Apt - Making it Work final report

Part One - Executive Summary

The Apt Making It Work project was delivered by the Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE) and funded by the Scottish Government to improve retention in employment for people at risk of economic inactivity, particularly disabled people and those with long‑term health conditions. Apt is the brand name of the projects SUSE carries out with employers to build their capacity to create more inclusive, accessible and supportive workplaces. Apt was originally developed in the Disability Employment Gap Public Social Partnership^[1] led by SUSE between 2020-24.

Working in partnership with private and voluntary sector employers, delivery partners and the SUSE Experience Network this project explored four key workstreams: Equitable Induction and In‑Work Support; Positive Workplace Conversations; Digital Access Reviews and Action Planning, and Improving Workplace Consultations. These workstreams were used to test practical approaches, generate learning and develop employer‑focused guides: Resources | Apt Scotland | Disability Employment Gap PSP

Despite a compressed delivery timeframe, the project achieved positive outcomes. Employers reported increased confidence in recruiting, supporting and retaining disabled staff, with Quality Assurance data showing an average improvement of over 2 points (on a 10 point scale) across key inclusion measures. Strong gains were seen in employers’ confidence in inclusive recruitment practices, digital accessibility awareness and supporting disabled employees at work.

The project demonstrated that employers are willing to make meaningful changes when support is practical, proportionate and clearly relevant to their business. Practical tools such as induction checklists, wellbeing passports, conversation frameworks and digital accessibility guidance were particularly well received. Lived experience involvement strengthened the relevance and credibility of all project activity.

However, the project also highlighted ongoing challenges. Employer recruitment takes time, and shorter engagement periods limit the ability to embed change and measure long‑term impact. Employers vary widely in readiness, capacity and confidence, and areas such as workplace consultation require longer‑term support to be fully realised.

Overall, Making It Work shows that sustained employer engagement, sufficient delivery timescales and practical, lived‑experience‑led resources are critical to achieving lasting change. The four employer guides produced through the project can provide a strong foundation for future capacity‑building work and wider adoption across Scotland.