We put people at the heart of our purpose
We put people at the heart of our purpose.
These principles guide how we support the people who use our services, and how we work with each other every day.
Some colleagues join with sector experience. Others bring transferable skills and grow into new areas. Many move between services and levels as their careers develop. What unites everyone is a shared commitment to people-centred, compassionate support.
Whether you want to work directly with people, bring specialist skills, or take the next step in your career, Southdown offers a place where your work can have meaning and impact.
Our values shape how we work
Our values guide how we work with clients, tenants, colleagues and partners. They help create a workplace built on kindness, trust, learning, respect and shared responsibility.
They are also reflected through the Southdown Beacon, our shared framework for how we support people and work together. The Beacon helps us create environments where people feel safe, included and able to learn. It guides us to build relationships based on choice, individuality and working together. It also reminds us to recognise people’s experiences, strengths and potential.
For someone joining Southdown, this means you can expect a thoughtful and supportive working culture. You can expect colleagues to communicate clearly, listen with curiosity, reflect on what is working, and keep learning. You can expect a workplace where people are encouraged to understand the person in front of them, adapt their approach, and believe that positive change is possible.
The Beacon gives our teams a shared language and approach, so you are not expected to do this work alone. It helps us stay grounded, especially when work is complex, emotional or challenging.
Force for good
We want to make a positive difference in people’s lives. We focus on people’s strengths and potential, not just the challenges they may be facing.
Brilliant with people
We aim to be compassionate, inclusive and welcoming. We want people to feel respected, listened to and able to be themselves.
United
We work best when we work together. We build strong relationships with clients, tenants, colleagues, local authorities, the NHS, voluntary sector partners and communities, so support feels more connected.
Trustworthy
We act with integrity and transparency. We want people to feel safe with us, know what to expect and trust that we will do what we say.
Responsive
We listen, learn and adapt. People’s needs and circumstances change, so our support needs to be flexible, thoughtful and shaped by real experience.
A supportive way of working
We know that meaningful work needs the right support around it.
At Southdown, we want colleagues to feel able to ask questions, keep learning and develop their confidence over time. We encourage reflective practice, supervision, open conversations and opportunities to build skills.
Support looks different depending on your role, but the aim is the same: to help you feel equipped, trusted and able to do your best work.
Inclusion, belonging and voice
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be themselves and thrive, where different perspectives and experiences are valued, and everyone feels they belong — not that they have to “fit in”.
Our approach goes beyond meeting legal requirements. We want Southdown to be a place where colleagues feel respected, listened to and able to be themselves at work. That means welcoming diversity of thought and experience, encouraging people to use their voice, and taking action when something needs to change.
Our This is Us framework guides how we deliver on this. It is a living document shaped by our people and partners, setting out our priorities and commitments for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Our EDI Leadership Group helps keep this work active and visible across Southdown. The group brings together colleagues who are passionate about championing equality, diversity and inclusion. It raises awareness, listens to staff experiences, coordinates action, shares key messages, and helps make sure issues and learning are heard by senior leaders.
In practice, this means fair treatment and opportunity for all colleagues, inclusive recruitment, training for hiring managers, support for reasonable adjustments, and listening to lived experience.
Ways to get involved and be heard
Colleague voice is part of how we keep learning and improving
Through our networks, groups and involvement spaces, staff can connect with others, share experiences, influence decisions and help shape Southdown’s culture.
Community Voice
A space for colleagues to share views, experiences and ideas that can help improve how Southdown works.
The Assembly
A forum where colleagues can come together to discuss what matters, share feedback and contribute to wider organisational conversations.
Employee Networks
Groups that bring colleagues together around shared experiences, interests or identities, helping people connect, support one another and influence positive change.
PeerSpective
A space for colleagues with lived experience to share insight, strengthen understanding and help shape how we work.
Recognised as a leading employer
We’re proud to be recognised for the way we support our colleagues and create a place where people can do good work and be themselves.
Ready to join us?
If you are looking for work with purpose, people who care, and a place where you can grow, we’d love to hear from you.
Explore more about us
Dive deeper into how we work, who leads us, and how we perform:
How we work
Our values, the Southdown Beacon, and how we involve clients and tenants in shaping our services.
Find out moreOur services
Our services across Sussex - housing, mental health, and learning disability support.
Find out moreGet in touch
Speak to our team about any concerns or questions you have.
Contact us