Inclusive Employment Scheme
The Scheme has provided tailored placements for over 90 individuals across a variety of roles campus-wide.
Queen’s Inclusive Employment Scheme provides an opportunity for individuals who have been unable to get work or have had to leave work due to disability to develop their skills and gain invaluable work experience through placements within the University to support them to move closer to, or into, paid employment.
Queen's Inclusive Employment Scheme was launched by the then Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Stephen Farry on 29 May 2014.
The Scheme is delivered in partnership with the Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment (NIUSE) and provides individuals with disabilities or long-term conditions the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through placements within the University. The placements help participants develop their skills, build confidence, and improve their employability, with the ultimate goal of helping them move closer to or into paid employment.
The Scheme has been identified as an example of best practice by the Department for Communities and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
Queen’s staff have worked closely alongside organisations such as Disability Action, The Cedar Foundation, Ulster supported Employment Limited (USEL), Action Mental Health, Orchardville, The NOW group, Mencap and Stepping Stones which provide invaluable help and support throughout the process.
Participants, host departments, and partner organisations of the Inclusive Employment Scheme recently came together for a special catch-up event in the Graduate School on 25 March. The event offered an opportunity to reconnect, reflect on the Scheme’s progress, and hear directly from participants about its lasting and meaningful impact. Read more and view the event in pictures here.
Spotlighting our Placement Students
Spotlighting our Placement Students
Read more about Alex’s experience
"This placement has given me the chance to develop new skills, gain confidence in a professional setting, and work within a supportive team".
Read Alex's experience here
Spotlighting our Placement Students
Read more about Leah's experience
"I've gained not only more IT skills but also an improved sense of coding, work planning and direction while working".
Read Leah's experience hereInclusive Employment Scheme Feedback
"I have been a participant in the Inclusive Employment Scheme and received a warm welcome and support from all staff in the Digital and Information Services Directorate Office at Queens. I have gained experience in dealing with telephone enquiries, have been able to develop my computer skills and have enjoyed feeling part of a team. It has been a very positive experience and has built my confidence in my ability to re-enter the workforce. Thank you so much." Elaine Hayes
Placement in Digital & Information Services
The pen picture allowed participants to sell themselves. Flexibility, good communication, and support from QUB. Leeann Green
Liz Palmer Cedar Foundation
“…. a great example of partnership working between a government body, the local disability sector and a major employer, who in this instance, just happen to be one of our most prestigious education establishments … the staff at Queen’s, through the HR team and the respective schools throughout the University, have provided the opportunities and in-work support that will really enhance the employment prospects of many disabled people – and for that, we are all very grateful.” Terry Park
Head of Disability Employment Services, DfC
An opportunity for students to get experience and widening my own horizons. Gabrielle Smyth
Queen’s Film Theatre
“The application process was easy and straightforward. The departments really thought about the work that ties in with the placement’s skills and interest. A good safe place that helped build confidence”. Julie Stuart
Support Worker Disability Action
“The level of support was well structured and flexible, help was available if needed” Sonia Erwin
Support Worker Action Mental Health
“The placement was a great asset to the team and communication was excellent with the scheme” Glenn Patterson
Host QUB Union Shop
For further insight into the Inclusive Employment Scheme, please click on the testimonies provided by previous scheme participants Richard Collis, Daniela Tatarkova, Jamie Davison, Suzie Leech and Peter McCullough.
More Information / Get Involved
Contact Leeann Matchett
Information for QUB Hosts
Staff Intranet