Working at The Poplars
1 The Poplars, Whitwell, S80 4TD
Operated by Autism East Midlands
6 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
6.9/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 9 February 2026
Score: 6.9/10
Key Finding
"Staff feel valued in a strong culture with incidents well managed, but some agency staff use and basic training hold it back."
Safety & Risk
8/10
✓
The service managed incidents affecting people's safety well. Staff recognised incidents and reported them appropriately and managers investigated incidents and shared lessons learned. For example, following an increase in incidents for one person, the service implemented a 'keeping me safe plan'.
Staff Culture
8/10
✓
Staff told us they could raise issues with management and believed they would be listened to. Records showed feedback was welcomed, for example in one team meeting senior staff had suggested changes to shift patterns.
Staffing Levels
6/10
✓
The service had enough staff, including for one-to-one support for people to take part in activities and visits how and when they wanted. The numbers and skills of staff matched the needs of people using the service.
Training & Dev
6/10
✓
Staff had received safeguarding training and were able to demonstrate understanding of how to recognise and report types of abuse. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.
Management
7/10
✓
Management were visible in the service, approachable and took a genuine interest in what people had to say. People and relatives spoke highly of the registered manager.
Programmes
6/10
✓
People were supported to participate in their chosen social and leisure interests on a regular basis. One person told us about their hobbies and plans to attend a day centre the following week. We also observed people to take part in activities during the inspection.
Points to consider
Staff numbers meet needs with one-to-one support available, but they have processes for agency staff so some are used.
Staff recruitment and induction training processes promoted safety, including those for agency staff.
Training covers basics like safeguarding and food hygiene with some supervision, but no specialist courses or funded qualifications mentioned.
Staff had received safeguarding training and were able to demonstrate understanding... All relevant staff had completed food hygiene training and followed correct procedures... We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision.
Varied activities like baking, Boccia, day centre and community events enrich the day, but no dedicated coordinator or specialist programmes.
People could take part in activities and pursue interests that were tailored to them... supported to attend Boccia... set up a tuck shop in the garden... invited to events in the community, for example a music festival.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: March 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