Provider recruits internationally to plug skills gap

AN adult social care provider has welcomed 15 new colleagues to its team at a Norfolk-based support service – helping meet skills requirements through an international recruitment pipeline.

National Care Group, which supports more than 1,200 people across England and Wales, has added a wealth of new talent to its 8 Acres site in Attleborough via a Health and Care Visa sponsorship.

The news comes at the same time as the UK government announced a £15m fund to support international recruitment in adult social care over the next two years.

The development of the international fund aims to fill the 165,000 vacancies reported in the sector in 2021/2022.

Currently, around one in six professionals in the UK adult social care industry have a non-British nationality, making up 17 per cent of the sector workforce.

Among the new colleagues are Bessy Varghese, Maya Alias, Jaise Thomas and Swapna Binil, whom all join the service as support workers.

Settling into their new roles, the team has already completed a wealth of training, including epilepsy awareness, buccal administration and emergency first aid.

Swapna brings with her more than 15 years of experience in nursing and elderly care having worked in Australia, Malaysia and her home town of Kerala in India.

She said: “For me picking the right organisation is key to having a happy and healthy working environment.

Having researched companies in the

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe enjoyed a Hawaiian-themed party put on by the team to celebrate National BBQ Week. Residents and staff dressed up in Hawaiian outfits to get into the party spirit ready for the celebrations to begin. Residents spent the day partying away whilst tucking into their delicious food cooked on the BBQ by the chefs at the nursing home. There was an array of mocktails and vegetarian dishes for family members to also enjoy. Home manager Gayle Cooper said: “The family members had a lovely day with some of them wanting to dress in Hawaiian-style clothing and joining in with Hawaiian dancing.”

UK, I found National Care Group was operating nationwide but had the feel and care of a close-knit team.

“Since joining 8 Acres I know I’ve made the right decision. Our team strives hard to offer the very best support to people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs here in Norfolk.

“The team has been nothing but supportive and I’m proud to be playing my part as someone that can bring my own skills and apply it to a strong culture that dedicates itself to continuous learning.”

Last summer the service underwent a half-a-millionpound transformation, delivering improvements in both the housing facilities and grounds, including new kitchens and bathrooms in most of the flats, along with a renovated driveway and fencing.

The new colleagues help to bolster the services provided at the site, led by registered manager Tara Currie. She added: “We’ve worked hard at 8 Acres to empower both the people we support and colleagues in their surroundings.

“It’s why, along with the on-site training we’ve delivered, our new recruits have received additional support settling into the local area, with our learning and development team helping answer questions on nearby facilities including shops, leisure and transport routes.

“Welcoming such dedicated professionals to the service helps to ensure the consistent delivery of quality care and work towards empowering the people we support to unlock their full potential.”