Working at Halcyon Days
The Old Rectory, Hitchin, SG4 7LU
Operated by GCH (Hertfordshire) Ltd
57 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
5.2/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 5.2/10
Key Finding
"Supportive management and improving culture, but no activities programme and safety lapses like missed repositioning hold it back."
Safety & Risk
5/10
!
one person was seen to be in the same position throughout our assessment, but they required 2 hourly repositioning as they had a pressure sore. We also observed a person laying down flat to eat their toast which placed them at risk of choking.
Staff Culture
6/10
✓
the new management team demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement and had been working to develop a more positive culture at the home since our previous inspection in February 2022.
Staffing Levels
5/10
!
Views were mixed about the staffing levels in the service and the responsiveness of staff... Agency staff were in use on the day... The manager told us there was ongoing recruitment to fill vacancies.
Training & Dev
/10
✕
Management
6/10
✓
Staff mostly felt the registered manager was supportive and approachable. One staff member said they felt, “[We have] enough staff, enough training. We are supported by the [registered] manager all the time who comes onto the floor and checks.”
Programmes
2/10
✕
No activities, engagement programmes, creative approaches, or activities coordinator mentioned in the report.
Points to consider
No activities programme or coordinator, so the role is mostly routine personal care.
No activities, engagement programmes or creative approaches described in the report.
Staffing is adequate but gets stretched at busy times like lunch, with some agency workers and vacancies.
Relatives gave mixed views about staffing. A relative said, “Sometimes there are lots of staff at others barely any.” Agency staff were in use on the day, and... ongoing recruitment to fill vacancies.
Some daily risks missed like not turning people who need it or bad positioning while eating.
one person was seen to be in the same position throughout our assessment, but they required 2 hourly repositioning as they had a pressure sore. We also observed a person laying down flat to eat their toast which placed them at risk of choking.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: August 2024
Good
Safe
✓
Good
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
✓
Good
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Requires improvement
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- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews