A Wirral charity supporting people with autism has been recognised as a leading employer in the North West care sector.

Autism Together was named best Care Home Employer in the North West at the prestigious Great British Care Awards.Autism Together's GB Care AwardAutism Together's GB Care Award (Image: Autism Together) The Bromborough-based charity beat strong competition from 12 other shortlisted care providers from across the region. It will now go on to compete at the national awards in 2025.

The judges of the GB Care Awards event - which was held at Manchester's Kimpton Clocktower Hotel had this to say about Autism Together: “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.

In the past 18 months, the organisation has made 'significant additions' to its leadership Team, including the arrival of a new chief executive and a new director of people and culture, together helping usher in a raft of new and increased benefits for staff.

Staff from across Autism Together celebrating their win at the GB Care Awards event for the North West, in ManchesterStaff from across Autism Together celebrating their win at the GB Care Awards event for the North West, in Manchester (Image: Autism Together) 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, Autism Together's chief executive, 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."

Helen Bilton, Autism Together’s director of people and culture, and Richard Whitby, chief executive of Autism Together, pictured with the GB Care Award outside the organisation’s head office in BromboroughHelen Bilton, Autism Together’s director of people and culture, and Richard Whitby, chief executive of Autism Together, pictured with the GB Care Award outside the organisation’s head office in Bromborough (Image: Autism Together) 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.

Helen Bilton, Autism Together's director of people and culture, said: "Congratulations to every member of our staff team. Their hard work each day has contributed so much to this wonderful win.

"As an employer, we will continue to strive to work for the benefit of our staff team and exceed their expectations."