Celebrating 30 years of Achieve together: Louise’s interview

One of those team members is Louise Ridger, Head of Human Resources (HR) Operations, who has been part of Achieve together for 25 years. Louise first joined as a Receptionist and has since moved through several roles, including Operations, Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Finance Director. Her journey has given her a unique insight into how Achieve together has grown, changed and ultimately stayed focused on supporting people to live the lives they choose.

What attracted you to join Achieve together, and what made you stay for so many years?

After having my second child, I was looking for my first role back in the workplace and wanted something local. My background was mainly in administration and reception work, so when I saw an advert in the local newspaper for a receptionist role with The Regard Partnership in Kingston-upon-Thames, I thought, “why not?”

While I did not know much about the organisation at the time, I did know they supported vulnerable adults, which felt meaningful to me because of my own personal experience. I decided to give it a go and never imagined that one decision would lead to a 25-year career.

What roles have you moved through?

I started my journey as a Receptionist, before moving into Operations. From there, I continued to grow within the organisation, including a period as Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Finance Director. Moving through these roles has given me a unique perspective of the organisation, how it has developed over the years, and how each area works together to support Achieve together’s goals. It also helped shape the career path that eventually led me into my current role as Head of Human Resources (HR) Operations.

How has Achieve together grown since you first started?

Achieve together has changed so much since I first started. It felt much smaller, with many processes, systems and support functions still developing. Over the years, it has grown into a larger, more structured organisation with clearer ways of working, while keeping a strong focus on the people we support and the team members who support them. What has stayed the same is the commitment to helping people live the lives they choose, and that balance of growth, change and purpose is something I am proud to have been part of.

Name one moment in your career with Achieve together, that you will never forget?

It is difficult to choose just one moment, as there have been so many over the years. The memories that stay with me are the times when people have come together through change, challenge or difficult periods. Those moments, along with the friendships and experiences I have had, have taught me so much and helped shape who I am today.

What do you think has been the biggest achievement of the organisation over the past 30 years? 

From my perspective, one of the biggest achievements has been watching, and being part of, the growth of our People Team. When I joined, there was no formal HR department, just a Consultant who later became HR Director. By watching, learning and developing alongside them, I discovered my own passion for HR and had the opportunity to help grow and manage a small HR team. As the organisation grew, more team members joined, processes became stronger and people became an even greater priority. People come and go, but I believe everyone who has worked here has made an impact, and that has been central to the success and growth of Achieve together over the last 30 years.

As we celebrate our 30th birthday, what are your hopes for the future of Achieve together over the next 30 years?

My hope is that Achieve together continues to grow while keeping people at the centre of every decision. Growth is important, but it must be guided by strong values, good leadership and a clear understanding of what matters to the people we support and the team members who work alongside them. I hope we continue to keep homes at the heart of everything we do, making sure people receive the quality of care they deserve, with the right team members in place to deliver it. That is the purpose of our work and the reason so many of us choose to be part of this profession.

What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in this profession?

I think empathy, strong listening skills and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing are some of the most important qualities. It is about taking the time to understand people as individuals, listening to what matters to them, and always acting with compassion, respect and integrity.

How has the care sector changed since you first began your career?

The care sector has changed a lot since I first began my career. It is now more complex and regulated, with a stronger focus on choice, quality, safeguarding, workforce planning and truly person-centred support.

There has also been a clear shift towards working more closely with the people we support, so we can understand what matters to them and keep improving. Co-production has become an important part of this, and technology has transformed how we work.

What has working at Achieve together taught you about yourself?

Working at Achieve together has taught me to be adaptable, open to learning and able to move through change. No two days are the same, but even in challenging times, I have learnt to keep growing, find purpose in the work and focus on what matters most. It has also shown me how resilient I can be. Difficult moments can take their toll, but they have taught me to bounce back, keep striving to do better and stay focused on the people we support and the team members around us.

What makes you most proud to still be part of Achieve together’s journey?

I am proud to be part of an organisation that has grown while continuing to support people to live more fulfilled lives. What makes me most proud is the dedication, care and resilience of my team, my peers and team members across Achieve together. Everyone plays a part, and that shared commitment is what makes the journey so special. We all work incredibly hard because we want to do the best we can for the people who make up Achieve together. For me, Achieve together is not just a name; it is all of us, working together.