Sense
Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how complex someone’s disability.
Whether it’s communicating with your child for the first time, learning to live more independently or finding friendship through our sports and arts activities – these are the moments that make a difference.
Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life.
Sense was started 70 years ago, by two mothers whose children were born deafblind. No one knew how to help them. Taking matters into their own hands, they proved that with the right support at the right time, their children could communicate, learn and develop.
Sense continues their mission to this day – breaking down barriers to create a world where every disabled person is included and connected. Where children can communicate with their parents and receive the best possible start in life, young people and adults can develop skills, build confidence and connect with their community, and families can find the hope and resilience to thrive, not just survive.
Together, we can achieve long term change. That’s why we go to any lengths, step up in the face of adversity and unite with the 1.6 million people with complex disabilities in the UK.
Regardless of how long it takes, how many barriers we need to overcome or how hard we have to fight, we’ll stop at nothing to create a world where disabled people are connected and included, no matter what.
Our values
We live and breathe our values. We include. We collaborate. We challenge. We find a way. We celebrate. Our culture is one that listens to people, recognises a good idea, and encourages people to work together to make a real difference.
Everything we do is underpinned by our values. These values shape the way we work, how we treat each other, and how we support people.
We include.
We are determined to provide a place where everyone belongs. Where difference is valued and no one is left out. We take time to understand each other, however we may communicate. And we involve each other, especially in the things that affect us directly.
We collaborate.
We bring people together and make connections. Because, though we may all connect differently, we are all connected. And by sharing, learning, working and contributing together, we can achieve so much more.
We find a way.
We think creatively, seeing potential and possibility. Always finding a way, however long it takes.
We challenge.
We think risk is a part of life to embrace and work with, not avoid. We constantly challenge ourselves and the status quo, working hard to make the world a place for everyone. When things go wrong, we’re honest, we learn, we do better.
We celebrate.
All achievements are worth celebrating. Those moments and milestones – the ordinary and extraordinary – that give meaning and purpose to life. We notice them and celebrate. Inspiring us to keep going.
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Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy
Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to how we work. We want our people to be as diverse as those we support, and we work hard to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential.
At Sense we are diverse in age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity and culture. We each have our own lived experience, we each bring unique qualities, and we each play our role in building an inclusive workplace, where everyone can thrive.
We’re proud of the work we do to make sure that people with complex disabilities are able to take part in life. And we want our organisation to be just as diverse as the people we support.
We aim to be a leader within our sector when it comes to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and we have a clear EDI strategy outlining this.
We support and encourage all of our people to be themselves at work, and we both recognise and value our differences. Our employee networks, which champion and celebrate our diversity, are just one way we do this.
Sense are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer
Our Employee networks
At Sense we have a diverse team of people, passionate about making a difference to people’s lives. Our employee networks are led by our people and ensure we can all feel connected,
The Ethnic Diversity Network aims to foster and grow a strong Ethnic Minority base at Sense. The group celebrates culture, embraces identity, starts courageous conversations and provides a voice to help bring understanding, change and inclusion.
The Disability Employee Network provides a forum for disabled and able-bodied employees to champion the inclusion of disabled people within the workplace. They have been active in helping us understand how we can work better together in diverse teams.
The LGBTQ+ Network aims to create a safe and inclusive workplace, so everyone can bring their authentic self to work. It’s a space for those in the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together to champion issues in the wider community and promote more understanding.
The Wellbeing Network was set up by a group of like-minded individuals with the aim of driving change, reducing the stigma around mental health and promoting wellbeing. The network provides a forum for sharing experiences, networking and discussing issues that affect us all.
Be part of our ambitious plan
Imagine a world where everyone can take part in life. We can. Everyone that works at Sense is part of an ambitious strategy to support ten times more people with complex disabilities by 2026. Join us and, together, we can ensure that 50,000 more people will have opportunities to take part in life.
We may be growing to help change more people’s lives, but there’s one thing we hope never to change: the way our people continually help build a unique place to work. Joining Sense means you’ll be part of something special, where you feel included and valued, challenged and supported.
