Our staffing structure includes core head office functions such as safeguarding, operations, accounts, HR, procurement, and compliance. Additionally, we have maintenance teams and field staff dedicated to each of our supported living projects, ensuring localised and personalised services. Our satellite office supports specific areas to further enhance our reach and effectiveness. 

We recruit staff from a variety of backgrounds, including charities, prison, probation, social services, youth work, education, and care sectors. Our team members share a common goal of relating to young people, offering support, safeguarding, and helping them raise their aspirations. 

Our recruitment team follows a stringent ‘safer recruitment’ policy with robust procedures, including enhanced DBS checks renewed every three years, to ensure the safety and suitability of our staff. 

Our induction training is comprehensive, ensuring that all team members are fully equipped to deliver the highest standard of care from the very beginning. The COVID-19 pandemic has led us to adapt how we deliver this training, now conducted virtually via Zoom by industry experts. 

Throughout the year, our staff participate in ongoing training programmes to enhance their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest best practices. All staff are enrolled in the “Care Skills Academy,” which offers a range of CPD-accredited courses essential for meeting the needs of our young people. Courses include: 

• Safeguarding Children 
• Health and Safety 
• First Aid 
• GDPR 
• Managing Challenging Behaviour 
• Safer Caring and Allegations 
• Recording and Evidencing 
• Equality and Diversity 
• Working with Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking Children (UASC) 
• Independent Living Skills 
• Self-harm and Ligature Awareness 
• Drugs and Alcohol Awareness 
• ADHD and Autism Awareness 
• Mental Health 
• Internet Safety 

Specialised Training: 

We also deliver specific safeguarding training on topics like ‘Prevent’ (vulnerability to radicalisation/terrorism), child sexual exploitation (CSE), child criminal exploitation (CCE), and trafficking, led by our Safeguarding Lead, who has vast experience from their role as a DCI in the Police force. Additional bespoke training is identified through regular supervision and tailored to the special needs of the young people we support, such as attachment disorders and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. 

Before being allocated shifts, staff must complete at least two ‘shadow shifts’ with an experienced staff member. This allows young people to provide feedback on staff suitability. 

We provide comprehensive support to our staff, including regular supervision, access to resources, and opportunities for professional growth. This ensures that they have everything they need to perform their roles effectively and confidently. 

Our staff work plans are directly related to placement plan outcomes, ensuring that all activities and support are aligned with the goals and needs of the young people in our care.