Leeds SEND Employment Forum

As part of the Inclusive Growth Leeds programme, the Employment & Skills Service organised a launch event for the launch of the Leeds SEND Employment Forum.

The launch celebration took place on Tuesday 17th October at Leeds City Museum.

Leeds SEND Employment Forum supports pathways into employment for people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The statistics for adults with a learning disability and autism known to adult social care, have remained consistently low across the country in recent years. 

The latest figures published in October 2022 show the employment rate for people with a learning disability has fallen to just 4.8%.

The new forum will bring together a wide range of organisations who can offer their time, knowledge and expertise to help improve employment opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. This includes:

• Parents and carers 
• Education support services
• Health and social care
• Schools
• Colleges, training providers and other supported internship providers
• Local voluntary and community sector organisations
• Employers 
• Young people

Just over 100 people attended to listen to speakers providing information on supported internships and on employment opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Following the launch, an action plan will be developed and members will be invited to contribute their ideas and resources.