Employment Related Services Association

Who we are

Employment Related Services Association

Who we are

The Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) is the representative body for the employment support sector.  Established in 2005, it exists to help its members achieve their shared goal: to help people gain sustainable employment and to progress in work. 

Who we represent

ERSA represents organisations that deliver, or have an interest in the delivery, of employment related services. The scope of its reach includes skills provision, self-employment, offender related services, youth employment services, welfare reform and disability-related issues, as well as the design and delivery of employment programmes.

Its membership spans the private, voluntary and public sectors and it is this diversity that gives ERSA the authority to speak on behalf of the entire related services sector.  ERSA’s members range from multi-nationals through to small specialist charities operating in their local communities and include housing associations and local authorities.  ERSA has over 200 members in total, two thirds of which are not for profit. 

What we do

ERSA's objectives are simple. They are to:

• Be the representative voice for the entire employment related services sector
• Improve standards for the benefit of all jobseekers; and
• Ensure a fair and effective market for the commissioning and delivery of employment services.

As part of this, ERSA undertakes research into good practice, campaigns for policy changes that will help both the sector and jobseekers and supports a range of initiatives aimed at driving up standards of delivery.  This includes the set up of the Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) which is a sister body to ERSA. 

Where we operate

ERSA is a UK-wide organisation.  In addition to being strong in Westminster, ERSA operates a strong Scottish Network and has relationships in Wales and Northern Ireland. It is also developing regional networks in England, the first of which is the Greater Manchester network, run in partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.  ERSA events and forums take place throughout the UK. 

ERSA services

ERSA provides a wide range of services for members, including regular information bulletins and a wide range of specialist forums and events. If you deliver employment services or are interested in providing services to those who do that delivery, ERSA membership might be for you.