Addressing key barriers to employment has been a central focus of Paul Ramsay Foundation's (PRF's) work. This report presents key findings of a review into the PRF employment portfolio. The findings reinforce the importance of collaboration, evidence and lived experience in driving meaningful change. 

The findings reaffirm that for those furthest from the labour market, barriers to employment extend beyond those relating to skills or job readiness. Challenges such as health, housing and social connection can play a significant role in determining employment outcomes. The report identifies seven key enablers for influencing systems and policy change.

Key findings

• The investments have created 1,900 jobs and other benefits for people furthest from the labour market.
• There are six common characteristics of effective models of employment support.
• There were five lessons learned about ‘best practice’ when it comes to bolstering the financial health of impactful work integrated social enterprises (WISEs).
• Co-design, training and coaching, and partnering with trusted brokers works to shift employer practices around inclusive hiring.