Posted on 8th Jun
A Newark care home manager has been hailed as a star for reducing the amount of agency staff used at her service to zero.
Michelle Green, manager at Greenfields, a residential unit supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health issues and physical disabilities requiring complex care, has been awarded a Salutem Star for her recruitment efforts.
When Michelle took over the service, which is part of Salutem Care and Education, in January 2022, it was using more than 700 hours a week agency staff.
Within less than 12 months the last agency staff worked a shift — the home now has more than 50 permanent employees.
Greenfields is still recruiting to fulfil plans to refurbish a currently empty building on the site to expand the service.
Michelle explained: “The first thing I did was to contact staff who had recently left, and bank staff, to offer them roles.
“Flexibility is a key factor, so offering shifts that fit with people’s lives was crucial to attracting staff. We get many applicants for every role and if we can find the right fit then that person will stay.
“As well as the positive financial implications, the people we support benefit from continuity and seeing the same faces every day.
“It hasn’t been easy, but I am now where I want to be with Greenfields and we are going from strength to strength, taking new admissions and planning expansion.
“We’re also having lots of fun from a special showing of Mamma Mia at the local library to visits to the beach at Skegness. Other recent activities have included to the zoo at Woburn and West Midlands Safari Park.
“An individual has also achieved a lifelong dream of visiting Leicester City stadium and we are currently booking holidays for individuals who want to go away.”
Kirstie Jones, chief people officer at Salutem Care and Education, added: “Michelle is an example of how excellent recruitment practices can transform a service. She has worked wonders at Greenfields, and everyone has benefited from her efforts.
“Well done, Michelle, you truly are a star.”
