What ERSA members say

Rob Murdoch, Executive Director, A4E:

"A4e and ERSA (Employment Related Services Association) have been working together since its formation to shape the UK’s welfare to work policy for generations to come. The partnership allows A4e a channel to  share policy ideas and work with like minded individuals and organisations in gaining insight, forming opinions and articulating the most informed response to government proposals.

"ERSA are renowned for offering influential support to organisations in the negotiation of welfare contracts that benefit both the customer and the delivery partner. With over 70% of ERSA members and affiliates being directly involved in front line delivery, this enables organisations like A4e to help shape and mould appropriate delivery models.

"ERSA has also launched its “Shared Promise on Customer Care” which providers of welfare services have all signed up to, with the aim of creating a more joined-up approach to the standards organisations should adopt when providing services to their customers. A4e are delighted by this approach and echo the need for more collaboration when it comes to defining key policy and delivery standards.

Matthew Lester, Director of Operations, Papworth Trust:

"We find that membership of ERSA provides a number of benefits. We get information, particularly about areas of the market where we don’t operate, which would otherwise be hard to get. We also get access to senior civil servants and ministers, either through events ERSA arrange or through the dialogue ERSA has with those people. This means we can express our views and hear theirs, which supports our own lobbying efforts. Lastly there is the opportunity to connect with other people in the sector, which has led to sharing best practice, doing joint work and informing our own development".

Jules Blackwell, Director of Skills, Avanta:

“ERSA offers JHP Employability unrivalled and inclusive access to every aspect of welfare and employment support, from government ministers to specialist providers, we are able to challenge the status quo and keep our finger on the pulse, while joining the collective voice to influence policy and advance our shared customers’ agenda for their direct benefit”.