Making a Success of Social Care Recruitment
The social care sector is often in the news of late, discussing needs across the nation and the experience of those working within it.
Sometimes the fantastic work of those involved is promoted, but often the narrative is that roles in this area see employees under paid, unprepared, unsupported and often unhappy about the very limited support they are able to provide, as opposed to the high standard of care that they would hope to.
At Home Instead Exeter & East Devon, care careers are viewed differently, in line with the sentiments expressed by Homecare Association Chair, Jane Townson OBE, during her recent appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain where she spoke in response to a recent report commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury and York.
The 'Care & Support Reimagined' study focussed on the motivation of carers and also their needs. Jane spoke brilliantly about the absolute value of our care colleagues, mentioning the need for quality training, job security, time, investment, appropriate pay and many more elements – all of which we are proud to say we at Home Instead Exeter & East Devon value and embrace, too.
For our part, we are pleased to say that we have championed the role of Care Professional from the outset, ensuring that team members are equipped to provide the highest standard of care to their clients, and to reap the rewards of what is a wonderful role, in return. With increased momentum, word regarding our dramatically different approach, is spreading fast…
In January alone, the Care Professional team has grown by an impressive 13 new recruits, each benefiting from fully funded and award-winning introductory training, which says our General & Registered Manager, Laura Grant, sets the high standard for both client and employee experience, going forward, “As is often the case, our new team members are diverse and have a variety of backgrounds, with a range of career experiences and a host of transferrable skills, and each one is valued. We know that with the right support, an adaptable approach regarding contracts, continuous development via our Personalised Career Pathways scheme, and our minimum one-hour visits, everyone gets to have a rewarding experience of our sector.”
“Demand for our officially outstanding services is at an all-time high, and we plan to expand our team accordingly to meet that demand, throughout 2023 and beyond. We’ve seen a definite increase in Care Professional applications as households look to meet the rising cost of living, with individuals wanting a role that can fit around family life and other roles but still be secure, offer the chance for training and rewards.”
This is a topic that colleagues recently discussed on East Devon Radio and Laura says that Home Instead appeals to not only those new to a career in care, but also to experienced Care Professionals, looking for a different approach to the role that they love, often having been both disappointed and disillusioned by past experiences. Laura comments, “In many situations, our successful applicants have taken the time to research the wide variety of care company opportunities available and have applied to Home Instead hoping for the reality to match the 5 Star reviews and outstanding reputation (and CQC rating) that are attached to us. The care sector is growing, and those looking to join this promising area are in high demand. They have the care career world at their fingertips! Therefore, our advice is to watch, research and choose your care employer wisely.”
With feedback being overwhelmingly positive, Laura and our team pledge to continue championing the opportunities available, and to raise the standard of both care, and care careers, across the local social care sector. Laura says, “With every applicant, and every new recruit that takes the curious and sometimes tentative step to apply to us, we are building on a far more positive and robust reputation, and reality, for our rewarding sector.”
If you are new to the care sector and would like to discuss what it could offer you, or if you’re an experienced Care Professional looking for a refreshing approach to the role that you love, don’t hesitate. Give our friendly Recruitment Team a call on 01395 200600, take a look at our Current Vacancies HERE, or follow us on Facebook HERE and discover why we are different.