Merseyside Charity Autism Together named best North West Employer

Merseyside charity Autism Together has won a prestigious regional award, marking the organisation out as a leading employer in the North West care sector.

The Bromborough-based charity Autism Together was named best Care Home Employer in the North West region at the prestigious Great British Care Awards.

The event, which took place at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in November, saw the organisation beat strong competition from 12 other shortlisted care providers from across the region.

The charity will now go on to compete at the national awards in 2025.

The judges of the GB Care Awards had this to say about Autism Together, following their win:

“This company’s dedication to its staff shines through in the thorough training, 24/7 access for health support, and biannual cash rewards.

“By prioritising both physical and mental well-being, they create a motivated team well-prepared to provide exceptional care to clients, reflecting genuine respect and support for their employees.”

Autism Together employs over 800 staff to support more than 400 autistic adults across 17 residential care homes, 24 supported living properties, and eight day service locations throughout Wirral and West Cheshire.

In the past 18 months, the organisation has made significant additions to its Leadership Team, including the arrival of a new CEO and a new Director of People and Culture, together helping usher in a raft of new and increased benefits for staff.

Since then, all support staff have received pay rises, with every employee paid at least the National Living Wage, and a new Employee Assistance Programme was introduced to offer staff free and confidential support with their health and wellbeing.

Richard Whitby, CEO of Autism Together, said:

“I am incredibly proud of our win at the Great British Care Awards.

“I believe the judges recognised our genuine dedication in continuously reviewing and enhancing our staff benefits, and our commitment to constantly improving as an employer.

“This achievement is testament to our collective efforts, as a board and executive, to making our workplace the best it can be.”

Autism Together has continued to look at ways to enhance benefits for its staff and exceed statutory expectations, recently creating a Family Friendly policy to offer best support to employees when they become parents or take on new parental responsibilities.

These benefits include enhanced maternity and paternity pay, shared parental leave, support for those adopting, undergoing IVF treatment, or accessing neonatal support; alongside paid leave in the unfortunate case of a miscarriage.