Lincolnshire’s Connect to Work programme visit: https://2aspire.org.uk/connect-to-work 

You can also email info@cliplearning.com for more information, drop into one of our offices or give us a call on 01427 677277. 

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