Next Stage's mission is to care for and provide support to vulnerable children, young people and adults within the community.

Based in Bolton, Lancashire, its aims to inspire people by “showing that we care,” it says. “We earn their trust, we build them up and we help them accept life's challenges.” It believes in the power of positive inspiration and the effect that it can have on a person's life.

Next Stage, which was established in 2002, engages with local communities and bolsters individuals' learning and growth within a safe, supportive working environment. Its employees can access a wide range of benefits in line with the firm's belief that in order to provide the best possible care for its service users, it needs to look after staff by offering a market-leading package. These include childcare vouchers, an employee assistance programme, a cycle-to-work scheme and discounts on gym membership and cinema tickets. Health and social care qualifications are available via an accredited college and for one day a year, Next Stage pays for staff to support a charity.

This large company operates employee forums at which concerns can be raised, with Covid-19 a standing item on the agenda. Weekly meetings on the pandemic with the senior leadership team highlight any immediate issues, which can be addressed if required. One of its initiatives is Investment Week, scheduled every three months, when employees focus on one particular value and complete activities associated with it.