Choosing the Right IEA Provider for Your Business

Embracing inclusive employment unlocks powerful advantages for businesses of all types – but it’s important to nail your strategy from the start. Here is what you need to consider.

What if you could improve recruitment outcomes, reduce turnover risk and access wage subsidies, all at once?

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) gives businesses the tools to do just that.

But choosing the right provider is essential if you want to make inclusive hiring work for your organisation.

If your business is starting to explore inclusive employment, understanding the different types of IEA providers, and what they offer, will help you make an informed decision when the time is right.

What Does an IEA Provider Do?

IEA providers connect employers with jobseekers who have disability and provide practical support to help both parties succeed in the workplace. Their role includes:

• Helping you identify positions that could be a good fit for inclusive hiring
• Matching your business with supported, work-ready candidates
• Offering workplace advice and accessibility recommendations
• Supporting onboarding, training and retention
• Helping you access funding, including wage subsidies
• Providing ongoing post-placement support

A reputable provider doesn't just fill a role. They act as a partner who understands your business needs and helps you build a confident and capable team.

Understanding the Two Types of IEA Providers

There are two types of IEA providers to choose from:

1. All-Cohort Providers

These providers work with people from a broad range of disability backgrounds. They offer more flexibility and are often better suited to businesses with a variety of roles or locations. If you’re not sure who you’re looking to hire yet, or if you want to keep your options open, this may be a good place to start.

2. Specific-Cohort Providers

These providers focus on one group of jobseekers, for example, people with intellectual disability, autistic people, those with First Nations backgrounds or youth. They bring deep knowledge of that particular group and can provide highly targeted support.

What Should Employers Consider?

If you're just starting to explore inclusive hiring, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• What kind of roles might be a good fit?

  You don’t need to redesign your business to hire inclusively. Start by identifying entry-level, high-turnover or task-based roles that could be supported.

• Are you looking for broad support or targeted expertise?

  All-cohort providers offer access to a wide talent pool. Specific-cohort providers may be more focused but offer deep experience with one group.

• How much internal support will your team need?

  If this is your first experience with inclusive recruitment, choose a provider that offers hands-on guidance, not just referrals.

• What kind of support is available after hiring?

  Post-placement coaching and practical problem-solving are key to long-term success. Ask about what's included and how long support continues.

• Do you want to trial inclusive hiring in one area first?

  Many businesses start small, then scale once they see results. Make sure your provider is open to flexible, low-risk starting points.

Why Many Employers Start with Endeavour Foundation

At Endeavour Foundation, we understand that inclusive employment is a new space for many employers.

That’s why we take a practical, supportive approach, helping businesses explore inclusive hiring in a way that works for their team and their goals.

We’re an all-cohort provider with national reach, and we specialise in supporting people with intellectual disability – one of the most underrepresented groups in the workforce.

Here’s what employers value most when working with us:

• Clear, honest advice on inclusive job design
• Help matching with work-ready, supported candidates
• Guidance on accessing available wage subsidies and funding
• Support through onboarding and beyond
• Flexibility to trial, learn and grow at your own pace

Whether you're hiring for a single role or testing inclusive recruitment in one part of the business, we’re here to help you get started with confidence.

Thinking About Inclusive Hiring? Let’s Start the Conversation

You don’t need to have all the answers, just a willingness to explore what inclusive employment could look like for your business.

Endeavour Foundation can help you assess your needs, understand your options and take the first step when the time is right.

Register your interest in Endeavour Foundation below to receive important updates, practical tips and resources to help you prepare for the transition to Inclusive Employment Australia, or click here to learn more.