Restart Scheme
Serco Restart Scheme – supporting eligible individuals to find sustainable employment in their local area.
Restart Scheme in Wales
We deliver the Restart Scheme across Wales with 8 delivery partners.
Restart Scheme in West Central
We deliver the Restart Scheme with 9 delivery partners in the Black Country, Coventry, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, The Marches and Worcestershire.
Specialist Support
Read about the ways we support individuals into employment including the innovative Restart Scheme Blue for graduates.
Restart Scheme Feedback
Are you a participant of Serco or one of our delivery partners and want to give feedback?
FAQ: The Restart Scheme delivered by Serco
To help individuals understand the Restart Scheme at Serco, we’ve created these Frequently Asked Questions.
What is the Restart Scheme?
The Restart Scheme is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) programme that provides enhanced support to individuals (participants) claiming a qualifying benefit and who meet the eligibility criteria, to find jobs in their local area. It offers bespoke support with a Job Coach for up to 12-months, tailored to your needs and includes:
- Help with job searches
- CV writing
- Interview practice
- Referrals onto training courses
- Signposting to local health and wellbeing organisations
- Self-employment support
- And much more!
Who delivers the Restart Scheme?
The Restart Scheme operates in England and Wales through 8 providers across 12 geographic areas. Serco delivers the Restart Scheme in 2 of these areas along with 17 delivery partners (providers); West Central England and Wales. You can read about the breakdown of providers by region and recent statistics here.
Who can join the Restart Scheme?
Your Jobcentre Plus Work Coach will refer you to the Restart Scheme – you cannot join by yourself.
You will usually be referred to the Restart Scheme if:
- You are receiving Universal Credit (UC), or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and be in the Intensive Work Search (IWS) regime.
- Have been claiming Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance for at least 6 months (was previously 9 months).
Do I have to take part in the Restart Scheme?
If you have been referred to the Restart Scheme, then yes you will need take part. Your Work Coach at Jobcentre Plus and your Job Coach from the Restart Scheme will explain this to you in more detail during your appointments.
Where does Serco and its providers deliver the Restart Scheme?
Serco and its providers deliver the Restart Scheme in two areas:
- West Central England – including Black Country, Coventry, Birmingham, Solihull, The Marches, and Worcestershire.
- Wales
Your home location will determine which provider will be assigned to give your Restart Scheme support. If you are in these two areas, it will be Serco or one of its delivery partners (providers), a full list of which can be found here: West Central and here: Wales.
Where can I find out more about what happens during my time on the Restart Scheme?
At your first meeting with your Restart Scheme Job Coach, you will be given a detailed Induction Handbook. This sets out what will be expected from you while on the Restart Scheme along with the Serco Participant Charter (our promise to you), Financial Support information, Health and Wellbeing support and more.
What is the online participant portal ‘elevate’?
‘elevate’ is an online platform where you can access your Restart Scheme appointments, action plans, tasks and activities as well as our full resource centre. Your Job Coach will explain more about elevate during your first meeting.
Where can I access the participant portal ‘elevate’?
Your Job Coach will share with you details on how to log into ‘elevate’. It can be accessed via the ‘elevate’ portal‘.
Where can I read about success stories from other participants who have been on the Restart Scheme?
You can read about these on our website
I have been referred to the Restart Scheme, and I have a degree. Is there any other support that Serco and its providers can offer me?
Yes. Serco supports graduates with Restart Scheme Blue. Restart Scheme Blue is still part of the Restart Scheme but offers additional support for graduate level jobs. Participants will have a specialist mentor and 12-weeks of intensive support with 8 sessions including:
- Excelling in interviews and presentations.
- Establishing a compelling self-brand on LinkedIn.
- Career planning.
- Participating in private mentor peer support sessions.
- Facilitating job trials, placements and professional volunteering.
Your Job Coach will discuss more details with you about Restart Scheme Blue before referring you to this dedicated support. You still need to be referred by Jobcentre Plus to join the Restart Scheme to access this support.
What if I'm unhappy with Serco and its providers service whilst I’m on the Restart Scheme?
We’ve created a specific page with more information for participants on what to do if you would like to give any feedback about your time on the Restart Scheme here.
Please note, this process is for Serco and its providers only.