Determined to provide support and accommodation of the highest quality to vulnerable children and young people, it is Inicio Group’s mission to safeguard at-risk adolescents, preparing them for the world of adulthood by nurturing their wellbeing, empowering them to establish independence, and encouraging them to champion their individuality. The business makes sure that the needs of the child remain front and centre throughout every decision that is made, with values such as diversity, sustainability, and consistency cherished. Inicio Group is also proud to be an ethical provider, well aware of the responsibility that falls to it being funded by the public purse. Profits are thus far from the top of the priorities list for this organisation, which instead goes above and beyond to see that children are safe and well, no matter the sacrifice on the business’ earnings. Besides these young people, the other area of focus for the company is its team, led by CEO David Thompson. From an individual with a start-up idea to today, David has always recognised how integral a team are in a business’ success. The innate strength of this venture has resulted in a number of strong differentiators being introduced that separate Inicio Group from other such youth organisations in the UK. None is more important than the ECHO (standing for Evaluate Change to Harness Outcomes) Programme, which serves as the physical embodiment of the unwavering commitment had by David and his team to ensuring that the voices of young people are heard. My Pathway: Journey to Independence is another standout, a life skills programme that the team produce alongside other looked after children. Such initiatives are vital at present, given that the sector is in the midst of going through a number of significant changes that are being felt right across the nation. All of this change stems from the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023, a set of new legislation that impacts more than 1,200 organisations and 7,000 young people, making this the single biggest period of change this industry has experienced for decades. As CEO, David saw it as his responsibility to help his team navigate these challenges and exceed the requirements set out by the regulations, both of which have been done to tremendous effect. David’s commitment to the wider sector is also clearly apparent, as he leverages his position as a sector lead to share his knowledge and insight with other provides working across the children’s services’ community. From regional forums to launching the first national Supported Accommodation Conference in March last year, David goes above and beyond to see that Inicio Group uses its unique expertise for the greater good. All of this has been made possible thanks to both the support of the company’s team and the resources it has at its disposal. On the back of such a dedication, it likely comes as no surprise that David is seeking to transform this predominantly North-based operation to a national enterprise with a distinct presence across all nine of England’s region. “I see Inicio Group as a disruptor within the children’s care sector”, shares David. “I want to expand our service offering to include both children’s residential homes and support for families on the edge of care.” This sector has been crying out for ethical providers to challenge the norm, and Inicio Group is continuing to do just that. The near decade-and-a-half journey undertaken by Inicio Group has been far from easy at times, but the strength of its children’s services and supported accommodation, underpinned by a committed team who put their all into their work, has positioned the organisation as a frontrunner in this space. Celebrated by us for the second consecutive year, it is our pleasure to name Inicio Group Ltd as offering the Best Community Support Services for Young People in 2024. Contact: David Thompson Company: Inicio Group Ltd Web Address: https://inicio-group.co.uk/ Operating out of Birchwood in Warrington, Inicio Group Ltd provides supported accommodation to young people aged 16 and above who need it, as well as offering a range of support services to vulnerable young people across the country. A business built on its values and its mission, despite some slight changes over the past 14 years or so, its team are still wholly passionate about one thing, the fundamental principle that this operation was built on. The needs of children should come first – always. Best Community Support Services for Young People 2024
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==