Great care professionals come from a range of job sectors

The employment sector within the UK is currently subject to great change as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, creating uncertainty for many who are now seeking opportunities within sectors they have not previously explored. The adult social care sector has often faced recruitment challenges and presently the need for high-quality care professionals is as high as ever. One stumbling block to recruitment in adult social care can be the common misconception that potential carers need to have a background within the healthcare sector – a care sector myth Radfield Home Care Havering and Brentwood is keen to dispel.

Radfield’s care workers come from a real range of backgrounds, having previously worked in sectors such as business and retail, hospitality and even as a driving instructor – there really isn’t such a thing as there being only one route into domiciliary home care. The desire to move into care can also present itself when having personally cared for a loved one, another highly relevant source of experience. A recent campaign #everydayisdifferent launched by The Department of Health and Social Care serves to highlight how care is open to all, and attempts to cover useful frequently asked questions – with helpful case studies showcasing care professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. These campaigns are vital at both the national and local level – encouraging fantastic talented people to pursue a career in care.

Radfield Home Care Havering and Brentwood recognises the important skills that potential health care workers can bring from other sectors and that not everyone’s route starts with healthcare experience. As co-director Lisa Cable explains:

“For us communication and relationship building are two key skills we look for in a potential care professional and these can be gained from many sectors and job roles. Communication really is key to excellent care delivery and is such an important transferable skill. Building relationships with clients, which is what we really depend upon, is also a key attribute that those within sectors such as retail, hospitality and administration in particular often have great experience of.”

For Radfield, the emphasis has been and always will be, on the recruitment of the best care professionals who will provide exceptional care and support to our clients. Underpinned by Radfield’s ‘Caring for our Carers™’ pledge, an extensive range of training is given to ensure all new members of care staff are able to provide the highest level of care and support, whatever their experience level.

“We have an exceptional training programme that each carer undertakes, irrespective of their background, including virtual classroom training, practical training and shadowing – all to ensure that all carers are comfortable within their role and are ready to provide exceptional care.

We also pride ourselves on their continued access to our on call care team, whatever the question and whenever it arises, there is always someone to contact. All of this ensures we deliver the highest quality home care and support to our clients and that our care professionals are able to continuously develop within their career.”

Not having previous experience in care should not be a barrier to entry and Radfield is passionate about encouraging an individual’s potential to join the health and social care sector. Radfield is proud to support the journey to becoming a valued and respected carer – ensuring their clients receive excellent care, by excellent people.

If you would like to find out more about Radfield Home Care and the care support services offered, you can visit www.radfieldhomecare.co.uk or the branch directly on [email protected] or 01708 609 364.