Working at Minchenden Lodge

There were effective safeguarding policies... clear and detailed risk assessments... Accidents and incidents were well documented and any learning was shared... Medicines stocks were regularly audited.

Staff were incredibly proud of the home and there was very low turnover of staff... Staff spoke of the excellent support they received not only from the registered manager but from each other... 'shout out' board where staff gave written recognition to each other.

There was a stable staff team and... The service did not use agency staff and had high levels of staff retention due to the positive and supportive culture... staffing levels were kept above what the dependency tool analysis stated.

There was a robust induction programme... organisation had a training department and staff were supported through regular training... Staff told us... 'I am doing my level 5 and the company supports development.'

The registered manager displayed exceptional leadership and promoted an extremely open and positive culture within the home, empowering people and staff to speak up and be involved in the planning and delivery of services.

The registered manager and staff had worked extensively with people to create individual 'wish lists'... monthly company that brought animals... pen-pal scheme... regular outings and day trips... charity fundraising.