Creating an environment that truly feels like home means more than just providing care. It’s about understanding each person’s specific support needs and shaping every detail around that. From the comfort of each room to the highest quality of care, we’re always striving to make our services the very best they can be. And that starts with the people we hire into our teams.
Barnford House, our specialist Prader-Willi syndrome home in the West Midlands, has empowered the people we support to get involved with our recruitment process. It has given them the opportunity to have their thoughts heard and ensure the people joining the team are the right fit for them.
Interviewing with Jamie
Initial involvement in the recruitment process began with the people we support preparing questions for candidates. Jamie in particular showed a keen interest in getting to know the candidates. Jamie’s enthusiasm shined bright and the team asked him to write three questions for our management team to ask the candidates as part of their interviews.
Jamie’s ideas and insight in the recruitment process quickly became apparent. He was eager to know who might be joining the team and contributing to his support. Seeing how important this was to Jamie, and the great contributions he was making so far, the team decided to involve him throughout the full interview process.
He was a natural and played his part during the interviews. The team were impressed at how confident and effective Jamie’s input was. Gaining these insights during the interview meant the team could see first-hand who was right for the people we support.
Jamie can pick up on the candidates’ behaviours and how well they interacted with him. He feels more comfortable when the candidates keep eye contact with him, speak to him directly, and listen to his questions. He can then identify who would respect him and listen to his views.
What’s particularly notable is how often Jamie’s opinions lined up with the management team’s judgment. His ideas are exactly what Amanda, Deputy Manager at Barnford House, and I are thinking at the time of interview.
Jeana, Service Manager at Barnford House
You’re Hired!
He was also asked to deliver the good news to the successful candidates – Jamie couldn’t contain his excitement! It showed the team trusted him and really valued his impact in the home. This was a meaningful experience for Jamie. He knew he’d played a key part in recruiting, and his opinions were listened to and valued.
To celebrate these achievements, and to make the new team members feel welcome, Barnford House created a wall of fame for the successful candidates. The home now has framed photos of each new member of the support team shaking hands with the people we support. They’ve even got a new catch phrase on the board, inspired by Alan Sugar – You’re hired, not fired!
Having a voice in how your home is run
Having Jamie involved in this process has positively impacted his wellbeing. He often used to stay in his bedroom, and he struggled to interact with his housemates. Jamie’s now transformed and truly come out of his shell. He’s grown his confidence and feels more comfortable in the house. These were much more than interviews for Jamie, they were a sign of trust and empowered him to have a voice in his support.
It has made him come out of his shell. It’s his home, and he gets to join us to decide who comes here and works with him.
Jeana, Service Manager at Barnford House
Involving the people we support in the recruitment process recognises their rights to say who and what happens in their support. We’re acknowledging their expertise and showing they are valued in their home.
Barnford House have shown how they adopt person-centred support, even when growing their team.
Learn more about Barnford House
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