Reflecting on highlights of 2021
Our franchise offices and care teams have done some amazing things this year!
Published: 16/12/2021
As we face the prospect of a second Christmas at the mercy of Coronavirus, we send a sincere wish that you and your loved ones can enjoy the festive season; and stay safe.
2021 has certainly not been without challenges for businesses in the care sector. Demand for our services is higher than ever and our energy has been focused on attracting and recruiting staff who share our values and commitment to customer service, by promoting all of the many positive aspects of careers in the quality care sector.
However in the year that has marked Right at Home's first decade of franchising in the UK, we have celebrated a number of meaningful landmarks, and had many occasions to showcase the achievements and the sheer dedication of our wonderful network and care teams.
Here are some of our top highlights of 2021...
Celebrating our Care teams: A host of local, regional and national award wins – from our CareGiver of the Year, Lou Berreen from RaH Mid Sussex, to our three regional winners at the Great British Care Awards (now awaiting the national finals), and the Leaders in Care RM of the Year, Stacey Gentle – has resulted in fantastic recognition for RaH staff who go above and beyond expectations, on a daily basis.
Growing our network – we’ve welcomed seven new franchise owners into the Right at Home family and created 10 new roles in our National Office team, giving us an industry-leading support ratio for a network of 70+ franchise territories.
Our first resales and renewals – April saw our first franchise resale, when Michelle Apostol sold her Right at Home Twickenham territory to fellow RaH franchisee Alastair Shanks. This was followed by another landmark in July when, 10 years after opening our first franchise office in Sutton & Epsom, Tim Haigh became the first UK owner to renew their Franchise Agreement. It is a privilege to support the long-term ambitions of our franchisees, whether they be focusing on scaling up their operations or working towards achieving their ideal exit strategy.
Driving innovation – Having developed our own model of specialist care, we launched the Dementia Support Programme in March and it has already resulted in some incredible outcomes; with Clients who were previously fully dependent regaining the ability to engage with loved ones and enjoy their daily routines.
Driving up standards – We end 2021 as proud holders of the Home Care Award for Recruitment, Retention and Staff Motivation; and with over 30% of our CQC inspected offices now rated Outstanding and the network collectively recognised as a Five Star Employer, thanks to superb feedback from our anonymous staff survey.
Winning the biggest award in franchising: When it comes to industry awards, the HSBC bfa Gold Franchisor of the Year is the pinnacle of recognition that every franchise brand aims for. With so many excellent brands operating in the franchise sector, receiving the news at the ceremony dubbed the Oscars of our industry really was a moment of supreme pride for us all.
And managing to win another major annual award twice in 12 months! Another award that is very close to our hearts is the Best Franchise Award, because it is 50% based on feedback from our franchise network. Due to Covid disruption in 2020, we actually won the Best Management Franchise Award TWICE in 2021; first at a virtual ceremony in February and then in person, during the recent British Franchise Association Conference.
All in all, there has been a lot to celebrate amid the challenges around lockdowns, restrictions, vaccinations and workforce supply. But although our current circumstances are unprecedented, the resilience of this sector remains undeniable, and the benefits of being part of a strong, supportive franchise network remain indisputable.
Our final thought for the year is for everyone who continues to work tirelessly to protect the vulnerable and elderly in our communities. Throughout the pandemic our care teams - and by this we mean not only our CareGivers, but also the management and back office teams who support them - have shown the true strength of their character. Exceeding expectations as they support their Clients to live as safely and independently as possible; raising smiles regardless of how tough life gets.
To everyone working in the care and health sectors, we salute you and wish you a healthy, happy Christmas.
