Philip Bartey joined Autism Plus as CEO in 2005, leading the organisation on a strategic plan which culminated in significant growth and diversification during his tenure. 

In 2010 he founded the Adsetts Partnership together with his chairman at the time, the leading industrialist Sir Norman Adsetts OBE, working with other organisations in recognition of the many conditions facing adults diagnosed with autism. Over 70 per cent of adults diagnosed with autism present with other neuro-diverse conditions for example including autism, ADHD, mental health, learning disabilities, Epilepsy, dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia to name but a few. 

Bartey recognised the importance of supporting individuals in a wholistic way rather than the salami-slicing that many organisations inadvertently fall into driven by a single condition led mission. A good example of working with other organisations includes Autism Plus' work with the Society for the Blind, which approached Autism Plus stating that over 70 per cent of their clients with visual impairments were also autistic. The Society was unsure as to how to deal with the autistic behaviours presented and through a partnership approach, the advice from Autism Plus helped them to get back on track.

Bartey also founded Jobsteps Ltd, a new company working with the Labour government on the New Deal. Jobsteps was hugely successful in moving 2,000 autistic and disabled adults into sustainable employment during this period. When the coalition government came to power, the employment prime contracts were given to large national companies under the new Work Programme that was no longer suitable for people with disabilities. Autism Plus continued with a new but smaller Employment Services team that continues to perform exceptionally well today. Bartey also developed a number of social enterprises including a hugely successful working chocolate factory in north Yorkshire.

In 2010, Bartey was awarded the IOD Regional Director of the Year and in the same year was awarded the Charity Times Charity Principal of the Year in recognition of his achievements.

Bartey was later appointed as a founder board member to the Sheffield City Region LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and at that time was the only third sector member appointed to a LEP board. He was joined on the board by nine business sector leaders and 10 local authority leaders.

He worked on Inward Investment and chaired a group of sector business leaders to formulate the LEP ‘ask’ of central government.

Prior to joining Autism Plus, Bartey worked for a number of ‘blue chip’ companies in the wine and food industry including Cadbury Schweppes and Harvey’s of Bristol and other companies within the Allied Lyons group. He later joined the Leonard Cheshire Foundation in the Northeast as Director.