Our 2025 staff conference took place on 13^th & 14^th November and celebrated the successes of our staff and service users, and the steps forward that we have made as an organisation. It’s been two years since we held our first Richardson Care conference, and during that time we have seen much growth, learning and change, and have much to be proud of.

The conference got off to a rousing start with some Music Enrichment activity from Darren – demonstrating how drumming activities practise cognitive skills and how music can foster a sense of belonging, improve well-being and raise energy levels!

External recognition

We reflected upon the external recognition that we have received for our neuro-rehab services, achieving a top-three place in the 2024 Neuro Rehab Times Outcome of the Year award. It’s an example of what true multidisciplinary teamwork can achieve. And in 2025, we received some excellent feedback from Headway Approved Provider assessors, with our brain injury homes rated Good overall, and Outstanding in some categories.

We have streamlined our processes to increase efficiency and transparency, and this is reflected in all of our homes being rated ‘Good’ by the CQC (Care Quality Commission). The most recent inspection was at 23 Duston Road, one of our services for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. The independent regulator praised the service for providing “exceptionally-tailored care, support and treatment.”

There is more work to do, as we plan to implement new systems next year, but we know that we can do it when we work as a team. This will enable us to be more efficient, more consistent and ultimately more focussed on the people we support. We are also aiming for all of our services to be rated Outstanding by the CQC.

Service users’ successes

We celebrated the successes of our service users – whether they were small steps made or big goals achieved. Some of the guys have moved on to supported living placements, while others have been on amazing holidays; from a trip to Iceland, cruises to Norway or the Mediterranean, visiting the pyramids in Egypt to partying in Benidorm. These destinations may have seemed impossible a few years ago, but we always aim to support our service users to extend their potential.

Closer to home, some of the guys have been going on day trips, supporting local sports teams, or doing voluntary work. Even a group birthday lunch is an achievement to be celebrated.

Appreciating our staff

A big part of the conference was to celebrate our staff for the hard work that they do, day-in and day-out. They help to make Richardson Care not just a workplace, but a place of purpose, compassion and pride.

We are proud of our staff retention levels and their length of service. Their experience enables us to provide consistently high quality care and to build positive professional relationships with our service users. At the conference, we presented awards to mark 10 years’ service to five members of our team, and 20 years’ service to another four.

We also presented 18 members of staff with special ‘Above and Beyond’ awards to mark their outstanding contributions to the company, and ultimately the people we support.

Prioritising safety, dignity and autonomy of service users

Over 27 years ago, we first implemented safety intervention training through the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). This has been the backbone of our entire philosophy since Richardson Care was founded and ensures that every interaction with our service users prioritises their safety, dignity and autonomy.

We were pleased to invite Michelle Dewsall, Acting Global Professional Manager at CPI, to speak at the conference. Michelle provided some background to the organisation and gave additional insights into trauma-informed care. She reinforced the work of our four CPI-qualified instructors in safety interventions and explored subjects such as the importance of language in building trust and respect.

Clinical Head, Dr Pedro Grilo, along with three members of the psychology team; Jess, Chloe and Isra, discussed the importance of reflective practice. They explained what it is, how it helps to gain new insights into service users’ care and to deliver improvements, as well as developing professional skills and improving personal well-being.

Each home and department shared their positive news and experiences of the last two years, demonstrating that a huge team effort goes into delivering quality care and positive outcomes for our service users.

Greg Richardson-Cheater, Director, concluded the conference by thanking everyone who had taken part and for their continued commitment, professionalism and compassion for the people we support.