We’re halfway through National Apprenticeship Week, so we’re bringing you a very special Q&A on all things apprenticeships at City & County.
Let’s clear up a few things.
1) What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences.
Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
An apprenticeship includes:
- paid employment with holiday leave
- hands-on-experience in a sector/role of interest
- at least 20% off-the-job training
- formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification
2) Will an apprenticeship cost me any money?
The apprenticeship programme is free, City & County Healthcare Group will cover the cost utilising our apprenticeship levy. When you become an apprentice, you’ll need to cover the cost of your day-to-day expenses, such as lunch and travel as you would as a normal employee.
3) Who can do an apprenticeship at City and County?
Anyone aged 16 years old and above, there is no upper age limit. There are no formal qualifications needed to do an apprenticeship at City & County Healthcare Group. You must be employed by City & County Healthcare Group.
4) How long does an apprenticeship take?
The duration of an apprenticeship depends on the course being followed and the ability of the individual apprentice. An apprenticeship can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of apprenticeship, the apprentice’s ability and the industry sector. As a guide, an Intermediate Level 2 apprenticeship usually takes around 12 to 18 months and an advanced Level 3 apprenticeship around 24 months
5) What sort of apprenticeships are available for care staff?
We have a wide-ranging offer following our career pathway.
- Adult Care Worker Level 2
- Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3
- Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Level 4
- Leader in Adult Care Level 5
- Chartered Manager Degree Level 6 (BSC Hons in Health & Care Management)
6) What sort of apprenticeships are available for non-care staff?
We have a very large offering for our non-care staff that is relevant to the function you work within. To provide a few examples of the apprenticeships on offer see below:
- Team Leader Supervisor Level 3 (CMI/ILM)
- Operations Departmental Manager Level 5 (CMI/ILM)
- Business Admin Level 3
- CIPD Level 3 & 5
- AAT Level 2 & 3
- ACCA / CIMA Level 7
- Associate Project Manager Level 4
- IT Solutions Technician Level 3
7) How is my apprenticeship assessed?
End-point assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship. It is an impartial assessment of whether you have developed the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard.
Assessments are designed by employers in the sector and are conducted by independent bodies known as end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs).
As well as successfully completing the EPA, you may need to complete several additional requirements before completion. This might include mandatory English and maths qualifications. Once all elements of the apprenticeship are completed, you will receive the apprenticeship certificate.
8) How will I be supported throughout my apprenticeship?
Managers that have people who enrol onto this programme will play an important part in their development. Managers will have access to the reports and portal’s where they can keep up to date with the progress of their learners who are on the programme. As a minimum, managers will be asked to complete checklists that log activities their learner has completed in the workplace and the extent to which they are competent in these activities. These checklists will be supported by the trainer and can be easily recorded on the Employer Portal.
9) Will I be given time off work to study for my apprenticeship?
Where it is a requirement for a learner to have a professional qualification to perform his/her job role, the company may support study, and allow appropriate time for exam preparation, balanced with workload. Eligibility for study support will be decided upon whether the qualification is essential to the job role. This is primarily relevant to professional roles e.g., surveying, finance, legal, HR and IT. This will be agreed between the learner and their line manager, depending on the apprenticeship they will undergo. This will be shown on the labour model under training hours.
10) What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
During an apprenticeship programme they will be working towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard. This is accredited by relevant industry regulatory bodies and will help further their understanding in the chosen career. Depending on the type of programme an apprentice enrols onto they may also have the chance to work towards QCF accredited diplomas and qualifications in Maths and English.
All-in-all, apprenticeships are a fantastic alternative route to progressing your career. City & County offers a whole host of apprenticeship programs for existing staff.
Interested in joining City & County? Visit cch.careers for more information about our current vacancies and training programs.
Extraordinary Care awards winner Prabhjot Atwal takes next step as Area Manager in Brent
Prabhjot Atwal, the registered manager for Rosemary House, Willow House, and Newcroft House extra care schemes in Brent, has been honoured with the Manager of the Year award at this year’s regional Extraordinary Care Awards in London.
Prabhjot’s leadership across these busy extra care schemes – delivered by our London Care team, part of CCH Group – has earned her recognition for her outstanding contribution to supporting her teams in Brent.
Following her award win, Prabhjot’s successes have led to her promotion to Area Manager, highlighting the unique progression opportunities that we offer as part of our people-first agenda and commitment to developing talent within our organisation. Her team expressed their admiration, saying, “Even though Prabhjot manages three busy extra care schemes, she’s always willing to support in a crisis and get things back on track. She is a huge support to the region, and we are lucky to have her!”
The Extraordinary Care Awards attracted over 2,000 semi-finalists, celebrating the best of the UK care sector. CCH Group’s inaugural ceremonies across the country culminated in a national event in York, where regional winners like Prabhjot were recognised for their exceptional commitment – ensuring they are celebrated for the life-changing work they do each day.
Excellence on display: Eight finalists head to the Great British Care Awards
We’ve always known that CCH Group has the best people in the business – a truly world-class frontline team. Their passion, dedication, and professionalism inspire us daily, and now, the world is taking notice too.
We’re beyond excited to announce that eight of our amazing team members have been shortlisted for the prestigious Great British Care Awards! If they win, they’ll be off to the Nationals. We couldn’t be prouder.
Without further ado, let’s meet our incredible finalists:
Karen Marchington
Barnstaple – Homelife Carers
Home Care Worker Award, South West
DP Care Team
Telford – Complete Care Amegreen
Care Team Award, Wales
Melrose Harding
Southwark – London Care
Home Care Coordinator Award, London
Smith Oshodin
Glasgow – Mochridhe
Care Newcomer Award, North East and Scotland
Emma Dixon
Newcastle – Careline Homecare & North Tyneside – Comfort Call
Home Care Registered Manager, North East and Scotland
Viola Jirira
Finchley Camden – MiHomecare
Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award, London
Jacqueline Woods
Cumbernauld – Constance Care
Home Care Registered Manager, North East and Scotland
Debbie Ross
Whitehaven – Human Support Group
Home Care Registered Manager, North West
We wish you all luck as you take on the regional awards. Everyone at CCH Group will be cheering you all on!
Cutting cancellation costs for commissioners with real-time reporting
In light of growing pressures on public funding, CCH Group is proud to be working closely with local authorities across the UK to enhance how we handle care calls cancelled by clients. Together, we’re exploring new, more efficient ways to report cancellations in real time and monitor the length of care visits as they happen. Using our sector-leading digital care platform, we can share vital data instantly – allowing our local authority partners and frontline teams to make faster, more informed decisions.
These partnerships are already delivering meaningful cost savings for local authorities, helping us to make sure our vital services are directed where they are needed. Sarah Kwofie, our Operations Director for London and the South, explains: “Using real-time data to tackle repeat cancellations means we’re not only saving money for our local authority partners but also making sure our care teams are focused on those who need them most. It’s about being more responsive and more effective with our care.”
At CCH Group, we know how important it is to be mindful of the challenges our public partners face. This project not only supports our broader mission to reach everyone in need of care, ensuring no one is left behind, but by empowering our staff and maximising our resources we’re strengthening the vital role of care in our communities.
CCH Group launches sector-leading digital Refer a Friend scheme
In a bold step towards our vision of becoming the best place to work in care, CCH Group has unveiled an innovative Refer a Friend (RAF) scheme, revolutionising the way our employees recommend friends and colleagues to join the organisation.
Recognising the need for smoother, more efficient processes, teams from across the Group came together to transform the RAF experience into a streamlined, digital solution. “As a People First company, we weren’t satisfied with the previous process,” explained Michael Barrie, Head of Transformation. “So, we worked with different teams to create a solution that puts our people at the centre.”
Our new RAF scheme promises to deliver a seamless experience, ensuring employees are updated at every stage. David Leese, Care Professional Recruitment Manager, emphasised the significance of the digital overhaul: “Before, the RAF process was handled manually, which could cause delays due to the sheer volume of referrals. Now, with our new system through our CCH Connect staff app, everything is faster, more transparent, and no referral gets overlooked.”
“It’s simple, fast, and designed with our teams in mind,” added David.
This cutting-edge RAF scheme is more than just a tool for referrals – it’s a key element of CCH Group’s ongoing mission to create a supportive and growth-driven workplace. By making it easier for our employees to bring in people they trust, we are building a sense of community while rewarding our workforce.
With the revamped RAF programme now live, employees have the perfect opportunity to refer friends, enjoy bonus payments, and play a role in building an even stronger, more connected CCH family.
London Care joins forces with London Borough of Southwark to support local health through Community Health Ambassadors Network
In an inspiring new partnership, Bunmi Johnson, one of our Regional Managers, and his team of dedicated care professionals in Southwark have teamed up with the London Borough of Southwark to empower the community through the Community Health Ambassadors Network. This initiative, designed to improve local health and wellbeing, aligns with our core values of courage, community, and heart.
As part of this collaboration, care professionals in Southwark will serve as Community Health Ambassadors, providing essential, accurate information on public health issues, vaccines, mental health, and wellbeing to their networks. By acting as trusted sources within their communities, these ambassadors will help to dispel myths, break down barriers to healthcare, and ensure that the experience of local residents are shared.
In support of this initiative, we are opening two of our extra care schemes – Tayo Situ House and Lime Tree House – as spaces for hosting health events and discussions. These spaces will become hubs for engagement, helping our teams build a stronger sense of community and shared responsibility for health and wellbeing in Southwark.
Bunmi commented, “We are proud to be part of a project that embodies our values and makes a tangible difference in the lives of people in Southwark. By partnering with Southwark Council, we are not only supporting our community but also providing our experienced Care Professionals with the opportunity to lead and inspire. This initiative brings us one step closer to our vision of creating the best place to work in care, where compassion and leadership go hand in hand.”
This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to courageously tackling health challenges, building meaningful connections within the communities we support, and ensures that every action we take is driven by heart. Together, CCH Group and London Borough of Southwark are making a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of communities in London.
People-first leadership: Gbemisola Akinyemi and Ross McCrann earn prestigious Mary Seacole Award
Our leadership credentials as a people-first care company continue to grow with the recent achievements of both Ross McCrann and Gbemisola Akinyemi, who have each been recognised for their outstanding leadership.
Our Preston branch has long thrived under the impressive leadership of Ross McCrann. Always driven by a passion for growth, Ross embarked on a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, further cementing his expertise. He was then specially invited to join the prestigious Mary Seacole Award for Leadership Programme, a remarkable feat typically reserved for NHS leaders. Despite the programme’s intense demands – lasting an additional six months, requiring online studies, all-day workshops, 24 contribution assignments, and a significant final paper – Ross excelled, emerging with the coveted award. “Although intense, it was an opportunity for me to develop my leadership skills further that I could not pass. Being the best leader possible for my team will ensure that they always get the support they need,” Ross said, reflecting on his journey.
Margaret McDonald, Regional Manager, commended Ross: “I’m proud of Ross’s drive to continually reach new heights. Leaders like Ross are the reason we are the number one care company in the sector.”
In addition, Gbemisola Akinyemi, our Regional Manager in London, recently joined Ross in earning the prestigious Mary Seacole Award for Leadership. Reflecting on this significant milestone, Gbemisola shared, “Graduating from the Mary Seacole NHS Leadership Programme in healthcare is the start of a new chapter in compassionate, resilient, and purposeful leadership. It shows my dedication to growth and my future as a leader who is ready to help my teams and individuals succeed in healthcare and beyond.” Her words resonate with the essence of our company vision – building the best place to work in care. Gbemisola’s success adds to our leadership foundation, driving home our commitment to nurturing compassionate leaders who prioritise the well-being of both their teams and the people we care for.
Together, Gbemisola and Ross represent the strength of our leadership and embody the passion that thrives in a company that truly puts people first. Their achievements reflect our continued dedication to growth, leadership, and providing exceptional care while building a culture where our employees can grow into the best versions of themselves.
Welcome aboard: New leadership in the North West
We are thrilled to welcome three exceptional regional leaders to CCH Group, each bringing a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to our vision of building the best place to work in care.
Haroon Sajid joined us on Monday, 19th August, as our new Regional Operations Director for the North West. Haroon is set to bring his extensive operational expertise and dedication to enhancing our services across the region. His leadership will be key in building a culture where our teams are empowered and supported to deliver the very best care.
Samantha Quinn, who is already a vital part of our family, has been promoted to Area Manager for the North West and started in her new role on 12th August. Reporting to Haroon, Samantha’s journey with us has been marked by her commitment to our values and ‘people first’ ethos. We are excited to see Samantha continue to inspire her teams and contribute to our shared mission.
Finally, Jenny Booth joined us as Area Manager for the North West on Monday, 12th August. Jenny is already making a positive impact. Her focus on nurturing our teams and ensuring the highest standards of care will be invaluable as we continue to grow.
Together, Haroon, Samantha, and Jenny will play a crucial role in driving our vision forward and growing our services across the North West of England. Welcome to the team – we’re all excited to be on this journey with you.
Thelma Akpakpa’s impact at Bristol Court
We’re proud to shine a spotlight on the outstanding leadership of Thelma Akpakpa, the manager at Bristol Court Extra Care scheme in London. Her dedication to putting people first is making a significant impact to life at the scheme, and her efforts are being rightfully recognised.
When Thelma stepped into her role at Bristol Court, she brought a passion for change and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of our tenants. In just a few short months, she has led with both courage and compassion that has not gone unnoticed – the team at the local authority sharing these kind words that highlight Thelma’s impact:
“We would like to acknowledge that Thelma has been an exceptional interim manager at Bristol Court, bringing about noticeable positive changes in just a few months. Thank you for your hard work and for supporting the scheme so effectively.”
We’re incredibly proud of the work Thelma has done, and it’s clear that her efforts are reinforcing Bristol Court’s reputation as a place where care and compassion thrive.
It’s dedicated individuals like Thelma, along with the entire team at Bristol Court, who truly make a difference at CCH Group. They embody our values, drive our mission, and help us build something truly special: the best place to work in care.
Julie Hunter joins CQC Advisory Group
We’re thrilled to share that our very own Chief Quality Officer, Julie Hunter, has recently joined the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) Regulatory Advisory Group. Julie’s involvement is part of our commitment to quality of care and a fantastic reflection of our passion for putting people first in everything we do.
The CQC is rolling out major changes to how they regulate health and social care providers, and Julie will be right in the middle of those important conversations. From new ways of registering and assessing providers to updating how quality is reported, the CQC’s new framework is all about making sure care standards are top-notch across the board.
Joining this advisory group means that CCH Group will have a direct hand in shaping these new regulations. Julie’s voice will help ensure that the changes are not only effective but also practical for providers like us who are dedicated to delivering the best care possible.
Julie’s involvement shows that we’re not just keeping up with industry standards – we’re helping to set them. Julie’s proud to be representing us, and we know she’ll bring her passion for quality care to the table, making a real difference for the entire sector.
Q&A: Top 10 Apprenticeship Questions
We’re halfway through National Apprenticeship Week, so we’re bringing you a very special Q&A on all things apprenticeships at City & County.
Let’s clear up a few things.
1) What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences.
Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
An apprenticeship includes:
2) Will an apprenticeship cost me any money?
The apprenticeship programme is free, City & County Healthcare Group will cover the cost utilising our apprenticeship levy. When you become an apprentice, you’ll need to cover the cost of your day-to-day expenses, such as lunch and travel as you would as a normal employee.
3) Who can do an apprenticeship at City and County?
Anyone aged 16 years old and above, there is no upper age limit. There are no formal qualifications needed to do an apprenticeship at City & County Healthcare Group. You must be employed by City & County Healthcare Group.
4) How long does an apprenticeship take?
The duration of an apprenticeship depends on the course being followed and the ability of the individual apprentice. An apprenticeship can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of apprenticeship, the apprentice’s ability and the industry sector. As a guide, an Intermediate Level 2 apprenticeship usually takes around 12 to 18 months and an advanced Level 3 apprenticeship around 24 months
5) What sort of apprenticeships are available for care staff?
We have a wide-ranging offer following our career pathway.
6) What sort of apprenticeships are available for non-care staff?
We have a very large offering for our non-care staff that is relevant to the function you work within. To provide a few examples of the apprenticeships on offer see below:
7) How is my apprenticeship assessed?
End-point assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship. It is an impartial assessment of whether you have developed the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard.
Assessments are designed by employers in the sector and are conducted by independent bodies known as end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs).
As well as successfully completing the EPA, you may need to complete several additional requirements before completion. This might include mandatory English and maths qualifications. Once all elements of the apprenticeship are completed, you will receive the apprenticeship certificate.
8) How will I be supported throughout my apprenticeship?
Managers that have people who enrol onto this programme will play an important part in their development. Managers will have access to the reports and portal’s where they can keep up to date with the progress of their learners who are on the programme. As a minimum, managers will be asked to complete checklists that log activities their learner has completed in the workplace and the extent to which they are competent in these activities. These checklists will be supported by the trainer and can be easily recorded on the Employer Portal.
9) Will I be given time off work to study for my apprenticeship?
Where it is a requirement for a learner to have a professional qualification to perform his/her job role, the company may support study, and allow appropriate time for exam preparation, balanced with workload. Eligibility for study support will be decided upon whether the qualification is essential to the job role. This is primarily relevant to professional roles e.g., surveying, finance, legal, HR and IT. This will be agreed between the learner and their line manager, depending on the apprenticeship they will undergo. This will be shown on the labour model under training hours.
10) What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
During an apprenticeship programme they will be working towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard. This is accredited by relevant industry regulatory bodies and will help further their understanding in the chosen career. Depending on the type of programme an apprentice enrols onto they may also have the chance to work towards QCF accredited diplomas and qualifications in Maths and English.
All-in-all, apprenticeships are a fantastic alternative route to progressing your career. City & County offers a whole host of apprenticeship programs for existing staff.
Interested in joining City & County? Visit cch.careers for more information about our current vacancies and training programs.