At Bluebird Care Torbay & Totnes, we believe that great care starts with a great team.
Every day, our Care Experts support people to live safely and independently in their own homes. Because they are at the heart of everything we do, it's important that they have a genuine voice in shaping the future of our service.
That's why we hold regular Care Team Council meetings, bringing together representatives from our care team to meet directly with our Director, Alexander Allan, and discuss ideas, feedback and opportunities for improvement.
While the Care Team Council has been part of our organisation for many years, we realised we've never really shared this important part of our culture with our customers, families and wider community.
Giving Our Team a Voice
Before each meeting, Care Team Council representatives speak with colleagues across the service, gathering feedback and suggestions from the wider team. This ensures the discussions are shaped by the real experiences of the people providing care every day.
The Council then provides an opportunity for open and honest conversations with senior leadership, allowing ideas to be explored, questions to be answered and improvements to be considered together.
The aim isn't simply to identify challenges. It's about creating a culture where feedback is welcomed, where ideas are taken seriously, and where people feel involved in the direction of the business.
Putting People First
This year's discussions covered a variety of topics that matter to our team, including pay and rewards, communication, team connection, rostering, customer information systems, recognition and support for colleagues working evening shifts.
One theme that emerged strongly was the importance of connection.
Because our Care Experts spend much of their time working independently in the community, finding opportunities to strengthen relationships across the team remains a key priority. Feedback highlighted the value of helping colleagues get to know one another better and creating more opportunities for office and care teams to connect face-to-face.
As a result, plans are being developed to increase team events and create more opportunities for colleagues to come together, helping to strengthen the sense of belonging that is so important in care.
Turning Feedback Into Action
What makes the Care Team Council so valuable is that conversations don't stop when the meeting ends.
Following this year's session, a number of actions were identified, including:
- Reviewing future pay structures and customer charge rates.
- Improving communication around changes to customer visits and rotas.
- Making sure customer information within our One Touch system remains accurate and up to date.
- Exploring new ways to support colleagues working evening shifts.
- Enhancing opportunities for team connection and engagement.
- Reviewing additional ways to recognise and thank team members for their contribution.
These actions will be incorporated into our ongoing Quality Improvement Plan and reviewed regularly to ensure progress continues.
Celebrating Success
While the Care Team Council provides an opportunity to discuss improvements, it's equally important to recognise what's already working well.
The meeting highlighted the value of sharing customer compliments more consistently and celebrating the positive impact our Care Experts make every day. From heartfelt thank you messages to feedback from families, these moments are an important reminder of the difference compassionate care can make.
Looking Ahead
For us, the Care Team Council represents much more than a meeting.
It reflects our belief that the best care services are built through partnership, mutual respect and a willingness to listen. By bringing Care Experts and leadership together around the same table, we're able to learn from one another, tackle challenges collaboratively and continue building a workplace where people feel valued and supported.
Because when our team feels supported, respected and listened to, they are in the very best position to provide outstanding care for the people who rely on us every day.
And that's something we will always take seriously.
