£5,000 prize up for grabs as Care Sector's Got Talent returns with biggest-ever search for social care's hidden stars
Competition opens to everyone working across social care as organisers aim to celebrate the sector's talent and change perceptions of care
Care Sectors Got Talent 2025Care Sector's Got Talent is back for 2026 with its biggest-ever prize fund, a brand-new stage at the Care Show and a call for everyone working across social care to step into the spotlight.
Run by Championing Social Care, the much-loved competition is inviting entries from across the social care workforce – from care home and home care teams to supported living services, day centres and community care. Frontline carers, nurses, administrators, receptionists, chefs, housekeepers, maintenance teams, office staff, volunteers and suppliers are all encouraged to enter, either as individuals or groups.
This year's competition offers its largest prize fund to date, with £5,000 in cash awarded to the winner to spend however they choose, while the runner-up will receive a £1,000 talent development fund to invest in lessons, coaching or equipment to help take their talent to the next level.
The 2026 Grand Final will take place on 7 October at the Care Show at Birmingham NEC, bringing Care Sector's Got Talent to one of the UK's biggest social care events. With thousands of care professionals expected to attend, finalists will perform in front of the sector's largest live audience yet, giving even more people the opportunity to celebrate the creativity, diversity and extraordinary talent that exists throughout social care.
Organisers hope this year's expanded competition will attract more entries than ever before by reaching every corner of the sector and reminding people that whatever their role, they are a talented and valued part of the social care community.
Whether it's singing, dancing, comedy, magic, spoken word, instrumental music or an unexpected hidden talent, Care Sector's Got Talent is about celebrating the people behind social care and showcasing the passion, creativity and personality that exists beyond the day job.
Nye Brown, Co-Chair of Care Sector's Got Talent and CEO of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, said: "Social care is full of incredible people whose talents often go unseen outside their workplace. Care Sector's Got Talent gives us the chance to celebrate those individuals, while showing the wider public a different side of our sector – one that's creative, diverse, compassionate and full of extraordinary people. Every performer who takes to the stage helps challenge perceptions of social care, and we can't wait to discover this year's hidden stars."
Angela Boxall, Co-Chair of Care Sector's Got Talent, Chair of Care England and CEO of Majesticare, added: "Care Sector's Got Talent is a celebration of the people who make social care extraordinary. It doesn't matter whether you're delivering care in someone's home, working in a care home, supporting people in the community or keeping services running behind the scenes – if you're part of social care, this stage is for you. Hosting the final at the Care Show will make this our biggest celebration yet, giving thousands of people the chance to come together and celebrate the incredible people who make social care such a special profession."
Last year's winner, saxophonist Oladayo Ojekanmi, has gone on to perform at care sector events across the country, demonstrating how Care Sector's Got Talent can open new opportunities while shining a spotlight on the remarkable people working across social care. He says: "It was truly an incredible journey from the auditions to the grand finale. The organisation, support and professionalism throughout the competition made the experience both memorable and inspiring."
Entries are now open and close on 21 August 2026. Applicants should submit a two-minute video showcasing their talent via the Championing Social Care website: https://www.championingsocialcare.org.uk/care-sectors-got-talent/register/
Whether you're a solo performer, part of a choir, dance troupe, band or workplace group, Care Sector's Got Talent wants to hear from you.
University College Birmingham Collaboration Integrates Specialist Dysphagia Training Within Commis Chef Apprenticeship To Address Skills Gap In The Care Sector
New dysphagia‑focused catering training aims to strengthen patient safety, improve nutrition and hydration outcomes, and support providers to meet rising clinical and regulatory expectations.
A growing collaboration between University College Birmingham’s (UCB) Department of Health and Nutrition, the College of Food and expert training firm OHK (Oak House Kitchen) has led to the launch of a new dysphagia‑focused training approach within its Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship.
The enhanced apprenticeship programme is now available and aims to help address the growing demand for specialist skills required when caring for those with the condition, supporting safer mealtimes and improved nutrition and hydration across care, mental health and supported living settings.
Understanding dysphagia
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a condition that can make consuming food and drink (including water) challenging, uncomfortable and unsafe.
Most people associate the condition with elderly people who may also have additional complications such as Parkinson’s or dementia. However, it can affect people of all ages and there are many other conditions such as stroke, recovery from surgery, medications, eating disorders and learning disabilities that can cause physical or cognitive barriers to consuming food and drink safely.
One employer already championing the apprenticeship is Cygnet Group, a leading provider of health and social care services for adults and young people in the UK. Last year, the company won UCB’s ‘Apprenticeship Employer of the Year’ at the University’s inaugural Apprenticeship Recognition Awards.
“The launch of this new specialism is a significant milestone for our partnership,” says Faye Malkin, Group Training Manager (Apprenticeships) for Cygnet Group.
“The care sector is urgently calling for professionals who not only understand the impact of this condition but also possess the practical expertise to safely prepare food and drink for those in their care.
"I’m delighted that the experts at University College Birmingham and OHK have put their heads together to create this innovative offer, providing the high-quality training that has a service user focus, ensuring safe and dignified care for everyone we support.”
The impact of dysphagia
The effects of dysphagia are wide ranging, from short-term impacts such as aspiration and choking, to longer term complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, respiratory decline and prolonged hospitalisation. These risks place significant pressure on care providers and clinical teams, making safe, consistent, IDDSI‑compliant food preparation essential.
“When our ability to swallow is affected, every mealtime can become a cause of distress and discomfort,” explains Kaye Coleman, lecturer in dietetics UCB.
“It is all too easy to see how interest in food then wanes, which will have a detrimental impact on long-term health and wellbeing.
“When high‑quality, nutritious food is prepared properly, maintaining a balanced diet becomes far easier, and mealtimes no longer need to feel stressful. With the right nourishment, the body is better equipped to handle daily demands, supporting improved overall wellbeing and quality of life.”
Why add the Molila dysphagia training
UCB’s existing Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship is a long-standing course that has seen graduates excel in the basics of culinary preparation, cooking and finishing, as they prepare to enter a professional kitchen environment.
Through this collaboration with OHK, the University is enhancing its training through Molila, an embedded dysphagia catering approach. Aligned to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework, the Molila method that underpins the training, was born out of a need for caterers with the right knowledge and skills to prepare medically critical diets for environments such as care homes, hospitals and supported living services.
“At OHK we’re passionate about good food and the pleasure mealtimes can bring,” explained James Ball, co-founder of OHK.
“We understand that what, how and where you eat are all part of the makeup of a sociable, healthy and nutritious dining experience, that can be the highlight of someone’s day. Medical conditions that cause profound challenges, such as dysphagia, should not be an insurmountable barrier to a positive and safe dining experience and that is why we developed the Molila training.
“We’re excited to be working with the education experts at University College Birmingham in training the next generation of dysphagia-compliant culinary professionals.”
Benefits for employers
The Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship is already widely recognised and accepted as an entry-level qualification for a career in the culinary sector.
The Molila specialist healthcare pathway is an additional enhancement to the existing industry-standard course and is provided at no extra cost to the employer.
Key features of the course:
- funding available through the Growth and Skills Levy (or government co-investment for eligible employers)
- day-release learning at UCB in a professional kitchen environment
- additional incentive for learners under 18-years-old
- minimum 12-month duration that includes the End Point Assessment.
“It’s been an exciting time bringing this course to market; working with colleagues in the Department of Health and Nutrition alongside OHK has been an insightful and rewarding experience,” said Stuart Wildsmith, UCB’s Senior Apprenticeship Account Lead (Culinary Arts).
“We’re all acutely aware of the skills gaps in this specialised area of the catering sector and have high hopes that employers and students will recognise the opportunity this course represents for training and career progression.
“Our Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship already provides a vital grounding and start point for a culinary journey – the Molila element enhances our provision and reflects our ongoing commitment to training the best in the business.”
Employers and prospective learners: find out more about the Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship including Molila dysphagia training
Paragon Development Finance strengthens presence in care home market with funding for new 71-bed Birmingham care home
Paragon Development Finance is supporting the acquisition and development of a new 71‑bed care home in Birmingham which is expected to reach a mature trading value of over £25 million.
The funding has been provided to MACC Care Properties to acquire a brownfield site on Shaftmoor Lane in Hall Green, Birmingham, and subsequently develop a 44,132 sq ft purpose‑built care home. The completed scheme will represent the operator’s 21st care home to date.
The deal was led on behalf of Paragon by Steve Mountain, Senior Relationship Director, with support from Senior Portfolio Manager, Darren Ellis, and Portfolio Manager, Olly Das.
The transaction reflects Paragon Development Finance’s continued focus on diversification, as the specialist lender broadens its support beyond its core residential development offering to respond to shifting demand and changing demographics. Alongside residential housing, the division has increasingly focused on sectors such as build‑to‑rent, later living, purpose‑built student accommodation and, most recently, care homes.
Demand for care home provision is expected to continue rising as the UK’s population ages. According to the ONS, the number of people aged 65 and over is projected to increase significantly over the coming decades, with the population aged over 85 growing at the fastest rate. Independent research indicates that close to half a million people currently live in care homes across the UK, with further capacity required as longevity increases and care needs become more complex.
Dr Naz Nathani, Chief Executive of MACC Care Group, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Paragon Development Finance on their latest transaction in the care home sector.
“This latest scheme reflects our strong track record of consistent delivery across both development and operations, and our focus on scaling a clinically led, innovative care platform, creating high-quality, luxury care environments.
“We valued the collaborative approach taken by Steve and the wider team in structuring a bespoke, sector-aligned funding solution that recognised the specific requirements of specialist care assets. As we continue to expand our platform, we look forward to building on this relationship and undertaking further transactions with Paragon to support our ongoing growth.”
Steve Mountain, Senior Relationship Director at Paragon Development Finance, said: “This was a client‑led opportunity that required careful structuring over an extended period, but by working collaboratively with the borrower, we were able to deliver a facility that reflects both the strength of the scheme and the long‑term fundamentals of the care home sector.
“Diversification is a key focus for Paragon as we respond to sectors that are increasingly critical to the UK’s long‑term housing and care needs.”
Diversification remains a key strategic focus for Paragon, as we continue to support sectors that are critical to meeting the UK’s evolving housing and care needs.”
Paragon Development Finance works with hundreds of SME developers and operators nationwide and has financed the delivery of more than 13,000 new homes since 2018. The launch of its care home offering forms part of a broader strategy to support assets that play a critical role in meeting the needs of a changing population.
To find out more about Paragon Bank’s Development Finance offering, visit: www.paragonbankinggroup.co.uk/devfin.
Major Healthcare Joint Venture Signals New Era for Later Life Living in Medway
Montpelier Estates and Hervines Group Partner on Flagship Chatham Waters Care Home to Set New Benchmark for Care
Award-winning specialists in healthcare development and care home operations have formed an official, strategic partnership to develop and manage the much-anticipated Chatham Waters Care Home, a new luxury care home opening in Medway, Kent this Summer 2026.
The joint venture brings together Montpelier Estates, a specialist healthcare developer with more than 20 years’ experience, and Hervines Group, whose directors are long-established, high-quality care home operators with a strong track record in delivering person-centred care services. With more than 25 completed care homes across the UK in locations including London, Manchester and Coventry by Montpelier Estates, this new joint venture with Hervines Group has been formed with both development and operational expertise in mind to better meet the needs of future residents, families, and care teams.
The Chatham Waters Care Home that is currently under construction, will be a flagship development for the new joint venture partnership. Once complete, the multi-million-pound care home will offer residential, dementia and respite care in a purpose-built setting with waterside views, ensuite rooms, a dementia-friendly bistro, cinema, gym, sanctuary, salon, library, and sensory rooftop garden. The home has been designed to combine clinical excellence with comfort, clarity, and emotional wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on dignity, connection, and transparent pricing. The purpose-built care home will sit at the centre of the emerging ‘Chatham Waters’ neighbourhood - a major mixed‑use regeneration project in Medway, led by Peel Waters, transforming former docklands into a new waterside district.
“We are thrilled to be opening such an exciting Care Home in the heart of Chatham Waters with Montpelier Estates as our joint venture partner. We really look forward to delivering our vision to create a true sanctuary where people feel safe, valued, and at home.”
“This project has been much more than delivering a care home; it is heart-warming to become a part of the fabric of the whole community and partnering with Hervines to develop and operate the best possible care home together has enabled this. We really look forward to welcoming the first residents later this summer.”
Montpelier Estates is known for designing outstanding healthcare environments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, while Hervines Group offers significant operational expertise and service innovation in the social care sector. Together, the two organisations are aiming to set a new benchmark for later-life living in Medway.
Engelberg Care Home Celebrates 60 Years of Caring for Wolverhampton Community
Engelberg Care Home proudly marked its 60th anniversary with a special celebration bringing together residents, staff, families, and members of the local community to honour six decades of compassionate care.
Originally opened in 1966, Engelberg was founded through a generous donation from local businessman John Bates, in memory of his late wife, Blanche. Named after the Swiss village where they spent many happy times together, Engelberg – meaning Angel Mountain – was created with a clear vision: to be not just a place of care, but a true home filled with joy, hope, and happiness.
To commemorate this milestone, guests gathered outside the home to recreate a historic photograph taken on the day Engelberg first opened. Sixty years on, residents and team members stood in the same spot, reflecting on the home’s enduring legacy. The Mayor of Wolverhampton attended the event and officially unveiled the recreated photograph, marking a poignant moment that connected past and present.
The celebration featured a lively afternoon of entertainment, including live music, raffle stalls, and a delicious selection of food prepared by the home’s chef, Hannah Austin. With sunshine throughout the day and a fantastic turnout, the event captured the strong sense of community that has defined Engelberg for generations.
Sally Lloyd, Home Manager at Engelberg Care Home, said:
“Celebrating 60 years of Engelberg is incredibly special. It’s a testament to the generations of staff who have dedicated their care and compassion to making this a true home. Recreating the original photograph was such a meaningful moment for everyone involved.”Dan Cash, Regional Director of Operations at Ashberry Healthcare and former Manager of Engelberg, added:
“Engelberg holds a very special place in my heart. Its history is unique, and its values have remained constant over the years. To see it reach this milestone and continue to embody its original vision is truly inspiring.”Claire Fry, Operations Director at Ashberry Healthcare, commented:
“Reaching 60 years is an incredible achievement. Engelberg has been part of the Wolverhampton community for decades, and this celebration reflects the strong relationships built over time. We’re proud to continue that legacy for years to come.”
Since becoming part of Ashberry Healthcare in April 2024, Engelberg has remained committed to preserving its homely feel while continuing to provide high-quality, person-centred care for its 34 residents.
The team also extended their sincere thanks to the Mayor of Wolverhampton for joining the celebrations and helping to mark such a significant milestone.
Championing Social Care on a Mission to Transform Social Care: Why Vishal Shah’s Appointment Matters
Vishal Shah’s appointment as Chair of Championing Social Care (CSC) comes with both professional weight and personal meaning; something that becomes immediately clear in conversation. With a background in global finance and frontline healthcare, Shah offers a unique dual perspective, but it is his personal experience that most profoundly influences his outlook.
Reflecting on his upbringing in Birmingham, he was influenced by his family’s values that focused on community through their pharmacy business. He observed how vital human connection is in care, highlighting trust and reassurance over mere medication. Assisting his grandparents, particularly a grandmother with dementia, enhanced his appreciation for the skill and compassion of caregivers.
Although he began in the corporate sector at Goldman Sachs, PwC, and healthcare equity research, Vishal says his shift into healthcare was ultimately transformative. “It completely shifted my frame of reference,” he notes. “You quickly see the sector's impact on lives.” This inspired a 20-year dedication to social care, leading to Banyan Care, a platform for integrated, values-led services in residential, home, and community settings.
Now, as Chair of CSC, Vishal is focused on something broader: changing how the sector is perceived. Championing Social Care, he explains, exists to “elevate the profile, perception and recognition of social care.” It is a volunteer-led movement, driven by the belief that the sector’s story has not been told strongly enough. “Social care is vast, diverse and deeply skilled,” he says. “But social care is mostly not well understood, and too often it’s defined by its challenges rather than its strengths. That has to change.”
A key part of CSC’s work lies in its national programmes, which aim to both celebrate the sector and open it up to wider audiences. Initiatives such as Care Home Open Week, which last year saw over 5,500 services take part, are designed to bring communities into care settings and challenge outdated perceptions. Meanwhile, campaigns like Who Cares Wins target younger audiences, highlighting the breadth of career opportunities available.
At the heart of the organisation is its ambassadors community: a growing network of individuals committed to advocating for social care. For Vishal, this collective approach is essential. “Real change doesn’t come just from one voice,” he says. “It comes from many, united by purpose.”
Looking ahead, Vishal is clear about his priorities. He wants to see social care recognised as an equal partner within the wider health system and as a fundamental pillar of society. “This is a sector built on people,” he adds. “Its greatest asset is its workforce: their professional skill, their resilience, their compassion, their commitment.”
His message is both pragmatic and optimistic. While challenges remain, he believes the sector is entering a period of opportunity, particularly as innovation and technology begin to play a greater role. Under his leadership, CSC will continue to focus on telling that story, one that, as he puts it, “the sector itself already knows, but the world needs to hear.”
Six care organisations join Memory Makers pilot to support person-centred storytelling in care settings
Six care organisations across the UK have joined the pilot phase of Memory Makers, a new social-purpose storytelling framework designed to help care teams capture residents’ stories, voices and lived experience in a way that fits everyday care environments.
The pilot partners span the UK and include; Brookside Care Home in Preston, The Laurels in Salford, Nightingale Hospice in Wrexham, Belong in Crewe, The Ridings in Birmingham and Sage House in Tangmere.
Together, they form part of the first cohort of ‘Foundation Partners’, supporting the early development of Memory Makers as it begins its national rollout within the care sector.
The six-week pilot will involve structured use of the Memory Makers framework within each setting, followed by a face-to-face review process to assess its impact in practice. This will include evaluating staff confidence, emotional impact for residents and families, practical integration into day-to-day care and identifying any friction points.
The review will also explore how Memory Makers supports person-centred care, alongside validating overall concept value and pricing considerations ahead of wider adoption.
Memory Makers combines a simple, dementia-friendly app with a guided storytelling framework, enabling care teams to capture meaningful conversations through video, audio and photos using gentle prompts. The approach is designed to feel achievable for busy teams, supporting connection, understanding and continuity of care.
Memory Makers founder, Gareth Williams, said: “This stage is about listening and learning properly. These organisations are helping us understand exactly how Memory Makers works in real life application, in real care environments - what works, what needs refining and how it can genuinely support residents, families and staff without adding pressure.
“The focus is not just on capturing memories, but on how those moments improve day-to-day connection, confidence and care. That’s what we’re really testing through this pilot.”
Commenting on the pilot to date, Louise Newton, Care Home Manager at Brookside Care Home, said: “Memory Makers has given us a powerful way to capture and preserve the voices, stories and personal histories of the people in our care. During the pilot, we involved both residents and family members and what stood out immediately was how much everyone learned - not only as a staff team, but within families too, with relatives discovering things they had never known about their loved one’s past.
“What makes this so special is that it goes far beyond a written record or family tree. It captures the memories, expressions and unique sayings that make a person who they are, preserving them for future generations. One family member told us they wished they had been able to have something like this for their own grandmother.
“The idea that, years from now, family members could still hear a loved one’s voice, see their smile and connect with their life story in such a personal way is incredibly powerful. It’s a wonderful concept and we’ve been really moved by its potential.”
Memory Makers was developed alongside care professionals with a focus on making life story work more accessible and sustainable. The organisation’s long-term ambition is to help preserve one million memories across care and community settings.
Following the pilot phase, Memory Makers will use the findings to refine the framework before expanding to further care providers across the UK.
Procurement expert to boost AVE’s care sector offering
Procurement and nutrition consultants AVE have expanded their team with a new Business Development Manager to enhance their growth within the care industry.
AVE delivers cost savings to businesses – utilising their vast network to ensure clients can implement a first-class supply chain across both food and non-food products. Acting as a single point of contact, the team also delivers comprehensive audits, analyses menu impact, evaluates upcoming market trends and provides specialist nutrition services.
New BDM Josh Perry has a wealth of experience having held senior operational and procurement roles across the private and public sectors. He has already secured a number of new care sector clients within his first weeks at AVE, helping continue its growth trajectory which has seen the company scale by an impressive 225% in the past 12 months.
He said: “It is a really exciting time to be joining AVE, given their expansion into the care sector over the past year. I am keen to develop this, offering providers the opportunity to optimise their supply chain. There is a real increase in the number of people requiring care in the UK, and ensuring those supporting them have access to affordable and high-quality ingredients and products is essential to physical health and wellbeing.
“There are a range of sector-specific challenges such as the ageing population, as well as more generalised issues including food inflation rates. But that is exactly why AVE exists – to help organisations overcome these challenges without compromising on quality. It’s great to be connecting with a range of businesses across the care industry, and supporting AVE in its ambitious and inspiring goals for the future.”
Headquartered within the West Midlands, with clients spanning the length and breadth of the UK, Josh is the second BDM to be appointed this year. The announcement comes weeks after Andy Follows joined the company, specialising in the hospitality industry. Both care and hospitality are core focus areas for AVE going forward, alongside working with clients across leisure, education and a range of additional industries.
Spring into Sport
There’s nothing much better than live sport for bringing people together – and there’s much on the way this March. The TNT Sports schedule is jam-packed with options for sports fans of all ages, giving residents plenty of reasons to get together, watch the action and discuss the latest talking points.
March gets underway with a bumper schedule of live sport, led by an action-packed run of Premier League fixtures; ideal for care homes looking to bring residents together around shared viewing experiences.
The month opens with a Midweek Takeover in the first week of March, featuring 10 live Premier League matches and every top-flight side in action. Coverage begins on Tuesday, 4 March with four fixtures, including champions Liverpool FC travelling to relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers FC (8.15 pm).
Momentum continues on Wednesday with five further live games. Highlights include Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa FC and Chelsea FC meeting at Villa Park (7.30 pm), while title contenders Arsenal FC travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion FC. There is also a London derby between Fulham FC and West Ham United FC, before the pick of the evening sees Newcastle United FC host Manchester United FC at St James’ Park (8.15 pm).
The midweek programme concludes with another capital clash as Tottenham Hotspur FC welcome Crystal Palace FC (5 March, 8 pm).
Two additional Premier League fixtures follow later in the month in the popular Saturday lunchtime slot: West Ham United FC hosts Manchester City FC on 14 March, and Brighton & Hove Albion FC faces Liverpool FC on 21 March.
Football remains a major draw throughout the spring, with TNT Sports now the home of the FA Cup through to the May final. Immediately following the midweek Premier League fixtures, the FA Cup Fifth Round takes place across 7–9 March.
There is also significant British interest in European competition, with Round of 16 coverage from the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League providing further opportunities for communal viewing.
However, football is far from the only entertainment for residents. March also brings two full rounds of live action from Premiership Rugby, arriving hot on the heels of the Six Nations, alongside the start of the new MotoGP season.
For homes seeking lower-intensity viewing, golf fans can follow every LIV Golf event after TNT Sports secured the rights, while cue sports enthusiasts can track the World Snooker Tour throughout the season, culminating at the World Championship at Crucible Theatre.
Alasdair Collis, Director of Commercial Customers, TNT Sports, said: “Live sport is something that can be enjoyed at every stage of life. There’s nothing quite like it for bringing people together to share the communal pleasure of watching the action and then discussing the calls and controversies afterwards. Our March line-up is packed with something for everyone. Whether it is football, rugby, golf, or motor sport, there are many reasons for residents to watch live sport together and share passions that last a lifetime. Live sport is for everyone at every stage of life, and there is something for all sports fans to enjoy in TNT Sports this spring.”
Leading with Kindness
Susan Watson, Home Manager at HC-One’s Pytchley Court Care Home, draws on over 50 years of nursing experience. This interview explores how values-driven leadership, early-career support, and meaningful staff engagement support long-term staff retention and excellent care results, offering practical lessons for care home managers facing ongoing operational challenges.
After more than 50 years in nursing, what do you believe most strongly influences whether care staff choose to stay long term?
In my experience, people stay where they feel valued, supported, given opportunity for growth and proud of the care they deliver. While pay and conditions matter, long-term retention is driven by meaningful relationships, visible leadership, and a culture where staff feel listened to and respected. When people feel psychologically safe, appreciated for their contribution, and confident that their development matters, loyalty follows naturally.
How did you build and sustain a culture at Pytchley Court that supported the journey to an Outstanding CQC rating?
Kindness, dependability, and high professional standards have always been the cornerstones of our culture. We set an example by ensuring that values are not only discussed but also lived out daily. Key elements have been open communication, shared accountability, and giving employees at all levels the freedom to voice their opinions and drive change. Achieving Outstanding involved fostering an atmosphere in which acting morally toward residents and co-workers is the standard, rather than preparing for inspections. In addition, we promote involvement amongst all communities in the home, across the hierarchy of staff and residents’ families, and prioritise the ability to channel ideas to provide quality care services. For instance, we have 2 residents on the recruitment panel at the care home.
What role has developing and supporting early-career professionals played in staff retention at the home?
Supporting professionals in their early careers has been essential to the stability of our workforce. We devote time to appropriate induction, mentoring, and continuing training and supervision because we believe that first impressions matter. Instead of seeing a position as temporary, we help people see a future for themselves within the organisation by fostering confidence, offering clear pathways for advancement, and recognising early successes.
How do preceptorships and university partnerships contribute to both workforce stability and quality of care?
Preceptorships and strong university partnerships allow us to support learners during a formative stage of their professional journey. Students who feel welcomed, supervised and valued are more likely to return as permanent staff, as they are mentored by our Nurse in the home. For instance, we have a student who expressed how impactful the mentorship and experience at the home was in her acquiring her degree at the university. These partnerships also promote reflective practice, evidence-based care and continuous learning, which directly enhances the quality and safety of care we provide. In addition, we provide opportunities for students to participate in the social activities that take place in the home. For instance, students had a trip on the home minibus to the seaside with residents, to a West Northants Council forum, Namaste Therapy, and the Care Show in Birmingham, where they experienced the Dementia box. This involvement has helped improve their knowledge and compassion. We also have partnerships with Paramedic students.
In your experience, what practical leadership behaviours make the greatest difference to staff morale and loyalty?
The biggest impact is made by being transparent, truthful, and persistent. When leaders are present, personable, and consistent in their behaviour, staff members notice. Simple actions that foster trust include listening without passing judgment, appreciating effort, responding quickly to issues, and being fair. Service and integrity are more important in leadership than power. Also, I demonstrate a compassionate, supportive leadership style by being approachable and readily available to listen, guide and support staff as needed.
What advice would you give to care home managers trying to balance operational pressures with creating a workplace people want to remain part of?
Although operational demands cannot be avoided, people should never be overshadowed by them. Prioritise relationship in addition to performance, in my opinion. Invest in your team, communicate honestly when things are tough, and never undervalue the impact of gratitude. A supported workforce is more resilient, more dedicated, and better prepared to provide outstanding care.
In conclusion, managers should adopt a people-centred approach, demonstrating fairness and approachability, remaining open and willing to listen, and maintaining a strong, visible presence on the floor. Greater emphasis should be placed on observing day-to-day practice and staff interactions, alongside administrative responsibilities, to ensure high quality care delivery.