30.7.2024 | Social Enterprise

Trust, positivity, and respect are the cornerstones of Ipswich-based Realise Futures. And all three of these values are palpable when you walk through the doors of this impressive organisation.

Jane Sutton, Realise Futures‘ business systems director, says: “Those companies that have embraced our fulfilment services quickly appreciate that such engagement is a great way for a company to boost its CSR  (corporate social responsibility) offering while, most importantly, making a positive impact on those who work with us.”

Lee Caraccio, RF works manager, explains more: “As a registered CIC (Community Interest Company), success is measured by sharing our prosperity with our stakeholders, partners, employees and the wider community. RF Fulfilment (within our RF Works department) aims to enhance the success of our commercial business so that we can increase the provision of work and well-being opportunities for those who are disadvantaged and/or disabled.

“CSR” might feel like a buzzword after a while, but walking into our fulfilment centre daily reminds me of what it means. The impact on our employees means they are more financially independent and have a sense of identity and self-worth, promoting more positive mental health.   Strong teamwork enables us to cater for those with physical disabilities, and we provide tailored supervision, creating a place for individuals to thrive where elsewhere they would not always have had the opportunity.”

How can using RF Fulfilment services benefit your company’s CSR offering:

• Working with Realise Futures will ensure you contribute to a more inclusive supply chain. By sourcing services from us, businesses will actively support employment opportunities and work integration for disabled individuals, promoting diversity, inclusion, and social impact.
• We can help you meet your CSR goals, which will help you demonstrate your commitment to social causes. Associating with a purpose-driven organisation can enhance a business’s brand reputation and resonate positively with its customers and stakeholders.
• Using Realise Futures Fulfilment services can boost your employee morale and satisfaction. Many employees appreciate working for companies that prioritise social responsibility, which enhances the company’s employee value proposition.

Here’s what two valued members of the RF team have to say:

Shaun has been a production operative at Realise Futures site for nine years. He says:

“I don’t want to work anywhere else; I love my job and the people here. I’ve had several jobs over the years, but unfortunately, my health deteriorated, which meant I could no longer work full-time. I became unemployed. I have a heart disease as well as sleep apnoea. The specialists that I am under at the hospital recommended I give up full-time work and could possibly work part-time.   I have a family for whom I need to provide. Realise Futures has made this happen for me. I have built up my hours to 24 a week, the maximum I can achieve with my condition.   I never know how I will feel when I wake up. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. My line manager asks me daily how I feel and if I’m fit to work that day. I feel as though the company cares about its employees.

“Before I joined RF, I was constantly at the hospital for appointments and medication checks. On top of that, the job centre required endless visits with work coaches as to why I wasn’t in work or applying for work. Few job vacancies would suit my condition and needs. I wasn’t happy; I needed to work, and I wanted to support my family. Since joining RF, my family life and sense of well-being/mental health have improved, and I’m with colleagues who understand daily. I enjoy coming to work.”

Charlotte has worked as an administrator at the Realise Futures central office at our Whitehouse site for over three years. She says:

“Working at Realise Futures has increased my confidence and helped me on my journey of accepting and embracing myself as an autistic person. I find it empowering to work for a company that recognises the difficulties I have and can educate those around me, too. There is always understanding and two-way communication. Being an autistic person means I need more time to process. Two or three years ago, I would not have been able to have this conversation. I spent years questioning why I am not like everyone else when I can’t cope with day-to-day change and sensory differences. I didn’t get my diagnosis until my late 30’s, I still have good days and bad days; no two days are the same, but one thing that remains constant, and that is my employers understanding and support.

“At Realise Futures, I am valued for who I am, believe in what I do, and recognise that my skills and traits are essential to the business. My self-confidence has improved. I lacked confidence previously. I used to get by okay, but I would copy others, thinking that is what I was supposed to do. Now, I can be me, and I have the confidence to know I do my job well in my way. I have a lot to give.

“Working at Realise Futures has enabled me to be confident enough to ask for support such as Access to Work funding that is available for anyone with a disability in the workplace. It’s a grant that helps support you to stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition, or disability. It has helped me to purchase through Realise Futures noise cancelling headphones to aid concentration. It also gave me access to training such as Coping Strategies, which has been invaluable to me on a day-to-day basis. Realise Futures allowed me the time and supported me in accessing this.”

Boasting impressive statistics that highlight the benefits RF delivers to individuals and the wider Suffolk community, a snapshot of what was achieved during the 2023-2024 financial year includes:

• 620 individuals were supported into paid employment within Suffolk-based companies
• 173 individuals received well-being support in a real work setting with opportunities to develop life and independence skills through a variety of person-centred activities
• 2,042 individuals enrolled on new learning opportunities
• 1,552 peer group sessions were held across the county for Adults with Learning Difficulties and/or Autism to enhance independence, financial, social and life skills
• Realise Futures’ own community engagement activities have included planting trees and hedgerows at Alton Water and hosting a local school and FE college with a mix of horticulture-based activities and work experience opportunities for adults with disabilities and students wishing to experience social care and business settings as part of their career aspirations.
• 1041 drop-in Career, Information, Advice & Guidance appointments were made to support disadvantaged people identify their key goals and help them in their progression
• Realise Futures has developed its commitment to engage with and purchase from local suppliers of products and services as part of the local circular economy. In addition, Realise Futures has enhanced its Environmental Policy by expanding it to incorporate Social Values and commenced work on establishing benchmarks in three areas of focus: Environment, to reduce carbon footprint; Supporting the local community, to include Health, Care, and Well-Being; and economic growth.

Jane Sutton says, “We know that companies we work with are also looking to demonstrate positive CSR to improve their reputation, attract talent, and align with stakeholder expectations. We are fine with that because when companies start to use our services, it directly correlates to the number of job opportunities we are able to provide people to develop their self-worth and confidence and increase their well-being.

“So, if you have a fulfilment job that needs doing, call us, and let our team show you how they can achieve or even surpass your expectations.”

Image: The fulfilment team, Charlotte and Shaun.