KAEFER’s 5-Year Pledge to Empower People with Down’s Syndrome

We are delighted to share the exciting news that KAEFER UK & Ireland has signed a five-year corporate partnership agreement with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, reinforcing a relationship that has been growing since 2021.

Picture shows: From left to right – Trevor Woodward, Business & Strategy Director at KAEFER UK & Ireland, Fiona Dawson, staff member of Down’s Syndrome Scotland, Andrea Tonner, Chair of Down’s Syndrome Scotland and Eddie McConnell, Chief Executive of Down’s Syndrome Scotland at the award winning Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show – Photo credit: Julie Skelton

This incredible partnership has already made a huge difference. Since 2021, KAEFER has raised over £65,000 to support Down’s Syndrome Scotland, Down Syndrome Ireland and the Down’s Syndrome Association. But it’s not just about fundraising. KAEFER has also championed awareness, inclusion and opportunity for people with Down’s syndrome across its sites and offices through awareness campaigns, internal events and their employment support scheme.

In 2022, KAEFER welcomed Sarah and Gary into their team, providing meaningful employment and helping build a more inclusive workplace. Their contributions have made a lasting impact and highlight the value of creating opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome.

Picture shows: Fiona Dawson, a member of Down’s Syndrome Scotland, with Andrea Tonner, Chair of Down’s Syndrome Scotland at the Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – Photo credit: Julie Skelton

Our partnership reached new heights at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with KAEFER providing essential logistical support to help bring the Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden back to Scotland following the show. Designed by RHS Chelsea newcomers Nick Burton and Duncan Hall of Burton Hall Garden Design, the garden celebrates the voices and unique qualities of people with Down’s syndrome. The garden received a Silver-Gilt medal and won the People’s Choice Award for best Small Show Garden and became a powerful symbol of inclusion, featuring a water pool representing the challenges faced by people with Down’s syndrome – and a submerged bridge that helps overcome them.

Trevor Woodward, Business & Strategy Director at KAEFER UK & Ireland, shared:

“This partnership is built on shared values and a shared vision – one where inclusion and opportunity are at the heart of everything we do. Since 2021, we’ve grown together in meaningful ways: from raising funds and awareness to opening our doors to new colleagues through their employment support schemes. Signing this agreement is not the start of something new, but a celebration of what we’ve already achieved and our commitment to doing even more together in the years ahead.”

We are so grateful to KAEFER for their continued support, energy and passion for inclusion. As our Chief Executive Eddie McConnell says:

“We are thrilled to continue this amazing partnership with KAEFER UK & Ireland – they have become fantastic ambassadors for our community, always championing the value and potential of people with Down’s syndrome. We can’t wait to see how our partnership grows over the next 5 years.”

Together, we’re building a more inclusive future – and we’re just getting started!