Care provider Leonard Cheshire certainly throws its arms far and wide around the disabled community. Helping more than 21,000 disabled people in the UK and yet more in 55 other countries around the world, the trust has been going for nearly 60 years. It secures the highest score (70%) among our top 20 big companies for making a positive difference to the world we live in.

Personal development is the trust’s forte and employees receive more than 50 days’ training in their first three years. For new starters, there is a six-month induction and a 12-month mentoring scheme. A personal development plan and a quarterly personal review then follow.

Internal and external qualifications are available, ranging from NVQs for carers to masters degrees for managers. Six months’ paid leave is also an option for longer-serving staff to enhance any skills or research. It is no surprise that the 74% positive score given by staff for training that really helps them is bettered in just four other organisations.

Leonard Cheshire recognises the family and responsibilities of staff at home, and offers a range of solutions. For example, more than seven in 10 employees work reduced hours. Work is an important part of life for staff, the 73% score earns a top 10 ranking; and boredom is not an issue, the 70% score for lack of it is bettered in just two other organisations.

Every member of the 8,170 staff took part in a voluntary charitable activity for Leonard Cheshire last year. The trust also encourages the public to raise money by getting involved in events such as the New York marathon, a trek in China, a London-Paris cycle ride and skydiving expeditions.

Leonard Cheshire also runs a campaign called In the Balance to raise awareness of disabled people facing debt. The values and principles of the trust are shared by staff, evidenced by a 75% positive score.

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