Working at Laurel Lodge Care Home
19 Ipswich Road, Norwich, NR2 2LN
Operated by Black Swan International Limited
32 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
6.3/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 6.3/10
Key Finding
"Approachable leadership and a family-like culture where staff feel valued, although occasional short-staffing requires agency cover."
Safety & Risk
7/10
✓
Systems were in place to protect people from the risk of abuse. Staff had received training in safeguarding and they demonstrated an understanding in this subject. Records showed these had been fully investigated to try to reduce them from re-occurring.
Staff Culture
7/10
✓
One staff member told us people living at Laurel Lodge and the staff team were like 'family'. Staff said they felt appreciated and valued and enjoyed working at Laurel Lodge.
Staffing Levels
5/10
!
Staff rotas for the last four weeks prior to our inspection visit showed that on occasions, the home had been running with less staff than planned but this was not a common occurrence. The registered manager told us last minute absence was usually covered either by themselves, an existing member of staff or agency staff where possible.
Training & Dev
6/10
✓
Staff had received enough training and supervision to be competent in their roles. They were encouraged to complete further training to enhance their knowledge within health and social care.
Management
7/10
✓
The staff we spoke with told us they found the registered manager and provider approachable and good leaders. Staff said they felt appreciated and valued and enjoyed working at Laurel Lodge.
Programmes
6/10
✓
There was a varied activity programme in place including games, quizzes, clubs and trips out. Activities were supported by a dedicated member of staff who worked two to three days per week in the home.
Points to consider
Staffing is adequate but sometimes short-staffed, leading to waits for call bells and occasional agency cover.
Staff rotas for the last four weeks prior to our inspection visit showed that on occasions, the home had been running with less staff than planned but this was not a common occurrence. The registered manager told us last minute absence was usually covered either by themselves, an existing member of staff or agency staff where possible.
Only standard training and supervision with encouragement for further quals but no funded specialist courses mentioned.
Staff had received enough training and supervision to be competent in their roles. They were encouraged to complete further training to enhance their knowledge within health and social care.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: September 2019
Good
Safe
✓
Good
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
✓
Good
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
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- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews