More ex service-users are joining the staff at Access Community Trust, which provides vital services to vulnerable people and communities In East Anglia. The number joining the Lowestoft-based organisation under its "pathways to employment" initiative has risen and they make up 25% of the workforce, bringing with them insight into the support methods used through their lived experience.

The trust has experienced other changes as a result of the pandemic, after measures introduced in the past 18 months proved to be of benefit to staff and the organisation. One-month sabbaticals have been brought in for all team members achieving five years of service and internal communication has improved among teams and between leaders and staff. Greater levels of IT knowledge, as a result of remote working, also brought forward the launch of an IT upgrade planned for next year. An employee appreciation scheme has also come into force.

Another positive to come out of the pandemic is a new approach to team events. Because of lockdowns, the charity was forced to adopt a roadshow approach to its usual staff engagement day. Over a week, senior management met small groups in a variety of fun locations, including a zoo and an outdoor learning centre. The success of these led to the staging of a pop-up cinema event in August, which also served to capture staff nominations and feedback for the organisation’s second virtual staff celebration and awards in December, which was watched live by 89% of the workforce.