Launching our new Family Charter

Developed alongside family members from across the organisation, the Charter reflects what matters most to families and provides a clear framework for communication, involvement and transparency throughout a person’s support journey.

The Family Charter outlines our commitments to:

• Deliver high-quality, person-centred support
• Treat people, families and loved ones with dignity and respect
• Communicate openly, honestly and regularly
• Involve families in planning and decision-making, where appropriate
• Provide opportunities for families to share feedback and help shape our organisation

The Charter also recognises the unique insight families bring. They often know a person’s history, aspirations, interests and goals better than anyone else, helping us provide support that is truly tailored to the individual.

Created with families, not just for families

The Charter was developed by Achieve together’s Family Quality Checker & Consultation Group and approved by Unity, our pioneering co-production group.

Michael Fullerton, Director of Wellbeing, Strategy & Collaboration at Achieve together, said:

“Families know their loved ones better than anyone. Their insights, experiences and perspectives are invaluable in helping us provide the best possible support. That’s why it was so important that the Charter was created with families, not simply for them. It reflects our shared commitment to collaboration, openness and ensuring the voices of families continue to shape how we work across Achieve together.”

The Family Charter covers every stage of a person’s journey, from exploring support options and moving into a new home, through to ongoing communication, support planning, health and wellbeing, and opportunities for families to become involved at an organisational level.

To make the charter as accessible as possible, it’s available online and as a PDF in English, Welsh and Easy Read formats, as well as through a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted video.

Pepe Keightley, who helped develop the Charter, said:

“The Family Charter reflects the things that matter most to families: honest communication, meaningful involvement and transparency. As part of the group that helped create the Charter, it has been reassuring to see firsthand Achieve together’s commitment to listening, learning and working alongside families to help people achieve their best possible lives.”

Strengthening partnerships for the future

The launch of the Family Charter is another important step in our ongoing commitment to listening, learning and working in partnership with the people we support and those closest to them.

By strengthening relationships with families and ensuring their voices continue to be heard, we can work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people we support.

As we continue to grow and provide specialist support for people with learning disabilities, autistic people, people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), people with mental health needs, and people who are D/deaf or have hearing loss, partnership will remain at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you to the family members who helped with this project, read the Family Charter to find out more.