Pete Hughes Email and Phone Number

I started my career by training as a Mental Health Nurse in Leeds, however, after nearly completing all my studies, it was clear that this wasn't the career for me. After leaving the nursing profession, I worked in various care roles, including learning disability, mental health, older adults and physical disability. Back in 2000, the agency I was with sent me to Leeds Autism Services on a 2-week contract, and it felt like coming home. I quickly developed a special interest in autism, and a deep-rooted need to learn about what it really means to be autistic... a learning journey I am still on over 20 years after starting work with the charity. In the various positions I've held at Leeds Autism Services, I have been involved in the direct support of over a hundred autistic people and their families; I feel this has given me real insight into the shared characteristics that such an infinitely diverse group of people have in common, and what drives those characteristics. I am passionate about ensuring all autistic and neurodivergent people have their abilities recognised, are treated with fairness and respect, and have the same opportunities as everyone else to live successful and fulfilling lives. Seeing our beneficiaries overcome barriers to achieve their goals and flourish in life is probably my greatest professional achievement; you really don't get much more job satisfaction than that! During my time at Leeds Autism Services, I have worked as a Support Worker, Senior Support Worker, Creative Instructor, Deputy Team Leader, Team Leader, Deputy Manager, Service Manager, and Deputy Chief Executive. I was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in late 2017, and am currently responsible for developing and delivering our vision and business strategy. In recent years I have also been involved in developing training and consultancy packages aimed at improving autism understanding across all sectors. I feel our training and consultancy offer differs from other providers as, rather than being focused on common autistic traits, it gets 'under the bonnet' of autism and explains the roots of those traits. Our thinking is that better understanding results in higher degrees of empathy, resulting in inclusive spaces for all. Although I suspect I may be neurodivergent, I have decided not to try and pursue a diagnosis at this stage of my life.