Introducing our SEN Grounds Maintenance Operatives

Across sites throughout the Midlands, graduates from our SEN (Special Educational Needs) employment programme are building rewarding careers in grounds maintenance, supported by Grounds Maintenance Supervisor Tom Carr. Working alongside FM partners including Galliford Try and JLL, the programme demonstrates how inclusive employment opportunities can help individuals with special educational needs thrive in the workplace. 

Reported by Mencap, just “6% of adults with a learning disability known to their local authority in England are in paid work”. By providing meaningful employment, we are proud to be playing our part in tackling this issue. Darren Daley, Managing Director (Maintenance and Ireland) shared. 

Meet our SEN operatives  

Our Midlands SEN team consists of Wayne, Kenny and Brandon, who work closely with supervisors and contract managers across a range of key sites. 

Each team member brings unique skills and experience to their role: 

• Wayne has more than 10 years of industry experience and holds horticultural qualifications that enable him to work confidently with complex contract requirements and specialist machinery. 
• Kenny carries out a wide range of routine grounds maintenance tasks, helping us to maintain high standards across multiple sites. 
• Brandon is developing his skills through an apprenticeship, learning specialist horticultural techniques and gaining valuable industry experience. 

Together, the team demonstrates the positive impact of inclusive employment, delivering high-quality grounds maintenance services while building long-term careers within the sector. 

Their dedication and achievements were recently recognised at the Spring 2026 Grounds Maintenance Conference.

Supported by Tom Carr, Grounds Maintenance Supervisor 

The team's success is supported by Grounds Maintenance Supervisor Tom Carr, whose background in education and experience working with individuals with special educational needs has helped create a supportive and inclusive working environment. 

Throughout his career, Tom has seen first-hand how meaningful employment can unlock confidence, independence and long-term development opportunities for SEN individuals. By understanding each person's strengths and adapting his approach accordingly, he helps Wayne, Kenny and Brandon succeed in their roles and continue developing their skills. 

Speaking about the programme, Tom said: 

Why Grounds Maintenance Works for SEN Employees 

Grounds maintenance provides an ideal career and pathway for individuals with special educational needs. The practical, hands-on nature of the work creates a structured environment where employees can develop confidence, learn new skills and take ownership of their responsibilities. 

Working to clear specifications and repeatable processes allows team members to build familiarity and expertise over time, while ongoing training and support help them progress their careers. As skills develop, employees can take greater responsibility for specific areas, creating a sense of achievement and independence. 

Through programmes like this, we are helping to break down barriers to employment, creating inclusive workplaces where people with special educational needs can build meaningful, long-term careers in the grounds maintenance and horticulture sector.