Working at Brookside
99 High Street, Bedford, MK42 7BS
Operated by Bedford Borough Council
22 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
7.0/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 7.0/10
Key Finding
"Staff feel supported in a positive family-like atmosphere with strong management and safety, but agency staff cover vacancies and training is basic."
Safety & Risk
8/10
✓
2021 targeted: Assured on infection prevention, PPE use, testing, cleaning, social distancing, outbreak management, up-to-date policy.
Staff Culture
8/10
✓
Per 2019: Staff felt supported... positive atmosphere with people and staff describing the service as 'being like a family' and having a 'homely feel'.
Staffing Levels
6/10
✓
Per 2019: There were enough staff to support people safely... The manager used agency staff to cover staff vacancies.
Training & Dev
6/10
✓
Per 2019: Staff had training in areas such as safeguarding... thorough induction... received supervisions and competencies assessed.
Management
8/10
✓
Per 2019: The manager promoted a positive culture... well known by people and staff... positive atmosphere described as 'being like a family'.
Programmes
6/10
✓
People supported to take part in activities such as gardening, cooking, art, board games, community outings; dedicated activities coordinator (per 2019 and 2021).
Points to consider
Staffing is adequate but they use agency workers to cover vacancies.
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: The manager used agency staff to cover staff vacancies.
Only standard training like safeguarding and medicines, no specialist courses or funded qualifications.
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: Staff had training in areas such as safeguarding, fire safety, the administration of medicines and supporting people to communicate.
Varied activities like gardening and games with a coordinator but no specialist programmes.
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: Staff supported people... in activities which they enjoyed... art work, playing board games... community activities.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: November 2019
Good
Safe
✓
Good
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
✓
Good
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
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Chat on WhatsAppSources
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews