For any company whose success depends on the excellence of its staff, it's vital to recruit the right people and then make sure they stay in the job.

This is particularly important for a care home setting, where staff are almost like the extended family of the residents. The people living at Doveleigh Care's three local residential homes build up a relationship with the people looking after them and that trust and familiarity makes for a calm and happy environment. With this in mind, Doveleigh Care deliberately over-recruits in each home so that there's never a need to use agency workers. Agency staff would be strangers to residents and other staff. Furthermore, every effort is made to ensure that staff feel valued in their work and well rewarded for their dedication to the residents.

The latest example of this is the annual pay rise awarded to staff by Doveleigh Care's managing director, Keith Mills, in recognition of the extra challenges that have arisen to during the Covid pandemic. This is on top of the usual pay rise awarded to staff every April.

Mr Mills said: "The last 18 months have been particularly difficult for our staff and it is only right that they are adequately rewarded. This latest pay rise means that even our lowest paid staff member will receive at least £11.00 per hour, with experienced and NVQ qualified night staff receiving up to £14.25 per hour. Combined with the satisfaction of working in care homes that are repeatedly being rated 'Outstanding' by our regulators, the Care Quality Commission, we hope that these factors will encourage new staff to join our team."

How Doveleigh Care attracts – and keeps – the best staff

Senior Manager, Samantha Evens, said Doveleigh Care selects its staff carefully and then makes sure they're fully prepared for the work they'll be doing: "We have a good interview process, which then follows with a comprehensive induction. This includes having a mentor, shadow shifts and training. Doveleigh Care offers excellent rates of pay including paid breaks, a reward scheme, free meals and a staff garden room with iced coffee and hot drinks facilities. Staff can also develop their careers through the comprehensive training provided, including diplomas in Adult Health & Social Care."

On a day-to-day basis, Doveleigh Care strives to look after its employees' physical and mental wellbeing, with many small touches to boost their morale. They are given personal gifts and treats and each care home has an 'Employee of the Month' scheme. Staff also know they can rely on the support of management.

Samantha said: "It's about looking after your staff, listening, working alongside them. A little 'thank you' and a gift goes a long way."

In a nutshell, Doveleigh Care's staff policy involves motivating its team to do a good job, for which they feel well trained and supported and rewarding them for that dedication – not just with pay rises, but also with a feeling of job satisfaction.

Samantha said: "Staff like to go home knowing they have done a good job. Our staff enjoy the family orientation we have in each of our homes – and they like the fact that management are present on the front line as well."