"RCHL go to great lengths to communicate with their staff. I've worked in care for many years and I know there are few organisations that make such efforts."
Arthur Gwillam, Blue Skies Project Deputy Manager
We're not ones to show off. But we're proud of where we are today, and know that we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our long-standing commitment to excellence. And we're delighted that others have noticed too, resulting in a growing string of awards to our name.
We're all delighted that RCHL has been awarded a place in the prestigious Sunday Times Top 100 Companies To Work For in 2010. We were also ranked 36th overall in the national listing for mid-sized companies, making us a 2 Star Outstanding Employer.
Our colleagues said that they loved working for RCHL and were proud to do so. They were also happy with their work/life balance, and excited about the direction of the organisation and the ways they could make a difference within it. Good news for our colleagues. Even better news for people who use our services, as it means they're supported by a happy team. Read more
This fantastic event took place in Witham on 24th September 2009 and marked the completion of the first phase of a fruitful partnership between RCHL and the Rix Centre, at the University of East London.
On the day, eight of the people who use our services (one from each of our Essex services) presented their multimedia Person Centred Plan to an invited audience. Their plans were 20 minute presentations made up of photos, videos and music. And by showing the rich and valued lives they lead in this powerful way, it was a very emotional and proud day for all.
All eight also received graduation certificates from the University, as did the nine Staff Champions. If you'd like to find out more, visit www.rixcentre.org
On 14th October 2010, the Emirates Stadium in London provided a spectacular backdrop for The Great British Care Awards, and the finals of the inaugural Great London Care Awards.
The Awards celebrate excellence in social care and pay tribute to those working within it. And they're all inclusive too, bringing together the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors.
We're delighted to announce that Grace Smith, winner of RCHL's Colin Richardson Award 2010, took home the Great London Care Award in the Dignity in Care category. The judges really enjoyed meeting all the worthy candidates. But Grace's experience shone through, with fantastic interpersonal skills and insight into the wider social issues around dignity.
Grace with Claire, Sandra and Kevin from 20 York Rd at the Care Awards
Here at RCHL, we've been commended for our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our employees with a Simplyhealth Healthy Workplace Award.
Provided by healthcare provider Simplyhealth, the awards recognise the contribution that organisations make to the welfare of their employees – from benefits to initiatives that help keep their people motivated and healthy.
James Glover from Simplyhealth said "We want to recognise and encourage companies to care about the health of their people, as we believe they can make a positive contribution to the health of our nation. Congratulations to RCHL on achieving Simplyhealth Healthy Workplace status and demonstrating that the health and wellbeing of its employees is fundamental."
For more on how we value our people, click here. Or for more about Simplyhealth, visit www.simplyhealth.co.uk
The Practical Quality Assurance System for Small Organisations (PQASSO) is the leading quality standard that has been developed for the third sector, by the third sector.
Which makes it all the more meaningful to have been awarded the PQASSO Quality Mark at Level 2 by the Charities Evaluation Services, following a rigorous 3-day assessment. This is a very high standard and we're very proud to be one of the first organisations in the UK to achieve it.
As the recognised and established national standard, Investors in People (IIP) is aimed at improving business performance – with a particular emphasis on how staff are supported and developed.
We first achieved IIP status in 2008 and applied for re-accreditation in 2010. Following a series of interviews with 50 of our team, carried out by an independent assessor, we're delighted that RCHL have been recognised as an IIP accredited organisation once again.
We've set an ambitious goal for 2020. Find out how our values are helping us achieve it, whilst enabling people to lead the lives they want.
Find out more about each RCHL location on our handy interactive map.
