Choice Support

Sector

Non-profit and Charity Organisations

Established in

1984

Employees

2349

Website

https://www.choicesupport.org.uk/

Career Information

About us

Choice Support is a national charity supporting people with autism, learning disabilities, and mental health needs. We formed in 1984 as part of the movement to support people out of institutions, to re-connect with families and build new lives in the places they once lived. Today, we proudly support around 2,500 people and employ about 2,800 members of staff.

We continue to take bold steps forward to promote the rights of the people we support. We think support will only work properly when it is designed to give people what they really want. This means understanding people’s hopes and dreams, as well as their needs. By working together with the people we support and their families we ensure that everyone can live the life that they choose.

We value people for who they are, and we expect everyone we support to be respected in society

UK's Best Workplaces 2021
Super Large (1,000+ employees)

Rank 27

UK's Best Workplaces 2020
Super Large (1,000+ employees)

Rank 27

What employees say

“I’ve worked my way up to become an assistant manager,” Sophie, Assistant Team Leader.

“I’ve had a major break-through with someone I support – it’s a great feeling,” Vilija, Support Worker.

“I feel I’m doing something worthwhile. It’s such a fulfilling and enriching job. We do make a difference however small this difference is,” Mark, Team Leader.

“The best part about my role is seeing people’s confidence grow,” Becca, Employment Service Co-ordinator.

91%

People here are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation.

89%

People here are treated fairly regardless of their sex.

87%

This is a physically safe place to work.

85%

I feel I make a difference here.

88%

My work has special meaning: this is not "just a job".

84%

When I look at what we accomplish, I feel a sense of pride.

What defines us

We are proud of our reputation as a high-quality provider of individualised and innovative care and support. We recruit people who share our vision of a world where everyone matters, and everyone cares. When asked what they most enjoyed about working for Choice Support, here is what some of our colleagues had to say:

“Every employee is valued, offering everyone the opportunity to improve their educational and professional skills to prepare you for any vacancy or new role in the organisation.” Anonymous, Great Place to Work survey.

“Working with the individuals we support is a great privilege and that we are allowed to be a part of their lives, empowering them to be the best they would like to be.” Anonymous, Great Place to Work survey.

"I love how open and approachable the managers/colleagues make you feel. I take pride in being able to be a part of a successful and productive team. I love my job,” Anonymous, Great Place to Work survey.

What inspires us

We are inspired our staff who have worked to develop several unique innovations that improve not only the lives of people we support but have enabled us to learn and share good practice across social care.

Choice Support colleague, Claire Bates, founded Supported Loving in 2017, a human rights-based campaign, with associated network meetings, hosted by Choice Support. The network includes many people with learning disabilities, families and professionals and aims to promote good support to enable people to have the relationships they want in their lives.

Our housing team are also working innovatively to focus our building development to meet the NHS Transforming Care programme. We aim to build housing that helps people with the highest support needs to live in the community, with the right support, and close to home. Using technological innovations housing and personalised to the needs of each person being supported.

At a glance

Age of employees

Gender ratio

full-time / part-time

Action highlights

Over the last year managing the implications of covid-19 for the people we support has been our top priority. Our amazing colleagues have kept the people we support safe and healthy and have introduced creative ways to ensure that people had joy in their lives.

As we continue to manage the implications of covid-19 supporting the wellbeing of our staff has become more important than ever. We've launched a new employee wellbeing strategy, which includes a national network of wellbeing ambassadors, investment in mental health first aid training, promoting our counselling service, providing training in mindfulness and resilience and supporting local initiatives to improve physical health.

After the tragic murder of George Floyd and the BLM movement we want to be part of the change in the world. We have agreed an action plan, appointed a new Diversity and Inclusion manager, started multiple inclusion networks, delivered positive action training and set targets to improve representation.

Word from the top

At Choice Support our purpose is to create opportunities for happiness for the people we support. What better job could there be than finding ways to bring happiness to the lives of others? Working through the pandemic has been very hard on everyone, but our colleagues have done an amazing job keeping people safe, whilst also bringing joy to their lives in challenging times. We are very proud that the commitment and dedication of our colleagues has again been recognised through the award of a Best Workplace in 2021.

Mark Ferry

Director of Human Resources

Career and jobs

Application tips

For anyone wanting to improve the lives of disabled people, we provide on-the-job training. We look for people with the right attitude, who share our values and who are passionate about making a difference to helping others achieve their goals. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and particularly welcome applications from anyone who is from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background, anyone who considers themselves to have a disability and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Our great workplace

Our staff are caring, patient and treat people with dignity, respect, and compassion. They have good communication skills, including listening and picking up on non-verbal communication. They work well as part of a team, keep good records, and follow guidelines.

Values are more important than experience, so we provide on-the-job training to all our support workers. We will also offer you the opportunity to progress your career within a care provider that has an excellent reputation and promotion opportunities nationally.