Working at Fenham Lodge
The Street, Chelmsford, CM3 2EQ
Operated by Fenham Lodge Residential Care Homes Limited
7 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
7.1/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 9 February 2026
Score: 7.1/10
Key Finding
"Approachable managers and a family-like team culture, although adequate staffing and external activities limit unhurried care and in-house programmes."
Safety & Risk
7/10
✓
Staff had received training on safeguarding and were confident the registered manager and provider would take appropriate action. Safe staff recruitment followed. Medicines administered as prescribed, individual risk assessments person-centred.
Staff Culture
8/10
✓
Staff spoke about the service being a 'family' and a 'home from home'. Staff were complimentary about each other saying how well new staff had settled and that they worked as a team. 'We are listened to, they welcome and encourage ideas.'
Staffing Levels
6/10
✓
Adequate staffing levels were maintained and were determined on people's needs. Staff told us rotas were fair and there was flexibility, taking into consideration their well-being. Most of the staff had been working at the service for many years.
Training & Dev
7/10
✓
Staff received training through different sources including formal, practical and on-line programmes. All staff had undertaken courses relevant to the type of service including conflict management and behaviours that challenge. Staff had received regular supervisions and annual appraisals.
Management
8/10
✓
The provider and registered manager worked in harmony together and staff were respectful of the management team, acknowledging they were approachable and that they had confidence in them. '[provider name] is a really good boss, always willing to step in and work alongside us.'
Programmes
6/10
✓
People held jobs, volunteered at horse-riding stables, attended college courses such as dance, drama, pottery; holidays, sport, music, local community events. Monthly activities programme displayed.
Points to consider
Staff numbers are adequate for needs with fair rotas, but nothing said about low workloads or no agency staff letting you give unhurried personal care.
Adequate staffing levels were maintained and were determined on people's needs. Staff told us rotas were fair and there was flexibility, taking into consideration their well-being.
No dedicated activities coordinator or specialist named programmes, so the job is supporting external college, jobs and community outings rather than varied in-house creativity.
There was a small notice board at the entrance of the building with the monthly activities programme displayed.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: March 2020
Good
Safe
✓
Good
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
★
Outstanding
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
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- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews