Confidence boost helps care provider secure new services and clients

Prior to the course, Priscilla’s nursing background meant had always struggled to detach herself from the caring elements of the business and, as a result, was feeling overstretched.

“I wanted to oversee everything, I wanted to be there for every end-of-life patient. I couldn't just leave my carers to do it somehow. My mentor really helped me to see that as you grow, you need to focus on the core areas of the business and hand some of the running over to others so you don't get burnt out.

“I realised I was trying too hard to do everything so, while I was still on the course, I recruited a new service manager. Since then, I've recruited another service manager and three team leaders, and the burden has just gone down.

“My mentor made it really clear that you won’t grow if you don’t let go.”

Another improvement that has come directly from Priscilla’s time on the course is the introduction of a new mission, vision and values, which have been shared on the company’s website and displayed in all their supported living accommodation.

“It’s been really helpful because it’s made our staff more aware of the shared goals we are all working towards. They’re not afraid to speak up if they feel that someone is not working in line with the values, which is leading to a positive change in the way people are working, and driving up the standards of care.”

They’ve also invested time in improving the marketing of their services, particularly their website.

“Before the course I thought marketing wasn’t really something we needed to do, but it made me see the benefits. We’ve revamped our website to make it much clearer what services we offer, and we’ve already had people getting in touch because of that.”

Priscilla says the module on winning new markets has had the biggest impact on the business so far.

“We needed to grow into other areas and into other services, giving us a lot more options. I think I probably already knew that, but it’s a scary thought. Listening to the tutor explain it so simply made me realise we had to give it a try.”

Buoyed by the fresh perspective, the company has gone on to set up a new branch in Stevenage and has recently won a tender to provide a range of different care services across seven council districts in the Greater Manchester area. This includes providing support to people with learning disabilities, complex mental health needs and young people transitioning into adult services.

They’ve also invested in a new digital care management system which gives instant oversight of which carers are where, and how clients are doing each day, making it much easier to keep relatives updated.

With her increased confidence and more time to spend working on the business, rather than in it, Priscilla has ambitious plans for the future, including opening more branches across the UK and expanding the range of services even further.

They have submitted an application to Ofsted which, if successful, would enable to them to support young people transitioning into adult services, and have also applied to the CQC to become a registered provider of treatment for disease, disorder or injury, which would enable them to employ other medical professionals and carry out a wider range of care.

Priscilla says she would not hesitate to recommend the Help to Grow: Management Course to other business leaders.

“It was a relatively short course but it’s made such a huge impact in my life. My confidence has really improved and I’ve met so many interesting people from other business.

“It covers so much too that I think everyone would find a topic that really helps them.”

Find out how the Help to Grow: Management Course can further your business here.