About Autism East Midlands
Autism East Midlands (AEM) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1968, dedicated to supporting autistic individuals and their families. Through education, advocacy, and specialist services, AEM has been a cornerstone of the East Midlands community for over 50 years.
To continue delivering its vital services efficiently, AEM needed to ensure that its operational processes were as modern and effective as the care it provides. Managing multiple sites and maintenance teams across the region presented increasing complexity; one that called for a smarter, digital approach.
Modernising Property Maintenance
AEM manage a wide range of property maintenance activities, including repairs, decorating, health and safety compliance, and grounds upkeep. The existing paper-based approach was serviceable but slow, with manual processes creating delays and limited visibility.
The team wanted a solution that could simplify how maintenance jobs were logged, tracked, and approved, while centralising communication between site managers, team leads, and property teams. They needed real-time visibility and reporting across all sites, with instant notifications for urgent jobs. With these goals in mind, AEM partnered with Spherica Business Solutions to design a modern, easy-to-use platform that would transform how property maintenance was managed.
The Solution: A Bespoke Power App
Working closely with AEM, Spherica built a custom Power App that replaced manual workflows with a centralised digital process. The app allows site managers to log jobs instantly, upload before-and-after photos, and track progress in real-time and score satisfaction through instant CSAT surveys.
Key features of the application include:
- User-Friendly Interface: Quick and frictionless job logging, photo uploads and approval workflows in one place.
- Real-Time Insights: Power BI integration provides live dashboards for leadership visibility.
- Instant Alerts: Cloud flows notify teams immediately of emergency maintenance requests.
- Centralised Communication: All updates, approvals, and spend details captured within the app — no more chasing emails or Teams messages.
Built with usability and efficiency at its core, the solution empowers staff at every level to make faster, more informed decisions.
Reflecting on the impact, Jonathan Waite, Head of Corporate Services at Autism East Midlands, said:
“The Power App has completely transformed how we manage property maintenance. What was once a slow, paper-based process is now streamlined, transparent, and easy to manage. Our teams have real-time visibility of every job, and our leadership can make data-driven decisions with confidence. Spherica really understood our needs and built a solution that fits perfectly with how we operate.”
Conclusion
By leveraging Power Apps and Power BI, Spherica has helped Autism East Midlands modernise its maintenance operations, saving time and improving collaboration across teams. The result is a more efficient, data-driven process — and more time for AEM to focus on what truly matters: supporting autistic individuals and their families.
Commenting on the partnership, Kay Riley, Managing Director at Spherica Business Solutions, said:
“This project is a great example of how digital transformation doesn’t always mean large-scale systems change; sometimes it’s about solving very real, everyday challenges with smart, tailored technology. By working closely with Autism East Midlands, we delivered a solution that not only saves time but genuinely supports the incredible work they do across the region.”
