Working at Northam Lodge
Heywood Road, Bideford, EX39 3QB
Operated by The Northam Care Trust
25 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
7.0/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 9 February 2026
Score: 7.0/10
Key Finding
"Open and inclusive leadership boosting staff morale alongside strong safety and safeguarding, although short-notice sickness occasionally stretches staffing and activities lack a dedicated coordinator."
Safety & Risk
8/10
✓
Systems, processes and policies were in place to help safeguard people from possible abuse. Staff had received training... People's medicines were being safely managed... Accident and incident reports were signed off by the manager.
Staff Culture
7/10
✓
Staff said the management team were open and inclusive. They felt their ideas and suggestions were valued and they were encouraged to develop their skills via learning and development programmes.
Staffing Levels
6/10
✓
There were sufficient staff to meet the number and needs of people living at the service. Staff said there were enough staff, but that staff sickness at short notice had on occasion left them short.
Training & Dev
7/10
✓
People were supported by staff who had the right training, skills and support to do their job effectively... Staff confirmed there were regular training opportunities. They were also offered regular supervision sessions... encouraged to complete national qualifications in care.
Management
8/10
✓
The registered manager, senior team and new chief executive of the service were working hard to ensure their approach was open, inclusive and forward thinking. They had introduced a suggestion box, more leadership and team meetings and incentives to enhance staff morale.
Programmes
6/10
✓
Staff confirmed people had a wide choice of activities and interests... supported to go out shopping, eat out, go swimming and use local facilities. People also had the opportunity to go on holiday... New initiatives included the introduction of eye gaze technology.
Points to consider
Staffing levels are usually enough but short notice sickness sometimes leaves the team stretched and staff have to pick up extra shifts.
Staff said there were enough staff, but that staff sickness at short notice had on occasion left them short. The registered manager said that staff had been 'exceptional at picking up extra shifts'
No dedicated activities coordinator or specialist programmes like pet therapy, so the role involves routine care plus basic outings and events.
Staff confirmed people had a wide choice of activities... go out shopping, eat out, go swimming... regular outings to places which included train journeys.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: April 2018
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