Working at The Orchards
Station Road, Colchester, CO7 8JA
Operated by Cygnet (OE) Limited
5 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
6.8/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 6.8/10
Key Finding
"A positive culture with visible senior management and consistent teams, although occasional staffing shortages and basic training hold it back."
Safety & Risk
7/10
✓
People were protected from abuse and improper treatment. The provider had systems in place to support staff to raise concerns including 'freedom to speak up'.
Staff Culture
8/10
✓
There was a positive culture at the service. Staff spoke positively of the people they were supporting. One staff member said, 'It is a lovely service'.
Staffing Levels
6/10
✓
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: 'We are usually fully staffed. If we were not, staff would stay on to cover.' There was a consistent staff team at the service.
Training & Dev
6/10
✓
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: New staff received an induction to the service and shadowed more experienced staff members. The staff were well supported and received training.
Management
7/10
✓
The senior management team were more visible and held regular briefings with staff. Registered managers were supported with the providers initiative 'project best'.
Programmes
6/10
✓
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: People accessed the community regularly, went on short breaks and were supported to take part in things that interested them including zoo visits, cooking and planting hanging baskets.
Points to consider
Staffing is usually enough but sometimes short so existing staff stay late to cover shifts.
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: 'We are lucky as we are usually fully staffed. If we were not, staff would stay on to cover.'
Only standard training like induction, shadowing and supervisions, no specialist courses or funded qualifications.
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: New staff received an induction to the service and shadowed more experienced staff members.
Varied outings and home activities like cooking and gardening but no dedicated activities coordinator or special programmes.
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: People accessed the community regularly... learning how to cook simple meals independently... planting up hanging baskets for the garden.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: July 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