Articles / Case Studies
We are regularly adding new resources - please keep coming back to see the new material. If you have a resource you would like to share with the VR community, please contact us!!
Discover the latest VRA resources from this library
Non-members and membership exclusives.
VRA Standards and Audit Tool
Access:
Members Only
We are in the process of updating or Framework Standards and Audit Tool but in the mean time please find attached the most recent versions.
House of Lords Committee on the Autism Act 2009
Access:
Members Only
Following the publication on 23 November of the Committee’s final report, ‘Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy’ ...
Decembeard & Beyond: VR for Bowel Cancer Recovery
Access:
Members Only
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) can play a transformative role in supporting individuals recovering from bowel cancer
VRA Conference 2025 Draws Full House for Sector-Shaping Dialogue and Recognition
Access:
Members Only
Held at Broadway House, the event marked a pivotal moment for the field, with a programme designed to challenge assumptions, share evidence, and honour excellence.
World AIDS Day 2025: Ending HIV Stigma in the Workplace
Access:
Members Only
Every year on 1 December, World AIDS Day invites global reflection, remembrance, and renewed commitment to supporting those living with HIV
Hope, progress, and accountability: Tackling racial inequalities in mental health together
Access:
Members Only
As part of Black History Month and the NHS’s 77th anniversary, NHS England published a reflection honouring the vital contributions of Black and racially diverse communities
Disability History Month: A VR Practitioner’s Perspective on Inclusion, Justice, and Change
Access:
Members Only
Each November, UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) offers a powerful opportunity to spotlight the history, struggles, and achievements of disabled people
VRA Standards of Practice
Access:
Members Only
The VRA Standards of Practice and Code of Conduct for VR Practitioners.
What are Vocational Rehabilitation Services?
Access:
Open Resource
It is timely to clarify what vocational rehabilitation is and how it is delivered, by whom and those who would benefit, within the UK and Ireland.
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: A VR Perspective on Supporting Clients with Compassion and Clarity
Access:
Members Only
November marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign led by Pancreatic Cancer UK to spotlight one of the most aggressive and underfunded cancers in the UK.
Celebrating Excellence: Meet Our Shortlisted Nominees
Access:
Open Resource
We’re delighted to share the shortlist for this year’s VRA Annual Awards.
VRA Response to the Mayfield Review
Access:
Open Resource
The Vocational Rehabilitation Association welcomes, supports and advocates the Keep Britain Working Review and its ambition
UK Disability History Month: Why It Matters for Vocational Rehabilitation
Access:
Members Only
Every November, UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) invites us to look backwards in order to act better now.
Period drama- why menstrual health is a workplace issue
Access:
Members Only
From HR Magazine, Hannah Ross explores how menstrual stigma continues to impact employees’ wellbeing and engagement
Menopause and the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know
Access:
Members Only
In this article from Hempsons, Chloe Whiteley, Trainee Solicitor explains that while menopause isn’t currently a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, it often over
Movember and Vocational Rehabilitation: A Timely Opportunity to Champion Men’s Health
Access:
Members Only
Every November, the unmistakable wave of moustaches signals the arrival of Movember—a global movement dedicated to raising awareness of men’s health issues
Capability v Capacity – finding the confidence to return to work with a long-term health condition
Access:
Members Only
My journey into Vocational Rehabilitation began almost 20 years after qualifying as a Careers Adviser
Returning to Work: Rehabilitation and Work Hardening
Access:
Members Only
Rehabilitation and work hardening programmes are essential to ensure a safe and effective reintegration into the workplace.
Workplace Wellbeing: A Guide to Accredited Qualifications
Access:
Members Only
For those looking for introductory qualifications, these online or one-day certifications from leading Health and Safety organisations are a fantastic place to start.
The Hidden Struggle: My Journey with Pernicious Anaemia
Access:
Members Only
Pernicious Anaemia (PA) often remains hidden in the workplace, causing significant challenges for affected employees and leading to missed opportunities for employers.
The Neuroinclusion Illusion
Access:
Members Only
Why might there be such a disparity between the support that employers think they are providing, and how it is perceived by employees?
Celebrating Neurodiversity and Tailored Support in Vocational Rehabilitation
Access:
Members Only
ADHD Awareness Month (1–31 October) is a time to spotlight the complexity and diversity of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Disability Matters for Neurodiversity and Inclusive Workplaces
Access:
Members Only
Throughout October 2025, Martin Searle Solicitors are running a ‘Disability Matters’ campaign to stamp out disability discrimination in the workplace.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Dementia: A Practitioner’s Guide for World Alzheimer’s Month 2025
Access:
Members Only
🧠 A vocational rehabilitation specialist’s perspective on enabling work, dignity, and independence
Supporting Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month: A Vocational Rehabilitation Perspective
Access:
Members Only
Every September, Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month shines a vital spotlight on five types of cancer that affect people with gynae organs.
Blood Cancer Awareness Month: A Vocational Rehabilitation Perspective on Visibility, Support, and Recovery
Access:
Members Only
Blood Cancer Awareness Month: A Vocational Rehabilitation Perspective on Visibility, Support, and Recovery
One month to get your free year!
Access:
Open Resource
Eligible VRA members have just one month to submit their application to take advantage of one year’s free registration on the Register of Case Managers.
Risk Assessments for Employees who are Deaf or have Hearing Loss: Tackling Physical Barriers with Practical Solutions
Access:
Members Only
Why Sensory Impairment Needs Special Consideration in Risk Assessments - By Dan Morgan-Williams, Founder of Visualise Training and Consultancy
Happiness Happens Month: Cultivating Joy Through Vocational Rehabilitation
Access:
Members Only
August marks Happiness Happens Month, a celebration of joy in all its forms—big or small, fleeting or lasting.
Case Study: Gavin – The HR Officer in the Spotlight
Access:
Members Only
Dan Morgan-Williams, founder of Visualise Training and Consultancy, examines the hidden barriers that face employees with visual challenges.
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month: Why Awareness Matters More Than Ever
Access:
Members Only
Sarcoma is a rare and often misunderstood form of cancer that affects bones and soft tissues. With around 5,300 people diagnosed each year in the UK
🌸 Fibroids Awareness Month: Why UK Workplaces Must Join the Conversation
Access:
Members Only
July marks Fibroids Awareness Month, a crucial time to spotlight a condition that affects 2 in 3 women during their lifetime.
The Importance of Sarcoma Awareness Month for Vocational Rehabilitation
Access:
Members Only
Sarcoma Awareness Month, observed every July in the UK, is more than just a campaign to raise the profile of a rare cancer.
Why Talk to Us Month Matters for VR Professionals
Access:
Members Only
Every July, the Samaritans lead Talk to Us Month, a UK-wide campaign dedicated to encouraging open conversations about mental health and emotional wellbeing.
2025 VRA Awards Ceremony
Access:
Open Resource
It’s that time of year again where we at the VRA celebrate the world of VR and everything you do to contribute to the constantly evolving industry.
New Supervision Guidelines
Access:
Members Only
We are delighted to share with you our new supervision guidelines.
World Wellbeing Week (24–30 June)
Access:
Members Only
As World Wellbeing Week (24–30 June) approaches, it's an opportune moment for organisations to reflect on their workplace wellbeing strategies.
Creating Inclusive Workplaces: Supporting Employees with Learning Disabilities
Access:
Members Only
As a vocational rehabilitation specialist, one of the most impactful ways to support individuals with learning disabilities (LD) is by fostering inclusive workplaces.
Supporting Employees with Diabetes in the Workplace: A Vocational Rehabilitation Perspective
Access:
Members Only
Understanding Diabetes and Its Impact at Work
How Carers Support Vocational Rehabilitation: A Specialist’s Perspective
Access:
Members Only
In recognition of Carers Week 2025 – 9th–15th June | Theme: Caring About Equality
Prioritising Mental Health at Work: Practical Steps for a Supportive Culture
Access:
Members Only
Mental health is no longer a "nice-to-have" topic for businesses — it’s a necessity.
Stroke Recovery: Supporting a Successful Return to Work
Access:
Members Only
Each year in the UK, over 100,000 people experience a stroke, according to the Stroke Association.
Deafness in the Workplace: How to Support Individuals to Remain, Return, and Recover
Access:
Members Only
In the UK today, around 18 million people live with hearing loss, including 42% of those over 50. Deafness and hearing impairments affect people in varied ways
IGLOO – what resources are needed and when for sustainable return to work
Access:
Members Only
The IGLOO framework highlights the need for individual, group, leader, organisational and outside resources to sustain work.
Employing disabled people and people with health conditions
Access:
Open Resource
This guidance provides a summary of information for employers
Managing Stress for a Healthier, More Productive Life
Access:
Members Only
April is Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to understanding the effects of stress and exploring ways to manage it effectively.
Step Up for Wellbeing: Embracing Movement on On Your Feet Britain Day
Access:
Members Only
With On Your Feet Britain approaching on Thursday, 24 April 2025, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on how integrating physical activity into our daily routines can benefit
Supporting Employment for Individuals with Parkinson’s: A Vocational Rehabilitation Perspective
Access:
Members Only
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects over 10 million people worldwide.
Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper
Access:
Open Resource
Overview: Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper
World Autism Awareness Day
Access:
Members Only
World Autism Awareness Day was on April 2nd, it’s an opportune moment to deepen our understanding of autism and the challenges faced by autistic individuals.
Visualise Training and Consultancy Ltd – Shared Resources
Access:
Members Only
Visualise Training and Consultancy Ltd was established in 2014 by Daniel Williams, who founded the company.
Tinnitus in the Workplace: Breaking the Silence
Access:
Members Only
It’s Tinnitus Week, and it’s time to start the conversation. Nobody should have to struggle with tinnitus alone, especially at work. Simple changes can make a huge difference, impr
2025 Healthcare Professionals’ Consensus Statement for action on health and work
Access:
Open Resource
Since the last consensus statement between the Academy, the Royal College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions Federation in 2019 much has changed, not least the effects of a g
Your Free Employability Toolbox! – On behalf of SDM Training Services
Access:
Members Only
Whether you’re just starting out, re-entering the workforce, or looking to grow in your career, we’re here to support you with practical, accessible resources designed to make a di
VRA 30 Year Milestone Conference Round Up
Access:
Open Resource
Thank you to everyone who attended our conference last week. What an amazing day with some fantastic examples of incredible VR practices.
VRA Awards 2024
Access:
Open Resource
We are very excited to be welcoming all of you to Broadway House on the 14th November and celebrating 30 years of the VRA!
Psychological Interventions for Work Outcomes in Chronic Pain
Access:
Members Only
Chronic pain is one of the leading causes of disability, with over one-third of sufferers unable to work or facing the risk of work loss.
2024 Awards Nominations
Access:
Open Resource
It’s that time of year again where we at the VRA celebrate the world of VR and everything you do to contribute to the constantly evolving industry.
WORK WITH PAIN Research Project
Access:
Open Resource
You are invited to take part in a research project which is being led by Dr Joanna McParland at Glasgow Caledonian University and funded by the National Institute for health.
A Great Loss to the VRA
Access:
Open Resource
This has been a month of sad losses for the VR profession and for the VRA in particular.
Disability Employment Charter
Access:
Members Only
In short, it shows employing disabled people in larger numbers has zero negative performance effects in large firms, and in SMEs is associated with several better performance.
None Of Our Business? How Places of Work Can Help to Improve the Health of the Nation
Access:
Members Only
None Of Our Business? – How Places of Work Can Help to Improve the Health of the Nation
My journey into the world of Vocational Rehabilitation – by Amanda Mason
Access:
Open Resource
Am I a Vocational Rehabilitation Practitioner? My title at Vitality360 is Career and Employment Consultant and I consider myself primarily a Career Guidance Professional.
And the Winners Are…
Access:
Open Resource
Congratulations to all of our Finalists to the VRA Awards Ceremony yesterday. It was fantastic listening to all that you have achieved in 2023 and the progress that has been made i
VRA Awards 2023 – Finalists Announced
Access:
Open Resource
Finalists have now been announced…
Raising awareness to prevent disability discrimination
Access:
Members Only
The Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VRA) is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) among our members, trustees, employees.
Employment Inclusivity – The VR contribution to inclusivity in the workplace
Access:
Members Only
On Thursday 19th October we held an online multidisciplinary conference which aimed to support and equip practitioners for the changing world of work and explore how equality, dive
Comparing the requirements for ongoing professional certification with registered bodies for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Speech & Language Therapists (SaLTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Access:
Members Only
Title of study: Comparing the requirements for ongoing professional certification with registered bodies for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Speech & Language Therapists
Menopause Friendly Company Checklist
Access:
Members Only
There are more people experiencing menopause at work than ever before.
Better together
Access:
Members Only
There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly (Buckminster-Fuller, 2014)
Creating a rethink in the design and delivery of workplace health and wellbeing strategy
Access:
Members Only
Abstract - This paper presents a provocation that challenges the status quo and asks how we could best reframe the picture of workplace health and wellbeing needs.
Eye Work With You Too
Access:
Members Only
The objective of this project was to broaden understanding of the experiences of individuals with vision impairment in accessing the labour market in Northern Ireland.
Living standards for working-age people with disabilities
Access:
Members Only
The cost of living crisis has shone a harsh light on different groups’ ability to deal with fast- rising prices.
Talking Toolkit
Access:
Members Only
This publication from HSE is designed to help employers to support disabled workers and workers with long-term health conditions to get into and stay in work.
Standards Audit Tool
Access:
Members Only
The VR Standards (2019) requires members.
Aging and Work
Access:
Members Only
The Centre for Aging Better has published its state of aging report. Some key points in relation to work are.
Health and Wellbeing Survey
Access:
Open Resource
Wellbeing and mental health are beginning to slip down the business agenda, a new report from the CIPD and Simplyhealth.
Menopause and the workplace
Access:
Members Only
The Women and Equalities Committee of the House of Commons have published the results of the menopause and the workplace survey.
Rehabilitation Anywhere online resource for those living with ABI
Access:
Open Resource
Rehabilitation Anywhere is a new online programme from Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, providing remote education along with strategies, tips and activities.
Stress Talking Toolkits
Access:
Open Resource
These HSE toolkits were designed to help managers talk with workers as part of their overall approach to preventing and managing work-related stress.
Completing the fit note effectively
Access:
Members Only
Dr Lara Shemtob updates on the focus on the fit note with additional policy context. She talks about new changes allowing Allied Health Professionals to use fit notes.
Exploring the Reality of Inclusive Return-To-Work
Access:
Open Resource
The ongoing pandemic has reshaped how we live, how we interact, and how we work in ways we couldn’t imagine only 2 years ago.
Cancer and employment survey
Access:
Members Only
The Institute for Employment Studies has published research on working with cancer.
Self-harm
Access:
Open Resource
All professionals working across the health and social care system have a role to play in supporting people who self-harm.
BSRM Guidance on Vocational Rehabilitation
Access:
Open Resource
The British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine (BSRM) have produced brief guidance on Vocational Rehabilitation. Past Chair of the VRA Dr Andrew Frank and Trustee Joy Reymond both
Supporting staff with long covid
Access:
Open Resource
CIPD warns long COVID remains a pressing concern for employers as it publishes new insights on how organisations can support staff affected.
Disabled Workers’ access to flexible working as a reasonable adjustment
Access:
Members Only
There is a significant demand among disabled workers for flexible working.
Atypical Working
Access:
Members Only
‘Atypical’ or ‘non-standard’ work usually describes any work that is not full-time, open-ended employment with regular hours.
Flexible Working for Older Workers
Access:
Members Only
New research has been conducted evaluating a programme to explore how over 50s can access the benefits of flexible working.
Working Minds Toolkit
Access:
Members Only
Starting the conversation is an important first step towards preventing work-related stress and developing the actions and stress risk assessment employers need to comply.
Longer-Term Employment Outcomes For Ex-Service Personnel
Access:
Members Only
New research has found that UK veterans face challenges finding longer-term civilian careers that enable them to reach their full potential.
The employment of disabled people 2021
Access:
Members Only
Since 2013 (the earliest comparable year using the current definition of disability) up to the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Good Recruitment for Older Workers: A guide for employers
Access:
Members Only
36% of 50-70 year olds feel at a disadvantage applying for jobs due to their age. This recruitment guide from the Centre for Ageing Better sets out five key actions.
Covid19 return-to-workplace plan for employees living with obesity
Access:
Open Resource
The toolkit highlights the legal responsibilities that employers have for providing a safe workplace, as well as detailing a six-step practical plan.
WHO: self – management after COVID–19 related illness
Access:
Open Resource
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have updated their leaflet on self – management after COVID–19 related illness,
Pain management guides in a wide range of languages
Access:
Members Only
Pain Management, West of Scotland Chronic Pain Education Group, have self–management guides which may prove useful for individuals whose first language is not English.
Safe rehabilitation approaches for people living with long covid: physical activity and exercise
Access:
Members Only
Safe and effective rehabilitation is a fundamental part of recovery from illness and can improve function in people living with disability.
A study of work and health transitions
Access:
Members Only
To provide contextual evidence for the Government’s strategy for improving employment among disabled people or people with health conditions.
The Pain at Work Toolkit
Access:
Members Only
The PAW toolkit (Pain at Work) is an online digital toolkit designed to provide supportive information, advice and guidance for people at work who have chronic or persistent pain.
The Impact of Covid-19 on returning to work
Access:
Members Only
Following on from the presentation at Emerging Insights into VR about this research we are pleased to be able to share more details.
Video Library
Watch helpful video guides, webinars, conferences and updates from the VRA team, with exclusive member assets.
Podcast Library
Listen to our dedicated podcast insights from the VRA team with featured guests to the podcast. Additional exclusive member extras.
Article Library
Read the most recent articles, case studies and news - from inside and outside the organisation.
Discover Practitioners for specialist VR services
A list of Practitioners to help you with your work. We are regularly adding new verified Practitioners to the site!
Up to date resources for your business
Explore the most recent tips and information aids for you or your organisation from individual guides to dealing with staff.
Information & guides for Individuals
Informative documents/guides to help you support, advice, gain or maintain employment.
Get In Touch
Got a question or need some help? Please feel free to contact a us and a member of the team will get back to you asap!
Become a Member
Being a VRA member does not just open the door to exciting opportunities in your career development. It also gives you access to a first-class range of services designed to support you in your professional life.
Find a Practitioner
Looking for help with Career Direction, Assessment, Health or VR Management? Use our directory to find a Practitioner to meet your specific needs today!
VRA – Informed Consent GuideVRA Policies
