Becoming part of the Forest Healthcare team, whether you’re new to the care profession and eager to gain skills, an experienced care professional, or applying for an administrative or managerial position, is an opportunity to join an accomplished and supportive group where we place a huge amount of importance on respect and inclusion.
Demonstrated by the journey of our very own Chief Executive Officer, who progressed from a Care Assistant to CEO, our HR division, led by Group Training and Development Manager Mohamed Sabri Magd, encourages every colleague to succeed.
To answer some common questions about applying for a vacancy at any of the Forest Healthcare centres, we’ve shared some useful information about induction training, the qualities we look for, and how we foster communities that are welcoming and warm places for staff and residents alike.
An Overview of the Forest Healthcare Recruitment Process
Each of our care facilities has diverse roles, from managers and qualified nurses to carers, activities coordinators, catering colleagues, housekeeping teams and maintenance staff. That means that there are a large range of ways to either begin a career with Forest Healthcare or use transferable skills and professional experience to apply for a position.
To give you an idea of the currently available roles, at the time of writing, our centre managers are seeking applicants for:
- A Senior Care Team Leader and Catering Assistant in Elstree
- A Care Home Receptionist and Health Care Assistant in Borehamwood
- A Kitchen Assistant, a Health Care Assistant and a Housekeeping Assistant in London
Each specification shares details of what the role entails, what we would like to see from prospective candidates, the hours and rate of pay, the location of the job, and any essential requirements, such as authority to work in the UK and relevant experience.
In many cases, although prior experience may be preferable, we can consider applicants who are applying for their first position within the care sector or who have just completed their education, noting that relevant certifications in health and social care may be beneficial for some roles.
Forest Healthcare is, of course, an equal opportunities organisation. We shortlist candidates, interview, and recruit amazing people to join our teams based solely on their abilities and character. We invite those who feel they’d be a great fit for our ethos to apply via our recruitment pages.
Induction and Training for Colleagues New to Forest Healthcare’s Private Care Homes
When a candidate is successfully appointed, we will need to conduct any additional background checks, as detailed in the job particulars. Then we can begin scheduling a start date and their induction period, a brilliant chance to get to know their colleagues and often meet counterparts at other Forest Healthcare care homes!
Every new starter has a comprehensive week of induction, which ensures they are familiar with their surroundings, have completed the necessary training, and have support as they transition into a new role in a new environment.
Induction training is delivered at the care centre if eight or more people start in the same week. However, more often, we’ll invite new colleagues to Forest Healthcare Village.
This is important because, although we have several care and nursing centres, many with specialist services, we are one group with shared values and a commitment to delivering exceptional quality care. Where possible, we like to ensure that those joining our teams are properly welcomed at our flagship centre.
Inclusions Within Our Well-Established Induction Training Approach
Induction is just that, it’s a time where we run through introductions to the group and what we do, and deliver training in a few essential areas, which, depending on the role, will normally include:
- Clinical best practices, such as health and safety, infection control and prevention
- Care-specific training, like dementia awareness and safeguarding
- Practical tuition in fire training, moving and handling and emergency first aid
While this depth of training means we have fantastically capable colleagues in every care centre, this also isn’t the end of formal education and ongoing progression. Forest Healthcare actively supports apprenticeships within varied positions, alongside advanced training for nurses and nursing care support workers, ensuring our personnel continue to achieve their full potential.
We also use induction training to ensure every member of any team throughout the group is familiar with our systems and philosophy, because our dedicated personnel are fundamental to the care services we deliver.
Of course, during this period, new employees can ask as many questions as they would like, introduce themselves to residents, families and colleagues, and observe how our teams work with flexibility to support the needs and protect the autonomy of every resident.
How the Forest Healthcare Group Promotes Excellence and Opportunity
We are incredibly proud of our friendly and happy working atmosphere, and this is all down to the ways our managers ensure recruits are put at ease and encouraged to request help or guidance as needed, as they become accustomed to their new role and responsibilities.
One of the key principles behind our recruitment methods and Employee Assistance Programme is that each person has something unique to offer. As employers and peers, we put in place the resources to ensure our staff sustain a positive work-life balance while advancing in their careers when they are ready.
Forest Healthcare benefits, in addition to competitive pay rates and salaries, include the following:
- An excellent workplace pension and annual leave package
- Career development and ongoing training opportunities
- Access to promotions and new roles within the group
Centres within certain areas, including central London, also provide staff with free and secure parking. Some roles include complimentary hot meals from our wonderful catering teams during shifts.
We hope this gives you a better idea of what you might expect if you’re considering applying for a vacancy with Forest Healthcare. As always, you can get in touch or contact the specific care centre you’d like to work for to request further information about any advertised openings.