About Us
Inclusion began 30 years ago. We had then, and maintain now, the vision that people with learning disabilities, physically difficulties and mental health challenges deserve to live life fully and equally. In 2026, we continue to advance meaningful community engagement and experiences through our bespoke, individualised approaches.
How we started
For much of the 20th century, people with learning disabilities in Scotland were often placed in large institutions, separated from family and everyday life. Lennox Castle Hospital, near Glasgow, was the largest of its kind in the area, housing over a thousand people at its peak. Though intended as care settings, they frequently led to isolation and loss of independence for those staying behind their walls. This fuelled a movement toward inclusion, citizenship, and the right to live as part of ordinary society, of which we were part of!
We began in 1996 with a clear purpose: to act as an escape committee for people leaving long-stay hospitals. Founder Dr Simon Duffy recognised the need for a personalised, values-driven provision that celebrated each person’s strengths and talents. Through Inclusion Glasgow (name at the time), he pioneered Individual Service Funds that allowed for tailored supports, choice in care, independence, and a genuine sense of autonomy.
How we evolved
We started work as a charity in the Templeton Business Centre at Glasgow Green. As we progressed and grew, our offices moved then to Govan, to South Street in Scotstoun in 2006. We changed our name from Inclusion Glasgow to simply Inclusion, reflecting our extended responsibilities beyond the city. While we decided to stay relatively small and maintain a long-term commitment to those we were working for, several other organisations emerged from our original work to facilitate increasing demands for support.
Flexibility and boundaries are only a few of Inclusion’s great strengths. Our dedicated teams know each person we work for very well and strive toward promoting independence. They acknowledge when to step back where it is appropriate to do so. We encourage new friendships and connection and continue to nurture those formed between people who previously lived together in institutions.
Together we have achieved wonderful things based on what is important to the people we walk along side. We help facilitate the use of individual budgeting around everything from housing, holidays, parties and even paragliding!
How we’ve changed
We pride ourselves now on being a specialist organisation. Over the years we’ve strengthened our partnerships, expanded our training to develop responsive, bespoke teams with the skills to follow a truly person-centred approach. Although we continue to be a small charity, this allows us to stay close to individual stories. For us, this helps foster meaningful, community-based lives, built on understanding, respect and belonging.
The future
We continue to walk alongside people experiencing complex needs, communication barriers and health related challenges and together our future is bright and progressive. We are an organisation that champions a culture of education, learning and equality. Going forward we plan to work for and with new people who may benefit from our input and elaborate on our community engagement. We continue to adapt and shift when and where we need to in order to ensure people are not confined to institutions and can live their lives to the full.
Meet the team
Here are just some of the Inclusion team of over 150, with a brief snapshot of what they do:
Supported Living Assistants
SLAs are matched to a specific person and work with and alongside them, not only in day-to-day life but with a view to achieving hopes and aspirations.
Service
Service Managers lead teams to provide person-centred approaches for the people we work with, to enable them to live lives shaped by their own goals and choices.
Operations
Operations co-ordinate and oversee services and rotas, supporting the implementation of policy into practice.
Quality
The Quality team research, write and update policy, framing the infrastructure for improvement.
Development
Development coaches and officers empower staff to reach their full potential, providing support, supervision and training.
Admin
Admin staff support with HR, handle enquiries, co-ordinate meetings and keep the whole team organised!
Board
Board members support Inclusion’s mission through governance, oversight, and advocacy.
Executives
Both long standing and new, the chief executive, with depute support, lead Inclusion’s strategy and culture to ensure strong, values-led impact.
Finance
The finance team ensures funds are managed responsibly, accurately recorded, and used electively.
What people say
“I feel privileged to do what I do. Every day feels different, and every day offers an opportunity to learn something new. I have great colleagues and managers all of whom continue to support me develop my knowledge, skills and practice.”
“I joined Inclusion 16 years ago looking for a change, and I found a cause I’m proud to be part of, one where even in my small way, I can help create the change the world needs.”
“I am new to Inclusion, having joined longstanding, committed staff. The people we work for are resilient and remarkable and I’m delighted to be part of a team who elaborate on this.”
