“I’m Glad I Went for It”: How Ategi Is Opening Up Freelance Work for People We Support

At Ategi, we believe the people we support should have real opportunities to shape our organisation—not just by giving feedback, but by taking on meaningful paid roles as valued members of our staff team. Every freelance role is paid above the Real Living Wage, reflecting Ategi’s commitment to fair pay for everyone who works with us. 

We’ve recently created new freelance opportunities—including photography and interview assistant roles—building on our long history of co-production, from Shared Lives Champions supporting recruitment campaigns to ongoing organisational involvement projects. 

And while our work with the UK-wide IMPACT programme focuses on strengthening staff retention and ensuring staff voices are heard across social care, these freelance roles reflect a shared belief: the people closest to the work hold insights that make the whole system stronger. 

One of the first people to take on these new opportunities is Catrin, who is supported through Shared Lives. She is now one of Ategi’s two freelance photographers, as well as one of our two interview assistants—and we’re actively recruiting to expand the team further. 

Stepping Into Freelance Work 

For Catrin, it all began with photography. 

“It started with the Christmas event,” she explained. “Photography is something I enjoy, so when my support worker told me about the role, I went for it… and then I got the job.” 

Soon after, she stepped into interviewing. 

“I interview people who want to be support workers. I get to ask some of my own questions, and at the end I say whether I would have them as my support worker.”

She added, “I like that I’m helping make sure we choose the right people.” 

Feeling Welcomed and Supported 

Starting a new role can feel daunting, and Catrin was honest about that. 

“I was really nervous on my first day,” she said. “But everyone at Ategi is so friendly, patient and understanding—it made me feel comfortable really quickly.” 

She’s found the flexibility especially helpful: “I’m a full-time student, so it helps that they’re very flexible about when I can work.” 

Growing Confidence and Skills 

Taking on these roles has already had a positive impact. 

“I’ve struggled with confidence for a while. I used to turn things down because I was nervous. But my carer encouraged me, and it’s really helped. I’m learning new skills and gaining confidence.” 

She especially enjoyed the photography workshop Ategi ran and hopes to continue developing her skills in both roles. 

Her words sum it up best:  “I’m glad I took the chance. I’m thoroughly loving it.” 

Why Ategi Created These Roles 

Introducing freelance staff roles for people we support wasn’t a token gesture—it was a deliberate, values-led decision. 

1. Lived experience improves our decisions. 

People who draw on our services know what quality support looks like. Their insights strengthen our recruitment and help us choose the right staff. 

2. Everyone deserves real, fairly paid roles. 

These aren’t volunteer or symbolic positions—they’re paid above the Real Living Wage and treated with the same respect as any other staff role. 

3. Accessible, flexible work builds confidence and independence. 

Freelance roles such as photography or interviewing allow people to grow their skills in a supportive, flexible environment. 

4. It builds on co-production that already works. 

Past successes—like Shared Lives Champions contributing to recruitment campaigns—have shown that involving people directly leads to better outcomes. 

5. It complements our wider organisational focus. 

While the IMPACT project centres staff retention and staff voice, these freelance roles share the same ethos: change is strongest when shaped by the people living and working within the system.

“Go For It!” — Catrin’s Advice 

For others supported by Ategi who might be considering applying, Catrin has simple advice: 

“Go for it. It’s scary, but it could be the best thing. You don’t want to miss out on good things.” 

Ategi is proud to welcome people we support into paid, meaningful roles. With two freelance photographers, two interview assistants, and recruitment underway for more, we’re continuing to build a workplace where lived experience is valued, rewarded and central to our future. 

“I’ve struggled with confidence for a while. I used to turn things down because I was nervous. But my carer encouraged me, and it’s really helped. I’m learning new skills and gaining confidence.” 

- Catrin, Freelance Interview assistant and Photographer for Ategi and person we support.

Want to read more about how Ategi is improving staff retention in social care?

Read about how Ategi is supporting the IMPACT project and Improving Adult Social Care Together, by acting as a case study of good practice. This UK-wide initiative brings together five universities and numerous partners to explore how evidence-informed change can improve social care, focusing on the experiences of those who draw on care and support from, and work in, the sector. 

Find out more here