The National Autistic Society improves communication
The Problem
Standard, off‑the‑shelf telecom solutions were never designed for the complexity of the National Autistic Society.
The charity operates care services for autistic adults and specialist schools for autistic children, all of which rely on stable, secure and responsive technology to function effectively. What began as a small parent‑led initiative in the 1960s had grown into a nationwide organisation by the early 1990s, with services spread across the UK.
Despite this growth, each site remained completely isolated. Networks, infrastructure and phone systems operated independently, with no inter‑site connectivity, no shared services and no unified oversight. This fragmentation created operational inefficiencies, increased costs and made it difficult to deliver consistent, high‑quality support across locations.
After years of relying on BT’s out‑of‑the‑box solutions, it became clear that the charity needed a more tailored, integrated and scalable approach. In 1992, the National Autistic Society issued a tender for a supplier capable of delivering a connected, resilient and future‑ready technology environment.
Lee E,
IT Operational & Business Manager
Our Solution
IBT delivers an agile, cost‑effective and reliable service. With rapid response times, competitive pricing, and deep industry expertise, the National Autistic Society selected IBT as their trusted partner.
Previously, the charity faced six‑week lead times and uncertainty around engineer attendance. IBT transformed this experience immediately by provisioning, installing and delivering new lines ahead of schedule. This marked the beginning of a strong and productive partnership.
A strategic plan was developed to upgrade all data lines to gigabit bearers where possible and interconnect sites, enabling free internal calls across the organisation. IBT also designed and deployed resilient, secure networks to strengthen performance, enhance security and support GDPR compliance.
Beyond telecoms and internet services, IBT has delivered additional solutions including access control systems and high‑definition CCTV with advanced zoom capabilities, further improving site safety and operational oversight.
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The Outcome
IBT has delivered long‑term reliability, trust and genuine customer loyalty.
Over more than 20 years, the relationship between the National Autistic Society and IBT has grown into a strong and enduring partnership. The user‑friendly phone system, supported by ongoing staff training, has ensured smooth adoption across all sites and teams.
From the outset, IBT’s attention to detail has made the charity feel heard and understood. When working within care services, where autistic people with sensory differences live, IBT engineers have consistently demonstrated sensitivity and professionalism, carefully managing noise, tidiness and communication. For school environments, engineers have attended out of hours to minimise disruption.
The upgraded systems also proved invaluable during the pandemic. With soft‑client phones enabling staff to work from home, the National Autistic Society was able to keep its specialist helplines fully operational at a time when demand was at its highest.
The result is a large, complex organisation able to operate at high capacity, with technology that supports its mission rather than holding it back.
