Macclesfield-based charity Space4Autism, exceeds its growth plans and improves operations with support from HR Consultancy, Clover HR.
Space4Autism was established in 2005, to assist local families with children diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Condition [ASC]. The organisation’s name was created from the acronym SPACE – which when spelled backwards, represents East Cheshire Autism Parent Support.
The charity’s mission is to provide a social skills club for children with ASC and a monthly support group for parents and caregivers. From an initial group of 40, Space4Autism has grown into one of the biggest charities in Cheshire East, hosting over 4,000 events each year for individuals of all ages affected by ASC.
With the growth of Space4Autism rapidly exceeding its expectations, it became apparent to its senior management team and trustees that the charity’s human resources (HR) offering must evolve if it was to meet the needs of employees and volunteers effectively.
Clover HR was selected by Space4Autism in June 2023 for its specific expertise in the Charity sector. Offering face-to-face contact and regular check-ins, Clover HR’s Manchester Business Partner, Richard Brown immediately began working closely with Claire Hancock, Space4Autism’s Operations Manager. Claire needed to find a solution for supporting the growing and broad range of activities and clubs run by the charity, with the limited resources and staff available.
Claire knew she needed to develop appropriate contracts of employment and was looking for guidance on how to communicate the needs of the charity, more effectively with employees and discuss any necessary shift changes – which may have been met with some resistance.
Richard worked with Claire to provide effective and practical solutions to improve communication within the team. Clover HR also ensured that Space4Autism’s employment terms were compliant and worked in the best interests of the charity.
Claire Hancock, Space4Autism Operations Manager said, “We were regularly in touch with Clover HR, which enabled us to build a trusting relationship, very quickly. We needed HR support that recognised the challenges that we face in the Charity sector, and as Richard had operated in the Third Sector for many years, he understood and played a proactive role in helping us navigate these issues.
I would recommend Clover HR to other charities and organisations. They understand the challenges that line managers face on a day-to-day basis and the support they offer is fabulous.”
Richard Brown, Manchester HR Business Partner commented, “We are proud to be working with Space4Autism, on its mission to grow and support its employees. It’s great to work with an organisation that wants to improve its HR practices in areas that directly impact its staff.
As we move forward, our focus is on working together to enhance the charity’s induction process, to aid its team expansion plans. Our aim is to ensure that all new staff are equipped with the essential safeguarding and health and safety information, to help them adapt and adopt these new practices efficiently. We will continue to support Space4Autism on this venture, ensuring that all staff are provided with the right tools, training and support.”
Clover HR is a rapidly growing HR consultancy in the UK. With its headquarters in Birmingham, the company was named Business of the Year at the Birmingham Awards in 2023, solidifying its position as one of the leading HR consultancies in the country. Clover HR has regional offices located in Worcestershire, London, Manchester, Cardiff, Leeds, and Leicester, making it easily accessible to clients across the UK.
Operating to high standards of excellence, Clover HR is ISO 9001 and Cyber Essentials accredited and boasts a proven track record of retained support and specialist HR services, such as business change, employee relations and recruitment.
For more information, visit: https://space4autism.com//https://www.cloverhr.co.uk.
