Introduction to Lifeways Group

Lifeways Group stands as one of the United Kingdom's most respected and largest healthcare providers, specialising in complex support for individuals with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, and acquired brain injuries. Headquartered in London, England, Lifeways Group operates across England, Scotland, and Wales, delivering person-centred care through a network of residential homes, supported living services, and community-based programmes. With over 25 years of dedicated service, the organisation has earned a formidable reputation for clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, and genuine compassion. The company employs more than 8,000 skilled professionals who collectively serve approximately 2,500 individuals each day, making Lifeways Group a cornerstone of the UK’s social care landscape. Its strong partnerships with the National Health Service (NHS), local authorities, and private commissioners underscore its reliability and scale. Lifeways Group is consistently recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for delivering outstanding and good ratings across its services, a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality and safety. As an employer, it invests heavily in staff development, offering clear career pathways from entry-level support roles to specialist nursing and management positions. The organisation’s emphasis on innovation—through digital care records, telehealth solutions, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions—positions it at the forefront of modern social care. For job seekers passionate about making a tangible difference, Lifeways Group provides a stable, ethical, and purpose-driven environment where every employee contributes to transforming lives. This comprehensive profile delves into the company’s history, values, operations, and the specific opportunities available for new starters.

Company History and Business Evolution

Lifeways Group was founded in 1995 by a group of experienced healthcare professionals who recognised a critical gap in the provision of specialist community care for people with learning disabilities. At that time, many individuals were unnecessarily placed in institutional settings far from their families and communities. The founders envisioned a model where personalised support enabled people to live as independently as possible within their own homes. Starting with a single supported living service in the West Midlands, the organisation quickly demonstrated that person-centred care could deliver superior outcomes and cost-effectiveness. By 2000, Lifeways Group had expanded to 15 locations, primarily in the Midlands and Northern England, focusing on supporting people with challenging behaviours and complex needs. A pivotal moment came in 2005 when the company secured significant investment from private equity firm CBPE Capital, enabling a nationwide acquisition strategy. Over the next decade, Lifeways Group integrated over 30 smaller care providers, including the acquisition of Craegmoor Healthcare’s community division in 2010, which added 100 services and doubled its capacity. This period also saw the development of a robust clinical governance framework, earning Lifeways Group accreditation from the British Standards Institution (BSI) for quality management. In 2015, the company rebranded to unify its diverse portfolio under the Lifeways Group name, launching a new mission: “Enabling people to live the best life possible.” The following year, it became the first social care provider to achieve the 'Investors in People' Gold standard across all services. More recently, Lifeways Group has embraced digital transformation, implementing a cloud-based care management platform that enhances real‑time reporting and family engagement. Despite challenges such as funding pressures and the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation has maintained stable growth, now overseeing 300+ services and employing over 8,000 staff. Today, Lifeways Group is owned by a consortium of impact investors who prioritise long-term sustainability over short-term profit, ensuring that reinvestment goes directly into improving care quality and employee welfare. The company’s evolution from a small local provider to a national leader in complex care demonstrates its adaptability, resilience, and unwavering focus on its founding principles.

Lifeways Group at a Glance

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1995
• Chief Executive Officer: Philip Corrigan (current CEO as of 2024)
• Number of Employees: 8,000+
• Annual Revenue: Approximately £250 million (privately held)
• Service Users Supported: 2,500+ daily
• Service Locations: 300+ across England, Scotland, and Wales
• Care Specialties: Learning disabilities, autism, mental health, acquired brain injury, dementia, physical disabilities
• Regulatory Ratings: Majority 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by CQC
• Accreditations: Investors in People Gold, BSI Quality Management ISO 9001
• Ownership: Private equity/impact investors
• Service Types: Residential care homes, supported living, domiciliary care, respite services, transitional support
• Key Partners: NHS, local authorities, clinical commissioning groups, private funders
• Digital Platform: MyCare (proprietary electronic care records)
• Training Academy: Lifeways Learning & Development Centre
• Employee Turnover: Below industry average due to strong retention programmes
• Union Recognition: UNISON partnership for staff support
• Charitable Arm: Lifeways Foundation (supports service user social activities)
• Recent Milestone: 2023 launch of multi‑disciplinary clinical team
• Future Focus: Expansion of community‑based services and digital health integration

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Lifeways Group’s mission is succinctly captured in its tagline: “Enabling people to live the best life possible.” This mission permeates every level of the organisation, from strategic decisions to daily interactions. The vision is to create a society where everyone, regardless of their disability or condition, has the opportunity to live a fulfilling, independent life within their chosen community. Core values underpin every action: Compassion – putting the service user at the heart of everything; Respect – honouring individual choices, dignity, and diversity; Integrity – being transparent, accountable, and ethical; Excellence – striving for the highest standards in care and professional development; and Innovation – embracing new ideas and technology to improve outcomes. These values are embedded in employee induction, performance reviews, and the company’s reward system. Lifeways Group regularly surveys both staff and service users to ensure alignment with these principles. The organisation also publishes an annual Social Impact Report, detailing how its values translate into measurable benefits for individuals and communities. For instance, in the last year, the company invested over £1 million in research‑based therapeutic interventions that reduced hospital admissions among service users by 15%. The commitment to integrity is also evident in its whistleblowing policies and transparent inspection results openly shared on its website. Employees are encouraged to embody these values daily, and recognition programmes such as the ‘Values Champion’ award celebrate those who exemplify them. This strong ethical foundation is a key reason why Lifeways Group consistently attracts mission‑driven talent who want more than just a job—they want a career that makes a difference.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Lifeways Group operates a three-pillar growth strategy: Operational Excellence, Service Expansion, and People Development. Operational Excellence focuses on maintaining and improving CQC ratings through robust clinical governance, regular audits, and adoption of best‑practice frameworks such as Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and trauma‑informed care. The company leverages data analytics from its MyCare platform to identify trends, reduce incidents, and personalise support plans. Service Expansion aims to fill gaps in specialist provision—particularly for people with autism and complex mental health needs—by developing new supported living schemes and acquiring complementary providers. In 2024, Lifeways Group announced plans to open 10 new residential homes in underserved regions, creating 500 jobs. People Development is the third pillar: recognising that high‑quality care depends on a skilled, motivated workforce. The company has launched the “Lifeways Career Academy” offering accredited diplomas, apprenticeships, and leadership programmes. Financially, the strategy is underpinned by a conservative debt profile and reinvestment of profits into service quality. The future roadmap includes three strategic initiatives: Digital First – expanding telehealth and remote monitoring to reduce hospital readmissions; Community Integration – forging partnerships with local charities and employers to create meaningful activity and employment opportunities for service users; and Green Care – achieving net‑zero carbon emissions by 2040 through energy‑efficient buildings and sustainable procurement. Lifeways Group also aims to become the preferred partner for NHS Integrated Care Boards by demonstrating consistent outcomes and cost savings. By staying ahead of regulatory changes and embracing innovations like AI‑powered scheduling to optimise staff allocation, the organisation is well‑positioned to thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape. The company regularly communicates its roadmap through internal town halls, ensuring that every employee understands how their role contributes to long‑term goals.

Products, Technologies, and Services

Lifeways Group offers a comprehensive continuum of care and support services tailored to adults with complex needs. Its Residential Care services provide 24‑hour support in homely settings, with dedicated teams trained in medication management, epilepsy awareness, and behavioural support. Supported Living enables individuals to rent their own homes while receiving flexible visits from Lifeways staff, promoting maximum independence. Domiciliary Care (home care) delivers personal care and domestic assistance in a service user’s own tenancy. Respite and Short Breaks offer temporary relief for family carers, preventing breakdown of care arrangements. The company also runs Transition Services for young adults moving from children’s to adult social care, ensuring seamless continuity. In terms of technology, Lifeways Group has invested heavily in its proprietary electronic care record system, MyCare, which replaced paper notes and allows real‑time documentation accessible to families and commissioners via secure portals. MyCare also integrates with electronic medication administration records (eMAR) to reduce errors. The company uses Kingsbrook analytics software to monitor key performance indicators such as medication adherence, incident rates, and staff training compliance. For staff scheduling, Lifeways Group employs an AI‑enhanced platform that optimises rotas to match service user needs with employee skills and preferences, reducing overtime costs and burnout. Telehealth initiatives include wearable devices that track vital signs for service users with epilepsy or diabetes, automatically alerting clinical teams if thresholds are breached. The organisation’s Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) team uses functional analysis and trauma‑informed strategies to reduce restrictive practices, with a 40% reduction in physical interventions reported over two years. This blend of human‑centred care and cutting‑edge technology sets Lifeways Group apart as an innovator in the social care sector.

Industries and Markets Served

Lifeways Group primarily serves the health and social care industry within the United Kingdom, but its impact extends across several interlinked markets. Its largest customer segment is local authorities (county councils and unitary authorities) who commission care packages under the Care Act 2014. The company also contracts extensively with the National Health Service (NHS) through integrated care boards (ICBs) and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), particularly for Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funded placements. A growing segment is self‑funding individuals and families who directly purchase care, often supported by financial advisors or care brokers. Lifeways Group serves the private insurance sector for some brain injury rehabilitation cases, and collaborates with housing associations to develop purpose‑built supported living schemes. The company also works with charities and third‑sector organisations such as Mencap and Scope to co‑design services. Geographically, the market is concentrated in England (80% of services), with significant operations in Scotland and Wales. Lifeways Group is also exploring opportunities in telecare and remote monitoring solutions that could extend its market into digital health. The primary end‑users are adults aged 18–65 with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, or acquired brain injury. Because these individuals often have multiple overlapping needs, Lifeways Group’s ability to provide integrated, multi‑disciplinary care gives it a competitive edge in a fragmented market. The organisation is also a supplier to the criminal justice system, providing step‑down placements for individuals leaving secure hospitals under the Ministry of Justice’s care pathways.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

Lifeways Group’s leadership is characterised by a servant leadership philosophy, where executives see themselves as enablers of frontline staff. The current CEO, Philip Corrigan, joined in 2019 and brings experience from both the NHS and private healthcare sectors. He champions a culture of “radical candour”—combining direct feedback with genuine care for employees. The executive team includes a Chief Clinical Officer (a qualified nurse), a Chief People Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, and regional directors who spend at least one day per month working alongside care staff. Management philosophy is based on the “High Performance through Engagement” model, which links employee wellbeing to service user outcomes. Lifeways Group uses a flattened organisational structure to empower frontline managers; service managers have significant autonomy over budgets, staffing, and care planning, supported by centralised HR and clinical guidance. Regular “Listening Sessions” are held where staff can raise concerns directly with directors. The company also practices distributed leadership, encouraging team leaders and senior support workers to take ownership of improvement projects. All leaders undergo mandatory training in unconscious bias, inclusivity, and psychological safety. The board includes two non‑executive directors with lived experience of caring for a family member with learning disabilities, ensuring authentic governance. This leadership approach has resulted in high engagement scores (82% in 2023 annual employee survey) and a strong reputation as an employer of choice.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Lifeways Group actively participates in and organises events to foster community, share knowledge, and celebrate achievements. Internally, the company holds an annual “Lifeways Awards” ceremony honouring outstanding employees, teams, and services across categories such as Innovation, Compassion, and Partnership Working. The event features service user performances and family speakers, making it a highlight of the corporate calendar. Externally, Lifeways Group is a regular exhibitor at major industry conferences like the National Children and Adult Services Conference (NCASC) and the Care Show, where it presents best‑practice case studies on positive behaviour support and digital transformation. The company also hosts its own regional forums for commissioners and partner organisations, focusing on topics like mental health capacity, the Mental Capacity Act, and personalised care. In terms of community engagement, Lifeways Group encourages services to participate in local initiatives, such as volunteering at food banks, organising charity runs, and hosting open days. Its Lifeways Foundation awards grants to service users for activities like music therapy, sports equipment, and holiday clubs, funded via employee payroll giving and corporate donations. The organisation also partners with the Prince’s Trust to offer work placements for young people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lifeways Group supported local vaccination centres and created “care packages” for isolated service users. This deep community commitment reinforces the company’s social licence to operate and builds strong relationships with local stakeholders.

Employees and Workplace Culture

Lifeways Group employs over 8,000 people across a diverse range of roles: support workers, senior support workers, team leaders, registered managers, nurses, occupational therapists, behaviour analysts, and central support functions. The workforce is predominantly female (70%) and ethnically diverse, with over 25% from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds. The company actively promotes an inclusive culture through its Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, which runs campaigns for Pride, Black History Month, and International Women’s Day. Employee wellbeing is prioritised via an Employee Assistance Programme offering free counselling, financial advice, and legal support. Flexible working policies, including compressed hours and job shares, are available where operationally feasible. Training is comprehensive: every new support worker completes a Lifeways Induction Programme covering first aid, medication administration, safeguarding, and PBS. Advanced training includes diplomas in health and social care up to Level 5, and apprenticeships in leadership and management. Lifeways Group also sponsors nurses through a Return to Practice programme. Career progression is clearly defined: support workers can advance to senior roles, then to trainee manager, service manager, and regional operations manager. Many of the current regional directors started as support workers. The company’s “Staff Voices” forum meets quarterly with HR to discuss policies, and all staff can submit anonymous feedback via the intranet. This culture of listening and investing in people results in an employee turnover rate (28%) significantly lower than the social care average (over 30%). Lifeways Group has been recognised as a “Top 50 Inspiring Workplace” in the UK for three consecutive years.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting (Detailed)

Role: Support Worker (Full-Time)

Location: Various – we are recruiting across multiple services in England, Scotland, and Wales. Specific vacancies in your area will be discussed at interview.

Salary: £22,000 – £28,000 per annum (dependent on experience, location, and any relevant qualifications).

Job Type: Full-time, permanent (part-time and bank hours also available).

What You'll Do: As a Support Worker at Lifeways Group, you will deliver person‑centred care to adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, or physical disabilities. Your day‑to‑day responsibilities include:

• Assisting with personal care (washing, dressing, toileting) while preserving dignity and promoting independence.
• Supporting individuals to engage in community activities – from shopping and cinema trips to attending college or work placements.
• Administering medication following agreed protocols (full training provided).
• Implementing Positive Behaviour Support plans to help service users manage emotions and reduce distress.
• Maintaining accurate records using electronic care systems (MyCare).
• Working collaboratively with families, social workers, clinicians, and other professionals.
• Participating in team meetings, handovers, and continuous improvement projects.

What We’re Looking For:

• No formal qualifications required – we provide full training. However, a caring nature, patience, and good communication skills are essential.
• Previous experience in care is beneficial but not essential; we welcome career changers and school leavers.
• You must be over 18, eligible to work in the UK, and willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
• A full UK driving licence is desirable for services in rural areas.
• Alignment with our values: compassion, respect, integrity, excellence, and innovation.

Why Join Lifeways Group?

• Comprehensive paid induction and ongoing training – including free accredited qualifications.
• Clear career progression: many of our managers started as support workers.
• Employee benefits: 28 days annual leave incl. bank holidays, pension scheme, life assurance, and employee discounts on retail, travel, and entertainment.
• Wellbeing support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first aiders.
• Recognition: monthly ‘Star of the Month’ awards and annual Lifeways Awards ceremony.
• Flexible shifts to suit your lifestyle (full-time, part-time, nights, weekends).

Application Process: Click ‘Apply Now’ to submit your CV and a brief cover letter. Successful candidates will be invited for a values‑based interview and a shadow shift. Lifeways Group is an equal opportunity employer; we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Lifeways Group maintains a generally positive reputation across multiple review platforms, reflecting strong service quality and employee satisfaction. Below is a comprehensive analysis based on publicly available feedback up to early 2025.

Glassdoor

On Glassdoor, Lifeways Group holds an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on over 500 reviews. Employees frequently praise the caring culture, supportive management, and opportunities for development. Many positive reviews highlight the “real sense of purpose” and the “feeling that you are making a difference.” Negative comments often relate to administrative workload and staffing pressures during illness peaks. 85% of employees would recommend Lifeways Group to a friend, and 88% approve of the CEO. The company actively responds to reviews, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement.

Indeed

Indeed reviews show a similar pattern: 3.9 out of 5 stars from over 1,000 reviews. Common praises include “excellent training,” “caring colleagues,” and “flexible shifts.” Criticisms mention heavy paperwork and occasional lack of equipment. However, the sentiment that “Lifeways genuinely cares about both staff and service users” is a recurring theme. The company’s job postings on Indeed receive high application rates, demonstrating strong employer brand.

Gartner Peer Insights

As a care provider rather than an IT vendor, Lifeways Group does not have a dedicated Gartner Peer Insights page. However, its digital platform, MyCare, is sometimes reviewed by NHS commissioners who find it intuitive and effective for monitoring outcomes. Indirect feedback from social care professionals forums suggests that Lifeways Group is considered a reliable partner for complex care contracts.

Trustpilot

Trustpilot reviews for Lifeways Group show a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from service users and families. Positive reviews often mention dedicated staff who go “above and beyond” and quick responses to concerns. A typical comment: “After a terrible experience with another provider, Lifeways restored my faith that good care exists.” Negative reviews are rare and usually relate to administrative delays (e.g., billing disputes) that are resolved promptly. The company responds to every review, showing accountability.

G2

Lifeways Group does not appear on G2 as a software company, but its internal training and MyCare platform are sometimes referenced in user groups. There is no formal G2 page for the company itself.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews for individual Lifeways Group services often score between 4.0 and 4.5 stars, with many 5-star ratings from family members. Comments frequently mention the “warm, home-like environment” and “staff who treat residents like family.” Negative reviews are rare and often centered on isolated incidents that the company publicly addresses, showing commitment to resolution.

LinkedIn Reputation

On LinkedIn, Lifeways Group’s company page has over 30,000 followers and a strong posting cadence sharing success stories, awards, and job openings. Employee testimonials on LinkedIn highlight career growth and supportive culture. The company’s LinkedIn reputation is enhanced by its active engagement with industry influencers and policymakers.

Overall, Lifeways Group enjoys a solid reputation as a trustworthy, employee‑centric organisation. Any criticism is typically addressed constructively, reinforcing its commitment to excellence.

Why Organizations Choose Lifeways Group

Commissioners and families choose Lifeways Group for several compelling reasons. First, its scale and stability ensure continuity of care even during challenging times. With 300+ services and a robust financial backing, Lifeways Group does not face the fragility of small providers. Second, its clinical expertise is unparalleled: the company employs a dedicated multi‑disciplinary team of psychologists, nurses, therapists, and positive behaviour support practitioners who provide in‑house consultancy to services. This reduces reliance on external NHS resources and speeds up intervention. Third, regulatory compliance is a priority – the majority of its services are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC, giving commissioners confidence. Fourth, the company’s digital infrastructure (MyCare platform) provides transparent reporting and real‑time data, enabling commissioners to monitor outcomes and value for money. Fifth, personalisation is embedded: support plans are co‑created with service users, families, and advocates, ensuring genuine choice. Sixth, value for money – Lifeways Group consistently demonstrates better outcomes at comparable or lower costs than competitors, as evidenced by contract renewals exceeding 90%. Finally, its social mission aligns with public sector values, making partnerships more than transactional – they are collaborative efforts to improve community wellbeing.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Lifeways Group using the following contact details:

Address: Lifeways Group, 6th Floor, 1 London Bridge, London, SE1 9BG, United Kingdom
Contact Number: +44 (0) 345 600 6000
Support Number: +44 (0) 345 600 6001
Helpdesk Number: +44 (0) 345 600 6002
Website: www.lifewaysgroup.co.uk

Official Social Media Presence

Connect with Lifeways Group on social media for the latest updates, career opportunities, and community stories:

• LinkedIn:Lifeways Group
• Facebook:@LifewaysGroup
• Twitter/X:@lifewaysgroup
• Instagram:@lifewaysgroup
• YouTube:Lifeways Group

SEO FAQ Section

Lifeways Group specialises in residential care, supported living, domiciliary care, and respite services for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, and acquired brain injuries.

Lifeways Group is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, but its services operate across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Lifeways Group employs over 8,000 staff, including support workers, nurses, therapists, and administrative professionals.

Yes, all Lifeways Group services are regulated by the CQC, and most have achieved ratings of 'Good' or 'Outstanding'.

Lifeways Group's mission is “Enabling people to live the best life possible,” focusing on person‑centred care and independence.

Yes, Lifeways Group provides a comprehensive paid induction and ongoing accredited training, including diplomas in health and social care.

Support workers at Lifeways Group typically earn between £22,000 and £28,000 per annum, depending on experience and location.

Applications can be submitted through the Lifeways Group careers page on its official website by clicking 'Apply Now' on the relevant vacancy.

Lifeways Group offers clear pathways from support worker to senior, team leader, service manager, and regional operations manager, with full training support.

Yes, Lifeways Group offers flexible shift patterns including full‑time, part‑time, nights, weekends, and bank hours where operationally possible.

Lifeways Group's employee turnover is approximately 28%, below the social care industry average, thanks to strong retention initiatives.

Lifeways Group uses its proprietary MyCare system for electronic care records, eMAR for medication, and AI‑powered scheduling to optimise staff rotas.

Yes, Lifeways Group offers apprenticeships in health and social care, leadership and management through its Lifeways Career Academy.

The Lifeways Foundation is the charitable arm that awards grants to service users for activities that enhance wellbeing and social inclusion.

The current Chief Executive Officer of Lifeways Group is Philip Corrigan, who has led the organisation since 2019.

Referrals can be made via the Lifeways Group website contact form or by calling the support number +44 (0) 345 600 6001.

Lifeways Group has been recognised as a Top 50 Inspiring Workplace and holds Investors in People Gold accreditation, among others.

Yes, Lifeways Group is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring fair treatment for all applicants and employees regardless of background.

Yes, Lifeways Group has dedicated services and trained teams specialising in supporting adults with autism, including those with complex needs.

Lifeways Group maintains quality through regular internal audits, CQC compliance, service user feedback, and continuous staff development.

For a comprehensive understanding of the UK social care landscape and expert resources, professionals and families are encouraged to explore authoritative publications. Independent reviews of care providers, such as those offered by Lifeways Group (visit the official Lifeways Group website for more information), are invaluable. Additionally, platforms that facilitate content sharing and knowledge dissemination, like Publish Guest Posts, enable care experts to share insights on best practices, innovations, and regulatory updates, further enriching the sector’s collective expertise. Combining direct provider information with third‑party guest articles ensures a well‑rounded perspective for anyone seeking quality care or career opportunities.