One provider described the recruitment and retention problems as “horrific. Like I’ve never known”.
The warning has been made by the Independent Children’s Homes Association (ICHA) after it canvassed members about their staff and recruitment and published the results as part of an internal memo seen by CYP Now.
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Inspections Clinic: Large social care providers
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Blog: We need to reform the standard of care in children’s homes
It found that just one respondent said their recruitment “was currently fine”.
A shortage of experienced managers is leading to a salary war among providers, the ICHA is warning.
One provider said that they had been impacted by “other organisations offering high wages to lure qualified managers away and that staff member subsequently recruiting all of her original team to the new organisation”. This left the provider struggling to recruit a new manager and having to turn down suitable referrals with placements left vacant.
Stress of running homes is another factor in recruitment and retention problems, as is the fear of inspections.
“One respondent talked about a long-standing manager who was child-centred and had some great outcomes for children, leaving the sector due to these pressures,” said the ICHA.
“Another talked about approaching a previous manager with a job offer who cited the pressures as a reason to not return, preferring a role at a Covid test centre.”
Providers have also cited a lack of professional status among care home workers and poor career progression as a factor in recruitment problems.
The ICHA raised similar concerns around recruitment last month. Its report found that staff are being “poached” by other providers who are struggling to attract candidates to job interviews.
Providers told CYP Now last month how better salaries and improved public perceptions of residential care are needed to prevent a recruitment crisis.
