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Devon care provider says it’s bucking the national trend and retaining its staff
| Published: 23rd May 2019 11:02 |
A RECENT survey by Skills for Care found staff retention was one of the biggest issues facing the care industry but one south Devon care provider says it is bucking the national trend (May 2019).
Guardian Homecare, which provides services in Exeter and Torbay, says the findings by the strategic body for workforce development in English adult social care don’t apply to its team, as it is successfully retaining its staff.
Manager for Guardian Homecare, Catherine Porter said: “It was revealed in the research that staff retention is a bigger challenge than recruitment for care organisations, and we heartily agree. We realised this awhile back and have implemented a four-step approach for improving retention within our branches.
“Our new employee programme enables new recruits to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to become a dedicated member of the team. We offer new recruits a five-day training induction and a 12-week onboard programme working towards a care certificate.
“We start by providing absolute role clarity, which includes a list of daily duties, information about the company and the team, so all new starters can be sure they know what is expected of them and what the company and their colleagues do.”
Guardian Homecare delivers personalised home care supporting people wishing to stay living safely and comfortably in their own homes in south Devon.
“We also highlight the numerous benefits we offer our employees such as flexible working hours, both full and part-time, as well as competitive wages and generous holiday allocation. Team members also have access to exclusive discounts online and in-store from retailers including Tesco, Primark and Argos.
“Our onboard programme is vital at the stage when an individual is undertaking their induction and training. This is a delicate period when they will decide whether or not to continue with us, so it’s vital to provide a rigorous induction scheme, including all the scenarios they could come across in their new role. We also conduct fastidious and essential training to help boost knowledge and consequently confidence, so no one feels out of their depth once they are working out in the community.”
New recruits are given free uniforms, access to national staff discount scheme for many major brands, as well as 28 days paid holiday, paid travel between calls and paid mileage.
“Our onboard programme can also help make new starters aware of future additional training opportunities too. We offer all employees the chance to achieve a recognised care on-the-job qualification and give them an insight into career development and the possibilities for further advancement.
“To give a living demonstration of what the day-to-day life of a carer is really like, we run a shadowing scheme giving new employees the chance to follow an established colleague on their round of visits. This way anyone who may have been worried about asking questions earlier in the process can do so on a one-to-one basis, and they can chat to someone with real knowledge and experience.”
Guardian Homecare says, despite the current culture of change in the fast-paced world of employment, care gives people the chance to create a worthwhile career for themselves that has longevity and security. If people are looking for a job for life with training and career advancement opportunities, then it is one of the few sectors that can offer this, says Guardian Homecare.
“Although we have a team of nearly 200 carers already in Devon we’re looking currently for more recruits and are keen to hear from people who are honest, committed, reliable and caring.”
Anyone interested in a position should call Guardian Homecare on 01803 853198 or drop in at its Drew Street branch in Brixham, during normal office hours for an informal chat. Alternatively, please visit www.guardianhomecare.org.uk.
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