Website of The Care Home Environment Magazine

Athena recruitment drive sees 15 job offers in a single day

Athena Care Homes is celebrating after a recruitment open day saw its Avocet Court Care Home in Ipswich make 15 job offers in a single day.

The Athena team sought out former applicants and those who had recently left the business, and contacted a local care home that had announced its closure. It also shared details online, with local media, and via Athena’s social media. In addition, Athena staff were encouraged to take advantage of the company’s referrer bonus scheme by inviting their friends.

The potential candidates were invited to an open day in February at Avocet Court and fast-tracked through the interview process.

The recruitment day allowed people to apply for multiple roles and discuss their individual needs in terms of flexible working. After a series of interview panels, 15 successful candidates were offered jobs that evening, meaning that Avocet Court can dramatically reduce its use of agency staff.

Jenni Rowan, resourcing manager for Athena Care Homes, said: “We offered a total of 292 carer hours, 66 team leader, 37 activities, and bank hours for a housekeeper. The calibre of candidates was extremely high and it was a privilege to be able to offer so many people an opportunity to work with us here at Avocet Court.”

Registered home manager Ruth Garnham said: “Having an open day allowed us to meet candidates who may be put off applying for roles because of the set hours. Being able to discuss their needs meant we could find workable solutions and offer roles to talented, enthusiastic people.

“We look forward to welcoming our new recruits to the Athena family.”

Group operations director Katherine Foley added: “As a sector we need to be pro-active in our recruitment processes to find the best people to join our teams and work with us and our residents. Bringing on board 15 new starters in Ipswich will help us strengthen our existing team and reduce the need to use agency staff. This offers residents better continuity and creates a stronger family spirit.”

Upcoming Events

UK Care Week

NEC, Birmingham
22 March 2023 - 23 March 2023

Future of Care Leaders Conference

The King’s Fund, London
Tuesday 28th March 2023

Care Roadshows - Glasgow

Hampden Park Stadium, Glasgow
18th April 2023

The Residential & Home Care Show, part of Health Plus Care

ExCel, London
26 April 2023 - 27 April 2023

Health and Social Care Workforce: Wellbeing, Integration and Sustainability

Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG
18th May 2023

Care Roadshows - Birmingham

Villa Park Stadium, Birmingham
23rd May 2023

Upcoming Events

UK Care Week

NEC, Birmingham
22 March 2023 - 23 March 2023

Future of Care Leaders Conference

The King’s Fund, London
Tuesday 28th March 2023

Care Roadshows - Glasgow

Hampden Park Stadium, Glasgow
18th April 2023

The Residential & Home Care Show, part of Health Plus Care

ExCel, London
26 April 2023 - 27 April 2023

Health and Social Care Workforce: Wellbeing, Integration and Sustainability

Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG
18th May 2023

Care Roadshows - Birmingham

Villa Park Stadium, Birmingham
23rd May 2023

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999 Fax: 01892 616177
www.step-communications.com
© 2023 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025