Outstanding colleague support right from the start with our bespoke induction

Starting a new role in care, especially in a brand-new home, is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference.

Over the last 25 years we’ve opened over 60 care homes, so we understand the importance of ensuring colleagues are supported from day one.

That’s why we’ve developed a bespoke induction, lasting three weeks, for colleagues joining one of our new care homes. It's designed to equip you with everything you need to deliver exceptional care and feel confident in your role.

An insight into the induction from our Regional Trainer, Steph

To give you a deeper insight into our bespoke induction we spoke to Steph, our Regional Trainer, who’s worked at Exemplar Health Care for over four years.

With a strong background in training, and after recently finishing an apprenticeship in learning and development with us, Steph contributes to the valuable training we provide to our colleagues.

“The training delivered during those three weeks is absolutely crucial for the successful opening of a new home,” Steph explains. “It’s about building a strong team that share our values and is ready to make a real difference to the people we care for.”

Why do we have a bespoke induction?

Starting a role in a new care home is unlike joining any other team. You’re not stepping into an existing team; you’re helping build something entirely new.

It’s an exciting chance to make a big impact right from the start.

You may have met some colleagues during assessment days or team building events on the lead up to the home’s opening, however the induction offers a chance to really get to know your team and build strong team values.

Whilst some may have years of experience, it may be the first role in the care industry for others. Our induction ensures everyone, regardless of their background, is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to provide the best quality of care possible.

It’s one of my favourite parts of my role. I love seeing the transformation colleagues go on, from a group of strangers to a strong team ready to open a care home together within just three weeks - it’s amazing

What happens on the induction?

During the induction, you’ll see a lot of me, or one of our other Trainers. The inductions are usually held in the new home, so you can get to know your new workplace. 

We’ll focus on what makes great care, and how you can empower people to achieve their personal goals and maximise their independence through your role. 

You’ll also learn more about the organisation and our values, build relationships with your new team, and develop confidence in your new role.

On the first day, you’ll take part in an introduction morning. You’ll meet me (or your Trainer), your manager, colleagues from your home, and other members of the Exemplar Health Care team.

The first week involves lots of team activities and you’ll start the mandatory training needed for your role, completed through a combination of face-to-face training and e-learning.

The rest of the induction will focus on building your skills and making sure you’re equipped to provide the best possible care, with help from colleagues in our Central Support Services such as our:

• HR Team - who, along with your manager, will answer any questions you may have, and tell you more about Exemplar Health Care and our wider teams

• Behaviour Support Team - who'll provide training such as positive behaviour support and mental health awareness

• Transformation Team - who’ll run through our policies, processes, and systems

• Quality Team - who’ll coach nursing colleagues through our approach to care planning, administering medications, and observations.

Hear from a Service User Ambassador

We also believe in learning from those who truly understand the day-to-day realities of our homes.

That's why our inductions include sessions led by our incredible Service User Ambassadors, such as Adam.

These sessions offer insight into real experiences of living in one of our care homes, giving you an understanding of just how important personalised care is and how much of a difference you can make in the lives of the people we care for.

Ongoing support after induction

Over the three-week induction you’ll have achieved a lot, so celebrations are in order! You’ll take part in our values and graduation day - a chance to reflect on how far you’ve come as a team.

After your induction, you’ll feel prepared to start your role in our new home and welcome our residents - but that’s not the last time you’ll hear from me!

Your training and development journey doesn’t stop there. At Exemplar Health Care, we pride ourselves on our commitment to continuous support and professional growth.

We offer further learning in the form of in-house sessions and apprenticeships, and chances to develop your career with Champion roles and our Leadership Academy - just to name a few opportunities!