Working at The Firs Residential Home
186 Grange Road, Felixstowe, IP11 2QF
Operated by Anchor Hanover Group
40 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
6.0/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 6.0/10
Key Finding
"Effective management and a positive culture empowering staff, but staffing gets stretched during incidents and training remains basic."
Safety & Risk
7/10
✓
People received their medicines when they needed them. Risks to people were assessed and systems in place to reduce them. Where incidents and accidents happened, lessons were learned, and actions taken to reduce future risks.
Staff Culture
7/10
✓
The registered manager and management team told us how the ethos of the provider and home was to encourage and empower staff to speak out and be involved in the running of the service. Staff confirmed they raised issues where needed.
Staffing Levels
5/10
!
We received mixed views about the staffing levels... one staff member and a relative told us when incidents happened staff were called away to assist. The relative stated, 'occasionally staff do seem rather stretched...'
Training & Dev
5/10
!
Staff received training relevant to their role and this was kept under review to ensure staff received any updates and refreshers.
Management
7/10
✓
One relative said, '[registered manager is] always available for a meeting. I feel [they] manage the establishment very effectively.'
Programmes
5/10
!
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: People said they had opportunities to participate in meaningful activities... music room... sing song... jigsaws... sensory muffs... went to the beach.
Points to consider
Staff numbers are enough most days but get stretched during incidents, and there has been some agency staff use.
Whilst there had been some use of agency staff, this had been reduced... The relative stated, 'The staff work hard... however occasionally staff do seem rather stretched, especially if there is an incident...'
Only standard training on basics like safeguarding and moving people, no specialist courses or funded qualifications.
Staff had received training in how to support people safely, including moving and handling, falls awareness, fire safety and health and safety.
Activities like music, games, and outings happen but no dedicated coordinator or special programmes, so the job can feel routine.
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: There were systems in place to support people to participate in meaningful activities... play cards... been in the garden, went to the beach... snakes and ladders... sing song.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: December 2022
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