Local authority social services are increasingly working with other public services at a local level to help people move (back) into working life. Working together, these services are better able to support users with information about benefits, rehabilitation, training, counselling, community work and job opportunities from a single access point. These new forms of inter-service coordination and integration require careful management during the process of transformation and beyond so that professionals from different backgrounds can work together effectively.

Social services are at the cross-roads of social exclusion and activation. Their mission is to protect and empower the most vulnerable in our society. Many people will be able to achieve their full potential through employment given appropriate support. Others will need alternative opportunities to play a fulfilling role in the community.

In the area of active inclusion, managers of local public services, work together to help shape services which are capable of responding to the full range of people’s individual needs.