Issue 133 18.01.23
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Group benefits from overseas sponsorship A CARE group based in the South East of England is reaping the rewards of sponsoring overseas workers to help address the ongoing skills gap in the social care sector. ACI Care, a group of care homes which specialise in residential, respite and dementia care, has been offering Certificates of Sponsorship to overseas workers to help combat the staffing crisis currently faced by the social care sector in the UK. Recruiting from overseas gives ACI access to a wider pool of potential staff and talent, and allows the care group to decrease its dependency on temporary agency staff. Following the recruitment of sponsored staff, ACI aims to decrease its use of agency staff by 70 per cent across the whole group – ensuring the care group’s long-term sustainability in offering care to people in Sussex, Kent and Northamptonshire. Ravi Sodha, director of ACI Care, said: “While we prioritise hiring staff local to our care homes to help benefit the local community, the current staffing shortage means we also have to look to overseas sponsorship. “This process allows for new experiences, approaches and cultures, to ensure consistent and high-quality care for our residents across all homes. “Unlike some sponsorship
programmes, we don’t require our sponsored workers to sign contracts stating a minimum term to work with us. “We believe that by creating the best working environment possible, the staff we sponsor will want to stay with ACI long-term without the need for contractual obligations.” The pandemic highlighted the crucial role of health and social care workers and their importance in providing necessary services. However, many care home providers are facing difficulties in recruiting and retaining enough staff with the appropriate skills to meet the growing demands of residents. Despite their efforts, providers are often unable to compete with other industries that offer higher pay and less demanding work environments, leading to a shortage of staff in the field, hence turning to other recruitment options. To help tackle this ongoing issue, ACI has currently sponsored 20 staff members across its four homes. The Certificate of Sponsorship is open to both overseas workers and those within the UK who require a visa, including those coming to the end of their studies on a student visa and those who have already been sponsored by another employer in the UK but are seeking a new role.
World War II veteran Roger Roberts was ‘delighted’ to get back in the water for the first time since his days on board a Royal Navy cruiser. When the 97-year-old moved to Foley Grange care home in Kidderminster in January 2022, the staff were amazed to hear his story. Roger told the staff that it was dream to get back in the water, as he ‘had always been a strong swimmer’. Eager to help Roger tick swimming off his bucket-list, home manager Hannah Atkinson got in touch with Wyre Forest Leisure Centre, who were more than happy to invite him to the pool. When the day came for Roger to take his first steps into the water since the war, he couldn’t wait to get started.
Operator celebrates its 107th birthday PARTIES and activities have taken place in each of Royal Star & Garter’s three homes, as the charity celebrated its 107th birthday. Residents at the homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe enjoyed live music, dancing and cake as part of the celebrations. It was established on 14 January 1916 to care for severely injured men returning from First World War battlegrounds, following concern expressed by Queen Mary. She charged the British Red Cross Society with finding a ‘permanent haven’ for severely disabled young men returning from war.
Director of care Pauline Shaw said: “It was lovely to see the Homes filled with music and laughter as residents helped us celebrate our 107th birthday. “Our staff take every opportunity to create magical moments for the residents and celebrating our anniversary is a great reason to have fun.” In Solihull, singers Boogaloo Babes sang an array of classics from the 1930s to the 1960s, while residents danced and tucked into birthday cake. In Surbiton, singer and musician Jason Allen also had residents dancing, while in High Wycombe, singer and pianist Liza Jaz provided the live entertainment.
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