City Deal Project Sees Glasgow Care Homes Achieve Awards Success
A city care home has scooped a Fair Work Award at the prestigious Glasgow Business Awards 2018, organised by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
Held earlier this month at the Hilton Glasgow, Hogganfield Loch Care Home was announced as winner of the accolade which was open to businesses with 50 or fewer staff. The care home secured the award for putting in place policies and practices that have improved the working lives of their employees, resulting in direct improvements to business performance and productivity.
There was success too for Ashgill Care Home and Oakminster Healthcare – both of which were shortlisted in the Fair Work Award category for businesses with 51 or more employees.
All three city care homes were recognised by the Glasgow Business Awards for the positive outcomes delivered following their participation in the In Work Progression (IWP) pilot; a two-year programme which is part of the £1.13 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal.
The key aim of the IWP pilot is to work with care sector businesses to provide training and development for staff which aids career progression and boosts wages. This is achieved with the support of a Business Advisor who works with each care home to develop a programme of business improvements and staff training.
The pilot has demonstrated signs of success in the recruitment, retention and development of staff – financial performance is improving and businesses have shown the potential for reinvesting business savings into the development of their staff.
Mhairi Murning, HR Director of Hogganfield Loch Care Home said; “We’re delighted that the hard work and achievements of our employees have been recognised in this way. IWP provided tailored support, and the availability of a dedicated Business Advisor was invaluable. Staff were offered additional training opportunities and the chance to take on extra responsibilities if desired. We’re creating a really warm, supportive environment which is great for our residents and the staff who care for them. Low staff turnover and continuity of care and relationships is a huge benefit.”
Iain Ballantyne, Operations Manager of Oakminster Healthcare said; “Participating in the IWP pilot has been a very positive experience, and to be shortlisted for a Fair Work Award is a testament to the collective achievements of our staff. Creating chances for our employees to learn new skills and take on new challenges has led to many positive outcomes such as increased pay opportunities and greater levels of staff fulfilment which is reflected in staff retention.”
Rosemary Jalloh, Manager of Ashgill Care Home said: “‘IWP has made a huge difference to Ashgill and we wouldn’t be where we are today without it. My team benefited from a range of training which developed their skills. They now have greater knowledge and also more confidence to make changes within the home – so everyone benefits.”
Cllr Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of the Glasgow City Region City Deal Cabinet, said: “This is another fantastic example of a Glasgow City Region City Deal project that for many years to come will give rise to increased employment opportunities and unlock growth potential. We want to support the sector meet future challenges and ensure it continues to play a key role in the economic future of the city”.
The IWP pilot, funded by the DWP and Glasgow City Council, was developed following consultation with care sector employers and a range of stakeholders. The pilot is almost complete and an evaluation report is due early next year. Learning will be shared with City Region partners and help to shape a regional approach.
