Quest Supported Employment Agency was established in 1991 after a research visit to Chicago, financed by pioneering core funding from South Glamorgan County Council’s social services department.
Supported employment agencies operate within the mainstream employment market. They support people with disabilities who seek paid employment and at the same time supporting potential employers and their existing employees to adopt and adapt practices to integrate clients with disabilities into their workforce on equal terms.
At the core of the agency’s service provision is its recognition of the continual need to challenge and improve best working practices. For example, great importance is placed on evaluating the success of each client’s vocational profile as a key assessment tool. As part of this process, individual client ownership is encouraged via self-analysis of skills and work experience
Quest is at the heart of new development, currently providing the secretariat for Wales ASEA (Association of Supported Employment Agencies), which meets to share specialist knowledge and best practice, voice service development needs and co-ordinate feedback on consultations and new legislation.
Contact Quest Employment Agency
Tel: 029 2037 3305
Manager: Lesley Mayes
The Quest Model
This model has at its heart the notion that anyone can be employed if they want paid employment and enough support is provided. The model is a flexible and continuous process, designed to meet all anticipated needs.
Quest’s work programme has developed with funding from the social services departments of Cardiff County Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Borough Council as well as grants from the European Social Fund. The Quest team have successfully diversified and developed its funding base via new funding streams from Jobcentre Plus and the Work Preparation programme and working in partnership with Vision 21.
Quest operates an open door service in the heart of Canton and works hand in hand with Innovate Trust which has 30 years experience supporting people with learning difficulties. One measure of Quest’s success is the 300+ jobs it has found and the 80+ clients currently supported in work via its team of employment and training advisers. Support methods utilised to assist each individual client’s development can range from hands-on support on-site and breaking down tasks to assist learning, through to monitoring progress by telephone.