About Elevate Beyond
A specialist SEMH and Alternative Provision recruitment agency built on frontline experience, rigorous safeguarding, and a deep understanding of how this sector really works.
Our story
Elevate Beyond was founded by Sulayman Cham, a qualified Social Worker with nearly ten years of frontline experience working with children and families across Greater Manchester. Having spent his career working within the same EHCP processes, SEMH settings and Local Authority systems that his clients navigate every day, Sulayman built Elevate Beyond to be the recruitment agency he would have trusted in that role — specialist, rigorous, and built on genuine understanding of this sector.
Mission
To be the most trusted specialist recruitment agency in SEMH and alternative provision — matching exceptional education professionals with the settings that need them most, faster and with greater insight than any generalist recruiter can offer.
Our values
Safeguarding first
Compliance is non-negotiable. We will never shortcut the safer recruitment process regardless of urgency.
Specialist knowledge
We understand this sector from the inside. SEMH, EHCPs, EOTAS, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice — this is our world.
Relationship-driven
Not transactional. We invest in understanding our clients' settings and our candidates' strengths.
Speed with rigour
Fast response, but never at the expense of compliance.
Transparent
Clear on what we do, what we charge, and what candidates and clients can expect from us.
Meet the founder
Sulayman Cham
Founder & Director
- • BSc (Hons) Social Work — University of Bedfordshire
- • Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) — Manchester City Council
- • Social Work England registered Social Worker
- • Children & Families Social Worker — Manchester City Council and Salford City Council
- • Social Work placements — Islington Council and Luton Borough Council
"I built Elevate Beyond because I know what a good SEMH placement looks like from the inside — and I know how rare it is to find an agency that genuinely understands this work."