SUSE Annual Conference

Making It Work – Excellence in Supported Employment Practice.

This year’s theme focused on how we transform knowledge into real-world results, driving meaningful change for individuals and employers alike.

The conference continues to be a key moment in the year for sharing learning, strengthening connections and celebrating the impact of Supported Employment in creating inclusive workplaces and life‑changing opportunities.

Inspired by our combined commitment to driving quality and innovation in practice, the day provided a valuable space to reflect on what works, what needs to improve, and how we collectively move forward.

The Conference Report is now available to view either online or download as a text only version:

SUSE Annual Conference Report 2026

Alternatively, to view a text only version in Word please select the file below:

Key topics explored included:

Evidence-Based Practice in Supported Employment

• How data and research can shape better outcomes.

Employer Engagement & Inclusive Recruitment

• Practical strategies for building strong employer partnerships.

Technology & Innovation in Supported Employment

• Leveraging digital tools and AI to enhance job matching and coaching.

• Accessibility in the workplace: Tech solutions that make a difference.

Skills Development & Training

• Preparing job seekers for future work trends.

• Upskilling key workers and employment specialists for excellence.

Turning Insight into Impact

• How to translate research and feedback into actionable strategies.

This year’s event was an opportunity to network with peers, influence policy and gain tools to future-proof your practice – all while celebrating excellence and sharing success stories that inspire action.

Here’s more about the Conference Day…

Agenda:

Keynote Speakers

Chirsty McFadyen, Knowledge Exchange Associate, Fraser of Allander Institute

Chirsty presented an update on The Fraser of Allander Institute’s latest programme of research related to people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties and developmental disorders titled Leading Good Lives – Achieving Fulfilment, Independence and Inclusion. This third programme of work funded by Acorns to Trees covers employability, social security, and evaluation of a new inclusive employment programme.’

Anna Ritchie Allan, Executive Director, Close the Gap
Excluded by Design: Research on disabled women’s employment in Scotland.

Disabled women’s experiences of the labour market represent one of the most pressing yet overlooked inequalities in Scotland today. While the challenges faced by women and disabled people in work are increasingly recognised in policymaking, the unique experiences of disabled women at the intersection of gender and disability remain largely invisible. Excluded by Design marks a significant milestone; it is the first research of its kind to provide a Scotland-specific evidence base on disabled women’s employment experiences.

Dr Joanna Butler and Kathryn Andrew, University of Strathclyde
Organisational Justice in Practice: Implications for Disabled Employees

Organisational justice – how fairness is experienced in workplace decisions, processes, and interactions – is vital for disabled employees. The session highlighted how transparent policies, equitable opportunities, and respectful communication shape engagement, performance, and retention, while embedding justice supports inclusion, reduces discrimination risk, and strengthens organisational credibility. Attendees gained practical insight into treating justice as a strategic capability rather than a compliance exercise.

David Long, Department of Works and Pensions
Keep Britain Working Review

The Keep Britain Working review was commissioned by the UK Government into managing health and disability in the workplace. David worked in Sir Charlie Mayfield’s team to explore how people can be better supported to stay in work, rather than become economically inactive because of a long term condition or disability. He talked about the review, its findings and the recommendations to the UK Government. David will discuss the recruitment of Vanguard Employers and how organisations can get involved.

Afternoon Plenary:

Kelly Forrest, Values Into Action Scotland
Changing Lives Through Quality: Why Supported Employment Matters and What Excellence Really Means

Panel Discussion

Tomorrow’s Jobs: What will the labour market look like by 2030, what do we need to prepare for?

Our panellists shared their views and ideas on how the labour market will change in the years ahead with greater automation and AI, and we’ll reflect on what this means for the services we deliver.

• What type of employment opportunities will increase or decrease.
• How can we prepare our clients to achieve sustained employment as the labour market changes?
• Are our staff teams ready to face the challenge?

Panel Members:

• Grant Thoms, Head of Engagement for ASH Scotland (Panel Chair)
• Brian O’Reilly, founder of EGG Lighting
• Derek McCamley, Head of Business Support Services at Scottish Enterprise
• Iain Duff, one of the Bank of England’s Agents for Scotland

Workshops

Thank you to our workshop hosts:

• Springfield Group and Balfour Beatty
• GCVS
• Policy Connect
• Outshine Telephone Training & Resources
• MyEmploy
• Into Work and Values Into Action
• Alliance for Inclusion and Changing the Chemistry
• Cole AD
• North Lanarkshire Council’s Supported Enterprise Service

Topics ranged from effective employer engagement, the latest on employment law and what practitioners need to know, to practical tools to support your service.

New for 2026! 
Our workshop panel conversation focused on Navigating Careers in Construction. This panel discussion brought together employers and industry representatives who provided front line insights to help you better guide jobseekers into sustainable, meaningful careers in construction.

Our range of workshops were designed to inspire, challenge and equip you with new skills and perspectives.

Workshop Sponsors

Partners & Sponsors

As a charity we rely on funding and sponsorship to deliver high quality learning and networking that drive change, to make our events as accessible as possible and provide complimentary tickets to our Experience Network, ensuring that lived experience voices are part of the Conference. The support of our partners and sponsors helps us continue this vital work and demonstrates their commitment to workplace inclusion.

If you’re interested in finding out more about becoming a future Partner or Sponsor, visit: Partner and Sponsor.