How we work

Our approach stems from a simple idea: people thrive when they feel safe and included, can learn and grow at their own pace, and have opportunities to shape their own path.

We work alongside people, recognising their unique experiences, strengths and potential. Through close partnerships with organisations and individuals with lived experience, we design support that is accessible, joined-up and truly responsive.

Our values

Our values guide how we work and how we represent Southdown. They shape our culture and define success beyond numbers.

Force for good

We are passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives, championing their strengths and potential.

Brilliant with people

Compassionate, inclusive, and welcoming - ensuring belonging and individuality are at the heart of everything we do.

United

Achieving success through working together with local authorities, the NHS, and voluntary sector partners, so everyone feels safe and connected.

Trustworthy

Acting with integrity and transparency in all operations, nurturing a sense of safety for staff and clients alike.

Responsive

Listening, learning, and adapting to changing need - recognising each person's experiences and choice in shaping support.

The Southdown Beacon

The Beacon is our shared framework for delivering psychologically informed support.

Developed over 18 months with staff and clients, and reviewed by clinical psychologists, it guides how we listen, respond, and work alongside people with compassion, clarity, and consistency.

It centres on three areas – Environments, Relationships, and Individual – each with guiding principles that help our staff work in ways that are trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-led.

Learn more about the Beacon
Staff explained everything clearly and made me feel part of the decision-making.
Southdown tenant

Client and tenant involvement

At Southdown, co-production means listening to clients and tenants, valuing their insight, and working alongside them to shape how we do things. This isn't a tick-box exercise - it's how we work.

Your own support

Being involved in your support planning, building relationships with staff, and sharing feedback about what's working for you.

How services are run

Shaping service design, suggesting improvements, and helping us understand what good looks like from the perspective of people receiving support.

The organisation

Helping recruit staff, reviewing complaints, contributing to training, and influencing how Southdown is run at every level.

You said, we did

You saidTenant satisfaction questions weren't always clear
We did

Reviewed and improved our questions with direct tenant input

You saidRecruitment should include lived experience
We did

Involved clients and tenants in senior leadership recruitment

You saidIncluded client and tenant quotes, photos, and videos in our Beacon training
We did

Reviewed and improved our questions with direct tenant input

You saidThe complaints process was hard to use
We did

Redesigned complaints forms with direct client and tenant involvement

This was a positive experience where I felt valued and heard. My opinions were respected and taken into account, and I felt like I belonged. Open discussion was encouraged.
Southdown client

Listening to our colleagues

Our colleagues are the driving force behind everything we do. We make sure their voices help shape Southdown's story — through regular forums, networks, and direct routes to leadership.

Community Voice

Being involved in your support planning, building relationships with staff, and sharing feedback about what's working for you.

The Assembly

A representative group across Southdown that communicates directly with our Executive team and Board on issues that matter most to the people doing the work.

Employee Networks

Connect with colleagues who share your interests or lived experience. Networks include: menopause, parents and carers, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and work and wellbeing.

PeerSpective

A peer-led network for all Peer Workers across Southdown. Monthly meetings balance peer support with shared learning, including contributing to a Peer Handbook shaped collaboratively.

Making a difference

Martyn's story

Martyn lives in supported living and plays an active role in shaping how Southdown works. He helps induct new staff, showing them how to work with him. He opens team meetings.

“Come in and sit down. It’s great, I really love it.”

Read Martyn's full storyMore Southdown stories

The Working Together Charter

The Working Together Charter sets out what clients and tenants can expect from us – and what we ask in return. Co-designed with the people who use our services, it reflects our shared values of fairness, inclusion, accountability, and respect.

Have an idea or want to get involved?

Whether you use our services or work with us, there's a place for your voice at Southdown.

Rebecca Sharma

Client and Tenant Involvement Lead

CT@southdown.org