WCS Care's Jo Rose, head of people, has been recognised with the 'Leaders in Care Innovation in Care Homes' award for her success in introducing both new technology and a new mobile carer role at the not-for-profit care home provider.

Jo's work has bucked sector-wide recruitment challenges that currently account for over 150,000 vacancies.

The Leaders in Care Awards celebrate success in the social care sector, and the Innovation in Care Homes category honours providers who are supporting staff and improving outcomes for residents.

WCS Care has combined the use of a staffing app BookJane, with a philosophy that elevates the role of caregiving to enable staff to have more control over their work-life balance.

Staff vacancies have reduced to zero from 87 full-time vacancies, and external agency use has been eliminated from over 400 shifts per week across the group's 13 care homes in Warwickshire.

By saving on expensive agency staff WCS Care now pay more than agencies do with savings being reinvested back into the pay of permanent team members.

The benefits have not just stopped with the staff and financial savings.

Having familiar, consistent team members who are aligned to WCS Care's values and culture, has a direct impact on the quality of care experienced by residents.

Jo Rose said: "By elevating the role of carers, giving staff control over their work-life balance through the BookJane app, and removing the use of external agency from our homes, we're caring for our staff so they can care for our residents."

WCS Care runs 13 care homes across the region including Castle Brook (a care home for older people and people with dementia) and Newlands (a care home for younger adults) in Kenilworth.

WCS celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, and its site in Warwick - Woodside Care Village - was described as a pioneer in person-centred care by The Guardian

To find out more about WCS Care visit the website or head to the Facebook page.

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