At Connection Support, we know that the impact we create in communities is only possible because of the passion, resilience, and commitment of our teams. In 2024, that commitment was formally recognised when we were named the 7th best charity to work for in the UK by Best Companies – a significant achievement based entirely on staff feedback.
Best Companies offers an annual engagement survey that measures how people feel about their work and workplace. Results from participating organisations are benchmarked nationally, and those with the highest scores are ranked in sector-specific and regional league tables. This year, we saw a significant improvement across the board – moving from 12th to 7th place in the charity sector, 37th to 24th regionally, and from 60th to 23rd nationally.
This recognition reflects the inclusive, values-led culture we’ve worked hard to build.
In this year’s staff survey:
- 98% said we provide a great service to clients
- 96% said they feel proud to work for Connection Support
- 95% believe they can make a valuable contribution
- 95% feel their team does everything possible to support one another
- 90% feel they can openly discuss challenges with their manager
- 94% agree that we take diversity and inclusion seriously
This year, we’ve continued to build on what makes Connection Support special – not just through policies, but by creating real spaces for staff to shape our culture and feel supported.
In 2024 to 2025, that looked like:
- Expanding our peer-led support groups with the launch of dedicated men’s and women’s spaces for staff who have experienced domestic abuse – creating safe, supportive environments where lived experience can be shared and acknowledged.
- Introducing a new working group focused on improving family-friendly policies – including maternity, paternity, surrogacy, and fertility treatment – helping us better reflect the diverse needs of our staff and ensure appropriate support is in place.
- Continuing to empower our champion networks, giving staff a genuine voice in how we work, and the power to influence policy, practice, and organisational culture.
- Involving staff and clients in shaping our Prevention First strategy through dedicated listening sessions, collaborative workshops, and a formal consultation – ensuring real-world insight is embedded into our shared vision, strategic aims, and the way we’ll work towards them through to 2027.
- Continuing to hold bi-annual meetings between staff and Trustees, providing a consistent space for staff to raise concerns, share learning, and contribute to leadership decisions.
- Bringing over 200 people together for our first organisation-wide Staff & Volunteer Conference and Awards Ceremony – recognising achievements, strengthening connections, and offering space to reflect on the impact we’ve made together.
The way we care for our people is the same way we show up for our clients – and it starts with a culture built on trust, safety, and shared purpose. By creating an environment where people feel heard, respected, and supported, we’re strengthening our ability to respond to complex challenges with compassion and resilience. Whether it’s shaping strategy, influencing practice, or supporting each other through tough times, our culture is the thread that runs through it all.Being named the 7th best charity to work for in the UK didn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of deliberate, ongoing investment in our people. We know our impact is only made possible because of the committed team that goes beyond expectations to create real, lasting change. And so, we’ll continue to strive to be an organisation where people feel proud, supported, and inspired – because the best outcomes start with people who believe in the difference they’re making.
