Case Study

Where’s your happy place?  
For Clinical Supervision Manager Pete, it’s out on the open water in his kayak – a hobby he dived into after supporting youth groups on outward bound adventures in a past role. While taking the plunge into water sports after work might not be high on everyone’s agendas, making Ingeus a happy place for others is most certainly at the top of his. 

 

Pete leads the Ingeus LGBTQIA+ employee network group, a position he’s just stepped up to after two years contributing to the company-wide forum. A qualified counsellor, mental health first aider, designated safeguarding officer, and active supporter of gender-led causes in the Newcastle community, he’s perfectly placed to actively shape inclusion at Ingeus. 

 

“We want everyone, employees and participants alike, to know that Ingeus is a safe space, that we’ve got your back,” says Pete, who joined Ingeus the week the UK went into pandemic lockdown in March 2020. 

 

“We’re modelling gender neutrality in all new Ingeus offices and promoting inclusion however we can – from looking at sensory safe spaces and adding pronouns to name badges, to hosting LGBTQIA+ community podcasts and rolling out transgender awareness training to all staff. We want everyone to know they’re accepted.” 

 

It’s a feeling that Pete, who celebrates 18 years of marriage to his husband this year, recalls joining Ingeus – despite the dramatic timing.  

 

After varied counsellor and associated training roles, Pete began working for Ingeus’ Access to Work mental health support service, Able Futures. Progressing from a mental health coach to joint Clinical Supervision Lead, then Manager, he says new opportunities are there for the taking at Ingeus: 

 

“I’ve had mentors and managers to support me from day one, everyone I work with has been nothing but honest, open, and welcoming,” continues Pete, who now jointly oversees the clinical supervision of more than 40 Able Futures mental health coaches. He also retains a small caseload to keep his talents fresh, develops and delivers in-house training, and is set to commence a Psychosexual Therapy Masters degree at Doncaster College. 

 

“I began my career as a counsellor, but here you’re encouraged to try new opportunities. If you open your mind and go for it, Ingeus will support you.  

 

“I class myself as a quiet leader but I’m gaining the confidence to step into more and more things and proactively use my experiences. Heading the LGBTQIA+ network group allows me to interact with colleagues from across our wide ranging business and we’ve got great things planned. I’ve never felt so supported in a job as I am here. 

 

“It may sound cheesy, but Ingeus’ values resonated strongly with me from the moment I joined, especially given the nature of doing that during lockdown. Ingeus stands for what I do, believing in everyone, showing care and respect, and doing the right thing.  
Careerwise, Ingeus is definitely my happy place.”