Business Details
50 Years
experience
Empowering Change for Learning Disability Communities
The Association For Real Change (ARC) is a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism, and additional support needs. Founded in 1976, we work across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to support service providers, families, and individuals through research, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives. Our strategic vision focuses on enhancing knowledge, rights, choice, and inclusion for vulnerable communities. We facilitate networking, policy development, and training to drive systemic change. With over four decades of experience, our team combines sector expertise with lived experience to ensure our work remains grounded in real-world needs.We prioritise transparency, ethical governance, and measurable impact, guided by a board of trustees with diverse professional backgrounds. Our approach emphasizes co-production with stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of those we serve shape our priorities. By bridging gaps between service users, providers, and policymakers, we strive to create inclusive societies where everyone can thrive. Our financial stewardship and compliance with regulatory standards reflect our commitment to accountability. Through annual impact reports and public engagement, we maintain open communication with our supporters and partners.
Services
Advocacy Services
Policy Development
Training Programs
Research Projects
Networking Events
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of specialist experience in learning disability and autism advocacy.
- Our strategic vision prioritises co-production with people who use services and providers.
- We combine sector expertise with lived experience in all our initiatives.
- Our national presence across the UK enables tailored regional support.
- We maintain transparent governance with annual public impact reporting.
Services
Advocacy Services
We drive systemic change through collective advocacy, amplifying voices of people with learning disabilities and autism. Our work influences national policies and service standards. We ensure stakeholder engagement in legislative processes.
Training Programs
Our tailored training develops sector professionals' skills in inclusive practices and person-centred support. Programs cover legal frameworks, communication strategies, and best practice implementation. We deliver both in-person and digital learning solutions.
Research Projects
We conduct evidence-based research to identify gaps and innovations in disability support. Findings inform policy recommendations and service improvements. Our studies focus on quality of life outcomes and service accessibility.
Networking Events
Our conferences and workshops connect professionals, service users, and policymakers. These platforms facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving. Events address current challenges and emerging trends in social care.
Policy Development
We shape inclusive policies through consultation responses and stakeholder collaboration. Our expertise guides regulatory frameworks for disability services. We ensure policies reflect lived experiences and sector realities.
People
David
Trustee
With 35 years' leadership experience in social care, David champions values-driven approaches. He previously led Real Life Options Group and holds academic qualifications in management and inclusive environments. His research focuses on organisational values in practice.
Andrew
Trustee
Former CFO of a national social care charity, Andrew brings financial expertise and governance experience. Appointed in 2020, he ensures fiscal responsibility while advancing ARC's strategic objectives through his portfolio career.
Fiona
Trustee
CEO of Threshold charity, Fiona has led disability sector organisations for two decades. An IOD Certified Director, she specialises in social inclusion strategies and community-led change initiatives across the UK's third sector.
Marcus
Trustee
Marketing expert and founder of Creative Media NI, Marcus contributes business development insights. His board roles include Omagh Enterprise Centre, combining commercial acumen with community engagement to support ARC's mission.
Angie
Trustee
Founder of Perth Autism Support, Angie advocates for neurodiverse families nationally. With lived experience as an autistic parent, she influences education and social care policies while managing local employability initiatives.
Questions
What is ARC's primary focus?
We champion rights and inclusion for people with learning disabilities, autism, and additional support needs through advocacy, research, and sector development across the UK.
How does ARC involve service users?
We co-produce all initiatives with people who use services, ensuring their voices shape our strategic direction and project implementation through advisory panels and working groups.
What services does ARC offer?
We provide policy advocacy, professional training, sector research, networking platforms, and strategic guidance to improve support quality and inclusion outcomes.
How can organisations collaborate with ARC?
Organisations can join our networks, participate in research projects, attend training programs, or engage in policy consultations through our regional websites and events.
What makes ARC unique?
Our combination of lived experience, sector expertise, and cross-UK perspective enables tailored solutions while maintaining national policy influence and evidence-based approaches.
