Research, evidence and learning that protects what works.

BASE has roots in the UK and international history of Supported Employment research. Our work builds on foundations laid by pioneers such as Marc Gold, whose systematic instruction approach transformed employment support for people with learning disabilities, and Stephen Beyer, whose research helped establish Supported Employment as a credible, evidence-based intervention within the UK.

More recently, BASE has worked closely with leading academics including Professor Adam Whitworth, strengthening the evidence base around employment, social care, commissioning and labour market inclusion.

BASE invests in real-world applied research that directly benefits members and the wider sector.

• Practical resources for providers and employers.
• Evidence-based guidance for commissioners and policymakers.
• Tools that support quality, consistency and continuous improvement.

Our focus is research that can be implemented in day-to-day practice, not research that sits on a shelf.

BASE works with leading academic institutions so our work is robust, credible and future-focused. This includes established and growing collaborations with the University of Strathclyde and King's College London, alongside engagement with researchers across the UK and internationally.

• Joint research that bridges theory and practice.
• Independent evaluation of employment and workforce interventions.
• Stronger links between academia, delivery organisations and policymakers.

We value academic challenge and scrutiny, and we are committed to learning alongside experts.

The Dr Mark Kilsby Research Fund reflects BASE's long-term commitment to strengthening the national evidence base for Supported Employment.

• Support research that upholds model fidelity.
• Advance understanding of what works, for whom and in what contexts.
• Ensure Supported Employment continues to evolve without losing its core principles.

Through this fund, BASE helps ensure research remains connected to ethical, values-led practice.

BASE has been involved in and supported research activity across the Supported Employment system.

• Participation in NIHR-funded programmes, strengthening links between employment, health and social care.
• Doctoral (PhD) research examining the supply side of providers, workforce and commissioning, and the demand side of employers, labour markets and job design.
• Research focused on outcomes, cost-effectiveness, workforce development and system integration.

The annual BASE Conference plays a vital role in strengthening the Supported Employment evidence base.

• Share emerging research and learning.
• Connect academics with practitioners, employers and policymakers.
• Translate evidence into practical action.
• Challenge assumptions and drive continuous improvement.

The conference reflects BASE's belief that evidence is strongest when it is shared, debated and applied.

Supported Employment is a global movement, and BASE connects into international research, learning and best practice.

• Share evidence and innovation.
• Learn from different policy and delivery contexts.
• Strengthen the UK's contribution to international Supported Employment research.

This outward-looking approach keeps BASE at the forefront of learning while contributing UK expertise back into the global community.

Everything BASE does in research is driven by impact.

• Policy is informed by evidence.
• Practice is protected by fidelity.
• Employers are supported with confidence.
• Disabled and neurodivergent people experience real opportunity, not short-term initiatives.

Research, for BASE, is not about prestige or publication alone. It is about integrity, learning and change.