GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE Carol Matthews' decision to hire a full-time trainer to deliver a course designed to help vulnerable service-users to find a purpose in life was a huge success. Out of more than 1,000 customers enrolled so far by the housing provider Riverside, which is based in Liverpool, 85% have returned to employment, training or education. Unusually, more than 300 of the staff of 2,930 have taken part, too, reporting that the practical techniques they learnt have improved their own motivation. People feel the experience gained is valuable for the future (72% positive) and good for their own personal growth (71%). Founded in its present form in 1996, this mid-size group has grown via mergers from a Liverpool-based operation with a history dating back to 1928 to a nationwide network of 417 sites stretching from Irvine to Kent. www.riverside.org.uk
