First Initiatives was formed in 2001 in a response from Local Authorities and professionals to supplement the diverse, innovative and quality services already provided by Autism Initiatives UK within the field of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities.

We provide Person Centred support, to allow Service Users to achieve their maximum potential for independence.

We are a voluntary organisation with charitable status and a company limited by guarantee.

The organisation seeks to lead the way in support, care and education for people within the field of mental health and learning disability, their families and carers. We operate in the UK and we have achieved recognition for the quality of our services.

James Murray
Chief Executive

Andy Bowskill (Director - First Initiatives)	Ann Taylor (Area Manager)

Our Mission Statement

To meet the needs of people with a learning difficulty and / or mental health problems, their families and carers throughout the UK by providing a comprehensive range of services which are person Centred, professional and innovative.

Our Philosophy

It is the organisation belief that all people with a learning disability and/or Mental Health problems shall be allowed the rights entitled to them under the Human Rights Act.

Service Users should be included within the decision making process.

We aim the work in partnership with all service users helping them to develop successful self-esteem and independent skills.

Wherever possible, people with learning disability and/or Mental Health problems, should be allowed to choose their caring arrangements.

First Initiatives will offer learning opportunities to service users, to assist each person to fulfil their personal goals.

Our Values

• Choice
• Inclusion
• Empowerment
• Independence
• Person Centred
• Achieving potential
• Celebrating diversity
• Investing in staff
• Partnership working
• Continuous improvement
• Supporting Carers
• Value for money

Organization chart

Finance Department

First Initiatives are supported via the Initiatives Group finance department. The support provided by finance can be summarised into three core areas:-

• Stewardship and internal control
• Transaction processing
• Decision support and management information

The support provided includes the preparation of annual budgets and monthly management accounts enabling Management to closely monitor performance.

Finance also includes a dedicated Internal Auditor who visits services as part of a structured programme to access and report on the service's adherence to Group financial procedures.

Support is provided more generally to First Initiatives as part of the Initiatives Group in respect of more peripheral activities such as insurance arrangements and third-party finance for asset acquisition.

Human Resources

The Human Resources Section of the Initiatives Group addresses issues of recruitment employment and staff development. Being aware of the changing social care market, First Initiatives strives to ensure Staff retention by regularly reviewing its employment conditions.

The Human Resources Department offers their Professional Expertise in drawing up adverts and interviews. They insure references and checks are made on employee's prior employment to insure high quality staff.

We currently include in our terms and conditions: pensions for all staff, Death in service insurance, additional holiday entitlements to long serving Staff, Payment linked to Service as well as individual Training Packages.

In The Learning and Development section, staffs are supported through the induction process. This equips staff with the core skills required to undertake their role professionally. First Initiatives is committed to the employment of a highly skilled and trained workforce. We undertake to support all staff in progressing to the next stage of their development. Our approach is to incorporate generic training and specialist qualifications as required. All the training provided is carried out in the context of service delivery within our learning and development policy. This remains subject to review the learning and development section has an on going role in supporting professional staff development.

Living Initiatives

Living Initiatives provides quick and cost effective solutions for the needs of every property within the society. Highly qualified technicians are available to visit for maintenances and repair, all properties under Autism and First Initiatives banner.

The Living Initiatives is in charge of the Health and Safety for the company. Health and Safety within First Initiatives is maintained to a very high standard. Every house and unit has their own trained Health and Safety Officer. The staffs are also trained in basic first aid and as Fire Officers. We have a Health and Safety Committee, which meets our bi-monthly and has representation from all years.

IT and Communication also come under the department's remit.

Living Initiatives maintain various IT equipment and telephones for First Initiatives and provide a vital service for the organisation.