Sharing knowledge and
creating a culture of unity, has taken on an even greater importance during the
Coronavirus pandemic, claims Home Instead‘s
director of business development Ruth Brown.
During 2019, Home Instead set up their wellbeing framework, with the purpose of assisting franchisees and care givers during difficult times.
Twelve months on, and amid the destruction caused by Covid-19, this leading UK care sector franchise is especially thankful for the existence of this timely new service.
By the time the UK lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Home Instead had also formed a Covid Taskforce whose objective was to share vital information and advice throughout its network.
Ruth Brown, Home Instead‘s director of business development, says these two new initiatives “have proved how being part of a national and, indeed, international business, has been so important.
“It has allowed us to share knowledge, learnings and best practice from not only a UK perspective but globally too.”
The taskforce was unveiled by their national office in March, aimed at assisting clients about a range of topics.
Although Ruth said the taskforce had been a success, she admitted there were a number of challenges to overcome too.
With regards to both the wellbeing framework and Covid Taskforce, she explained: “Franchisees have benefited from a tremendous amount of additional support.
“These include updating FAQs, as and when Government advice has changed. We worked closely with our banking partners to ensure franchisees have had access to good advice.
“We also delivered a series of webinars, one of which gave information about furloughing.
“Our owners were advised how to deal with media enquiries, and there was a marketing campaign to assist with recruitment. Many people may have seen the TV campaign, which has been repeated in recent weeks.”
As for well-publicised concerns, she went on: “PPE (personal protective equipment) has been a challenge for the whole sector.
“We have procured PPE via our national office, and have helped our franchise owners to access what they need at a local level.
“We’ve combined motivational and inspirational messaging from the 60-strong team at our national headquarters, which has included video messages of thanks from our chief executive Martin Jones
“We’ve also posted celebrity video messages which has been lovely.
“As with many businesses, we have found new ways of working, new ways of caring and, despite the horrific nature of this virus, have seen moments that make your heart sing.”
But Ruth saved her final thanks for those care givers who, she says, “have gone above and beyond.
“Our franchise teams have displayed resilience, creativity and innovation to ensure our clients are still receiving quality care.”
