The organisation, which describes itself as ‘sitting in the middle’ of a recruitment agency and traditional support service, helps disabled and neurodivergent islanders access employment opportunities.
‘We work one-to-one, really getting to know people to understand their strengths, aspirations and any barriers they may be facing,’ said chief executive Nikki Ioannou-Droushiotis.
‘We also work closely with employers, helping them to understand how small changes can make a big difference and supporting them to create inclusive work places.’
The trust has seen a notable increase in its referrals since 2023, with 2025 seeing 190, a 25% increase compared to 2024.
It is currently preparing for that number to jump again this year to reach the 300 mark.
‘The largest groups coming to GET are people experiencing mental health challenges and autistic individuals,’ said Mrs Nikki Ioannou-Droushiotis.
‘They are generally school leavers or people that are still at school but struggling to attend, because we start working with people from the age of 16.
‘Or it’s people much further on in their career, and circumstances have changed, which has meant that they’ve needed perhaps to pivot to a completely different career and have needed support to do that.’
The organisation understand the increase to be primarily down to greater awareness and understanding, both of its work and the people it supports.
‘Awareness of disability and neurodiversity in particular has increased,' said Mrs Ioannou-Droushiotis
'Awareness of GET has increased and, importantly, more people feel comfortable seeking support than they did a decade ago.’
Despite the increase, the organisation has managed to keep up with demand, matching the record-breaking referral numbers with record-breaking outcomes for its clients.
‘Last year was the highest number of jobs that we’d ever secured.
‘We got 107 paid jobs, and we set up 95 work experience placements, and also 46 other things like kickstarts, supporting clients with promotions and converting a temporary contract to a permanent contract.’
Mrs Ioannou-Droushiotis said the work ethic and positive attitude of her 17-strong team allowed the trust to absorb its increased caseload, as well as using artificial intelligence to help cover administrative tasks, so the team can focus its attention on decision-making and supporting clients.
She was also particularly grateful to the States, which provides essential funding to the trust.
‘We approached them at the back end of 2023 to say our demand has increased, and with more funding we can do more for you. They increased our funding in 2024,’ said Mrs Ioannou-Droushiotis.
‘We really appreciate the ongoing support from the States and its trust in us to deliver supported employment services for the island.’
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