RESPECT: Our Social Care Model of Support

Support built on values. Grounded in evidence.

RESPECT is Achieve together’s guiding framework for support. It brings together evidence and research-based practices, lived experience, and human rights values – ensuring every person we support feels respected, empowered and included.

A person-centred model for inclusive, empowering support

RESPECT is more than a set of values – it’s a way of working.
It stands for:

Respect
Relationships
Restriction minimisation
Engagement
Empowerment
Strengths
Sharing of power

This model shapes our everyday practice and ensures that support is delivered with purpose, empathy, and accountability.

We see the person – not the label

Support begins with unconditional respect. That means:

Seeing the person, and their positive attributes not their diagnosis
Truly and actively listening to the person
Always remembering this is their home

Presuming capacity unless proven otherwise
Valuing choices — even ones we don’t agree with

Respect is non-negotiable.

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Trust and rapport are at the heart of good support

Strong, meaningful relationships help people thrive. We:

Build trust through kindness, empathy and consistency
Understand each person’s preferred way to connect
Recognise the mutual benefit in every relationship
Support personal, family and sexual relationships with sensitivity and dignity

Freedom where it’s safe. Support where it’s needed.

We work hard to eliminate unnecessary restrictions, including:

Avoiding blanket rules
Rejecting coercion and psychological pressure
Following legal frameworks responsibly (MCA, DoLS)
Promoting positive risk-taking

Support that listens, not just acts

We don’t just complete tasks. We connect. We laugh. We listen.

Engagement means:

Having real conversations
Picking up on non-verbal communication
Exploring what brings joy, purpose and interest
Using excellent listening and curiosity as core skills

Support that focuses on what’s strong – not what’s wrong

We use a strengths-based approach rooted in positive psychology and the VIA Character Strengths framework.

This helps us:

Highlight each person’s best qualities
Build confidence, esteem and personal pride

Set goals that feel achievable and meaningful

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We support. You decide

We start from the assumption that every person can make their own decisions. When support is needed, we:

Maximise involvement and shared decision-making
Co-produce support plans with the person (and families)
Stay mindful of power imbalances in every interaction

Support that protects without isolating

RESPECT also includes:

Safety: Building strategies with the person to manage real risks
Society: Helping people get involved, belong and contribute
PERMA Wellbeing: Positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement
Perseverance: Staying consistent and compassionate through crisis

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People deserve support from people who know how

Our model is only possible because of the people who deliver it.

We invest in:

Expert training & coaching
Trauma-informed practice
Capable environments (based on McGill et al.)
PBS, PASS+PORT™, and co-produced learning

Want to learn more or work in a values-led support model?

The RESPECT model is how we help people live better, more fulfilling lives. Get in touch to explore how we can support you, your family or your team.