Working at The Old Vicarage
Ivy Bank Road, Bolton, BL1 7EQ
Operated by Macdonald Care Limited
38 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
6.4/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 6.4/10
Key Finding
"Strong safety practices and up-to-date training create a solid workplace, although occasional agency staff use and no dedicated activities coordinator are drawbacks."
Safety & Risk
8/10
✓
Any issues or incidents had been investigated with actions set, outcomes recorded, and lessons learned. Risks to people had been assessed with management plans in place... provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately.
Staff Culture
6/10
✓
The provider had a good learning culture and people could raise concerns... Staff had received supervision and appraisals in line with the provider’s policy.
Staffing Levels
6/10
✓
People, relatives and staff told us enough staff were deployed to meet needs, our observations supported this... when necessary, the provider utilised agency staff.
Training & Dev
7/10
✓
Staff completed a range of training courses relevant to their role and the needs of people they supported. A matrix was used to monitor completion. This showed the vast majority of staff were fully up to date... discuss career pathways.
Management
6/10
✓
People and relatives knew all members of the management team and felt the home was well run. They told us managers were a visible presence in the home and communication was good.
Programmes
6/10
✓
Actions from September’s meeting included, celebrating Lancashire day, planning a trip to Blackpool Illuminations, purchasing a reminiscence activity and arranging a tour to a local stately home... charity coffee morning.
Points to consider
Staffing levels are fine for needs but the home uses agency staff sometimes for sickness or leave cover.
Staff shortages, such as through sickness or annual leave, were initially covered by existing staff. However, when necessary, the provider utilised agency staff.
Activities include trips and events from resident meetings but no dedicated coordinator or specialist programmes mentioned.
Following each engagement meeting, an action plan was created capturing the request of people. Actions from September’s meeting included, celebrating Lancashire day, planning a trip to Blackpool Illuminations, purchasing a reminiscence activity.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: November 2025
Good
Safe
✓
Good
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
✓
Good
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
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Chat on WhatsAppSources
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews