About Us

Strengthening Canada’s Employability Profession

The Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) is the international professional body for the employability sector – the people and organisations dedicated to helping others gain work, progress in work and retain work.

Working alongside governments, employment service providers, educational institutions, employers and community organisations, we strengthen workforce capability, support organisational excellence and improve employment outcomes for individuals, employers and communities.

Our vision is that employability professionals everywhere are the best they can be, supported by high-quality learning, professional recognition, research and collaboration that strengthen employment services and improve outcomes for individuals, employers and communities.

Established in 2011, the IEP has grown from the United Kingdom into an international organisation with operations in Australia, Sweden and Canada, alongside partnerships across Europe and the Gulf States. By sharing knowledge and best practice internationally, we help organisations learn from one another while responding to the unique needs of local employment systems.

Why IEP Canada?

Canada’s employment systems are changing

Employment services across Canada face increasing expectations to deliver consistent, high-quality support while responding to evolving workforce and labour market needs.

IEP Canada exists to help organisations strengthen capability, share best practice and build confident, skilled professionals who can deliver better outcomes for individuals, employers and communities.

Our Approach

We strengthen employability through five connected areas:

  • Professional learning and workforce development
  • Specialist employability expertise
  • Research and evidence
  • International collaboration
  • Professional recognition

 

These areas work together to help organisations build capability, strengthen services and support continuous improvement.

Our Values

Who We Work With

We work with organisations across the employment and workforce development system, supporting collaboration, capability and innovation at every level.

Government & System Leaders

Improve system consistency. performance, and outcomes.

Network Leads (SSMs/Primes)

Strengthen alignment and delivery across provider networks.

Professional Service Providers

Build practical capability for frontline teams and managers.

Building Capability

Every organisation has different workforce development needs. That’s why IEP supports learning and professional development across a range of practitioner and leadership roles.

Our Values

How IEP Canada Strengthens Workforce Systems

Build Practitioner Capability

Structured training and role-based pathways that strengthen frontline delivery.

Strengthen Employer Engagement

Equipping providers to build meaningful, ongoing relationships with employers.

Drive System Improvement

With the Centre for Employability Excellence, we support scalable, system-level change.

Connecting Canada to a Global Community

IEP Canada is part of a growing international community committed to improving employability practice through collaboration, shared learning and professional excellence.

Our global network enables Canadian organisations to benefit from international research, innovative practice and cross-country collaboration while contributing Canadian expertise to the wider employability profession.

Global Events

Conferences and sector events that shape practice and policy.

Cross-Country Learning

Share insights and proven approaches with leaders around the world.

Building in Canada

Creating opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and sector leadership.

Our Values

WE COLLABORATE

We connect our members and partners and develop relationships to promote professional practice.

WE DEFINE QUALITY

We support quality improvement and quality assurance through our framework guiding the sector to develop and deliver excellent services.

WE ENABLE POTENTIAL

We are committed to the growth and development of all our people, opening opportunities to learn new skills and gain accreditation and qualifications.

WE PIONEER

We are global leaders driving the professionalism of employability services through innovative projects, sharing ideas and building best practice.

WE EMBODY TRUST

We actively engage our members and partners working with them with integrity, offering the right support at the right time.

WE EMBRACE SOCIAL PURPOSE

We believe in a community of well-being, inclusivity and equality that builds sustainable impact.

Our Vision

Employability professionals everywhere are the best they can be.

Our Mission

The IEP is dedicated to supporting the people who support others gain work, progress in work and retain work.

Our Culture Statement

“We are committed to fostering a culture of global employability excellence rooted in inclusivity, collaboration, continuous growth, partnership, mutual respect and trust. We value each member’s unique contributions and aim to create a true sense of belonging. Our team is approachable, transparent, and accountable, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every idea is welcomed.

Leadership is here to guide, offering constructive advice while empowering each team member to work autonomously and with creativity. We are committed to respectful communication, balanced work-life expectations, and a supportive approach when challenges arise. We believe in learning through experience, celebrating everyone’s passion, talent and purpose, and fostering seamless collaboration across all teams. We prioritise professional development, empowering our team to thrive in their roles and supporting each other’s successes.”

 

Our Constitution

IEP’s governance arrangements are set out in our Constitution. For a copy of the Constitution, please contact us using the form below.