Milton Keynes care provider, PJ Care, has been named ‘Best Care Home’ to work for in the UK, and as one of the top five health and social care employers.
The neurological care specialists have been ranked at 2nd in the ‘Best Health and Social Care Provider’ category - seven places higher than last year - in the ‘Best Companies’ awards which recognise organisations whose staff are engaged.
By asking staff to respond to survey questions, the awards measure how much pride they have in what they are doing and how much faith they have in those around them.
More than 50% of PJ Care’s staff took part in the survey in 2021.
The company was rated on factors such as how much they enjoy working for the company, how beneficial training is and the sense of family in their team.
More than 550 staff are employed at its two neurological care centres in Milton Keynes and one in Peterborough.
83% of staff felt proud to work for PJ Care and nearly three quarters (72%) said they were happy with their work/life balance.
73% said their job is good for their personal growth.
The results also mean the company ranks 21st in the best companies to work for in the south east, and 25th in the east of England.
“The continuation of the COVID pandemic and the introduction – then revocation - of mandatory vaccinations have made the last 12 months extremely challenging for our staff so we are delighted with the results,” said PJ Care’s chairman, Neil Russell.
“We have done our utmost for our team during this period and we are grateful to them for taking the time to share their views. All three of our care centres have been almost full to capacity and the staff have worked so hard to maintain the standard of life we want to provide for our residents. I send them my sincere thanks.”
PJ Care operates Mallard House in Grange Farm and Bluebirds in Shenley Lodge, and the Eagle Wood care centre in Peterborough. The centres provide specialist neurological care for adults with degenerative conditions such as dementia, Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. They also offer rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injuries. The company has established an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee to recognise the individuality and potential of every staff member. Its programme to develop the careers of care staff who want to become nurses has given opportunities to those who would not otherwise have been able to afford the training.
PJ Care have recently introduced a menopause sub-committee to raise awareness and offer support to those in mid-life and is also a Living Wage employer.
“The care and support of our staff is something we take very seriously,” added Neil. “We are thrilled that shows through.”
