Work for The Brendoncare Foundation

Introduction to The Brendoncare Foundation

Here at Brendoncare, our staff are at the heart of our success. We employ over 700 staff throughout our care homes, clubs division and in our central office in Winchester.

Brendoncare is a registered charity, dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in later life. Care, choice and community are at the heart of what we do.

Brendoncare was formed in 1984 by Winchester GP, Sir Ronald Gibson, a champion of the rights of older people. Convinced they were often let down by the institutions that looked after them, he pioneered the idea of tailoring the full range of care to fit the changing needs of individuals – always offering care with discretion and dignity. Today, these principles guide all our work.

We currently have 10 care homes across the South of England, all offering a person-centred approach to the residents we care for. In addition, Brendoncare Clubs are friendship and wellbeing clubs providing opportunities for older people to enjoy social interaction. We have over 90 clubs throughout Hampshire and Dorset. These services include friendship and well-being community clubs, online and telephone support and online clubs helping to alleviate loneliness and increase social interaction.

Why we’re working with Rest Less

We are proud that a significant proportion of our incredible workforce are over the age of 50, and around 10% over the age of 65 and we are keen to continue to grow our diverse teams with people across all age groups.

One of the first concerns often raised to us as part of the recruitment process is that applicants feel that their age would be a barrier to a career change, or a new role in care. This is something that absolutely does not apply here at Brendoncare. We have full time, part time and bank positions available across all of our homes, in a variety of different sectors such as Care, Domestic, Nursing, Catering and Administration, to suit most work requirements!

Why work with The Brendoncare Foundation

We are a truly a values-led employer here at Brendoncare. We have a significant focus on people and culture, with a view to support and develop each and every member of the team to achieve the outcomes they set out to achieve whilst working with us.

We have training schemes to support those who are completely new to care, alongside comprehensive inductions for experienced care workers.

Employee benefits

Uplifted hourly rate for ‘bank’ or surplus to contract hours worked for hourly-paid roles
Minimum of 28 days holiday including bank holidays, with many posts enjoying annual leave allowances up to 38 days
Enhanced annual leave after five years to reward long service and dedication
Extensive training and continual personal development
A staff recognition scheme to recognise and celebrate our staff’s dedication and commitment
Contributory Group Pension scheme
Meals provided while on duty in our care homes
Free uniforms (where applicable)
Free initial DBS check
Free parking (subject to availability)
Sick leave paid in excess of statutory entitlement along with a supportive management structure to help employees back to work
An Employee Assistance Programme offering 24-hour support for staff and their immediate family members
A supportive bank of workers who regularly work in all our care homes
Committed volunteers across our homes and clubs
As a positive employer, we look to recruit from all sectors of our community
A rewarding career, enabling our employees to make a difference in the lives of people who need care

Find your perfect opportunity at The Brendoncare Foundation

Real-life stories

We asked some of our valued team of carers to tell us about their experiences of working at The Brendoncare Foundation. We hope they inspire you too.

Amanda, Care Assistant, Over 55

“I was referred by a friend to work at Brendoncare, and it’s the best job I’ve ever had! I feel very supported. There are different levels of care need, I work across the domiciliary and residential care settings and there are more active jobs for people who are more able. This job doesn’t drain me, I love it! I want to stay here until I stop working”

Carolyn, Care Assistant, Over 50

“This is completely different to any other care home I’ve worked in before. I can go to my manager about anything and she genuinely cares about my wellbeing. I used to go to bed and worry about work the next day, but I genuinely look forward to it now. Even my mum said “It’s lovely to see you so relaxed and happy” – it’s amazing what a job can do!”

Example roles at The Brendoncare Foundation

Receptionist - Part-Time

The role of Receptionist is pivotal to the welcoming atmosphere and efficiency of the home. With a background in reception work you will be numerate, with good IT skills (Word and Excel) and be used to multi-tasking in a busy environment.

Our receptionists are key to ensuring that every resident, relative, prospective resident or relative, external agency or other visitor, receives a warm welcome and finds our home a place where residents receive care, respect and compassion in an atmosphere of laughter and friendship. With this in mind, you will be caring, personable and be able to demonstrate a natural affinity with older people.

Care Assistant – Days – Alton

We are now looking to recruit a number of Care Assistants – Days to work on a full time basis – (36 hours per week) The shifts are from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. 2.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. and 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. All roles will require alternate weekend working on a rota basis and flexibility to potentially cover additional shifts occasionally.

Domestic Assistant – Days – Winchester

We are looking for a Domestic Assistant to join our friendly housekeeping team on a part-time (30 hours) basis.

Alongside companionship elements to the role, you will be expected:

To maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the Home;
To ensure the safety and privacy of residents whilst performing cleaning duties;
To keep adequate supplies of cleaning materials and ensure they are stored safely;
To report hazards and repair requirements;
To understand and adhere to COSHH and Health and Safety regulations and work within the Policies and Procedures of Brendoncare

Life at The Brendoncare Foundation

The Brendoncare Foundation brand values

Charity

As a registered charity, all our resources are used for the benefit of those we exist to serve. We do not pay profits to shareholders and any surpluses are invested back into improving services and delivering our ‘Care for Life’ promise. Our bottom line is care.

Our ‘Care for Life’ promise means that no-one will have to leave their Brendoncare home if their financial situation changes. We support around 20% of our residents in this way.

Brendoncare Clubs is entirely charitable and supports those who are vulnerable and lonely in our local communities. Our fundraising ensures that the clubs are available for all those who need them and our access fund supports those who need extra help to be part of their local club.

Choice and Variety

The people living in our care homes make choices about their daily lives. From deciding which activities they would like to get involved in – or spending time quietly with their own interests – to special requests to the chef for meals, residents are in control of decisions around their own lives. Our activities coordinators design activity sessions around personal interests and our homes are often filled with the sounds of singing, enjoy visits from their local school or mobile farm.

Our clubs are designed around choice and variety. Every Brendoncare club has its own unique personality, which has developed because of the choices of its members and volunteers, reflecting the local community and their interests. Singing, kurling, arts and crafts groups or pub clubs, there is a Brendoncare club for everyone and we are continually looking to expand the types of clubs on offer

Kindness

At the heart of all we do is kindness. We pride ourselves on valuing each individual with an understanding of what makes each person unique.

Our services are responsive and compassionate, and nothing is more important to us than what matters to our club members and residents.

Family and Home

From the smallest to the largest of our sites, we never forget this is your home. Wherever possible, people can choose to play a part in key decisions about the running of their home, such as involvement in interviewing for new staff or taking part in fire safety drills and training, as well as participating in planning menus and activities.

Residents are welcome to furnish their own rooms with their own furniture and belongings, bringing familiarity and comfort to their new home.

Friendship and Community

Friendship is at the heart of a Brendoncare club. Our clubs provide opportunities for fun, activities and meeting friends both old and new. With a warm welcome and an inclusive approach, our clubs help to create a sense of belonging and connection between people who may not otherwise have the opportunity for social interaction with others.

For residents living in our extra care properties, the onsite facilities provide opportunities to socialise and participate in the Brendoncare community.

Care

Care, dignity and respect are at the heart of everything we do. Care is tailored to meet the needs of each individual.

The continuity of support provided by our many long-serving staff means that we get to know each resident’s preferences and needs

The Brendoncare Foundation equality and diversity statement

Brendoncare Foundation are is committed to promoting equality, preventing discrimination and valuing diversity in all of our services.

We aim to be an equal opportunity service provider and employer, promoting opportunities for everyone and positively valuing diversity within the organisation. We expect everyone who works for us to support these principles.

We want to ensure equality and fairness for the people who use our services and will not discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or age.

We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

The Board of Trustees fully endorses a commitment to the principles of equality and diversity, supporting a person-centred approach to both service delivery and to employment.

We aim to:

Create an environment in which individual differences are respected and valued.
Ensure that care and support services are sensitive to the diverse needs of individuals and encourage everyone who uses our services to develop their full potential.
Promote dignity and respect for everyone. There will be zero tolerance for intimidation, harassment or bullying and we have clear policies to support this.
Make training, development and progression opportunities available to all staff.
Encourage all employees to develop their full potential, so that the talents and resources of the workforce will be fully utilised in delivering quality services.
Take into account the most recently developed good practice in equal opportunities when we update our policies and procedures.