For us it’s all about quality. Quality of care, quality of reputation and quality of people. In practice this means we aim to provide the highest standard of care for all our residents, which in turn builds an outstanding reputation within the care sector. The care we deliver is only made possible by our dedicated and enthusiastic staff. This is why we look to recruit team members who share our values, and who are willing to go that extra mile to deliver outstanding care in each of our homes.

Quality is at the heart of all we do. We have built our reputation as a leader in the care sector by providing outstanding care consistently. We set our standards high: currently 92% of our homes have an ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ CQC rating. As a prospective employee we expect you to help us to build on this success and to lead the way in providing quality care for our residents.

By choosing to work for Orchard you would be working for a rapidly growing company, with over fifty care homes in the north of England. We currently employ over 1,500 members of staff who look after our 1,700 residents.

It’s the attitude that you can bring to our homes which we value, not necessarily your background in care.

We look to recruit people who share our vision: to deliver top quality care consistently. You need to be hard working, enthusiastic and friendly. In return we will provide you with excellent training, support and competitive pay.

We recruit both people with previous experience in the care sector, and those for whom a job in care represents a new beginning. Whatever your level of experience we have a role for you. If you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn new skills then we would love to hear from you. To find out more about positions currently available please use our job search tool. Our vacancies are updated regularly, so please check again if there is not currently a vacancy available for you. Or alternatively contact our recruitment line directly at recruitment@orchardcarehomes.com or 0845 602 7469.

We also welcome speculative applications. If we do not currently have a vacancy at the home which you are interested in, you can send an application to us and we will contact you if the position becomes available.

Whatever your level of experience in care we will provide you with support and opportunities for personal development from day one. We take all our new staff through a thorough induction process, so that you feel comfortable and well prepared for your new role.

At Orchard we passionately believe that all our staff should receive the best possible training. By providing you with comprehensive training we ensure a better quality of care for our residents and give you excellent prospects for career development. That’s why all our care staff begin working towards an NVQ level 2 in care as soon as they start work if they do not already have one.

We provide you with all the relevant training necessary for your role. From infection control to dementia awareness we make sure that you have the skills you need to do your job.

For our senior roles we offer further relevant training to help you to advance within the company. Once you have achieved an NVQ level 2 in health and social care we encourage and provide support for you to push for NVQ Level 3. Our deputy managers are also encouraged to work towards an NVQ Level 4 or Leadership and Management in Care Service (LMCS) Award, a qualification which allows you to manage a care home. We cover all the costs involved, so that you are given every opportunity to reach your potential. This commitment to cover the costs of your personal and career development sets us apart from many of our competitors.

Of course it is not just our care staff who receive the benefits of working for Orchard. If you are working at one of our care homes in a none- care position, for example as a housekeeper or laundry assistant, we offer relevant training to your role, with the opportunity to study for an NVQ in cleaning and support services.

Excellent individual support is always available whatever your position within the company. Senior members of staff are always available to provide guidance and support should you need it. Whilst we usually run a set shift pattern, we also offer you the flexibility to pick up extra shifts when you need more work.

We also offer fantastic opportunities for career progression. If you have the right attributes the sky really is the limit! With our excellent training program we provide you with all the support necessary to rise within Orchard. If you decide to undertake an NVQ Level 2 and above in care more senior positions could be available to you. Many of our senior staff started as carers, and thirty percent of our home managers have been promoted from within the company.

We believe that working in the care industry is one of the most rewarding careers that you can have. Every day you are responsible for the well-being of our residents. Most importantly you will see first hand the difference you make to our residents’ lives.

In all of our homes you will be part of a close knit team who always look out for each other. You will form close friendships with your colleagues and the work you do will be personally rewarding. There is a clear structure within each care home from the home manager down and there is always someone available should you need advice or help.

Cheryl - Home Manager, York House

Cheryl is currently our home manager at York House, in Dewsbury. After rejoining Orchard in 2004 as a carer on days, she soon became a Senior Carer. She took advantage of the training offered by Orchard and was promoted to Deputy Manager. In October 2008 she was appointed home manager of York House.

“I’ve always wanted to be involved in care. I started working in care when I was 19 and I’ve enjoyed it ever since. I love York House, the residents make my job worthwhile and all the staff are brilliant.

“Since I joined Orchard in 2004 I’ve had all the training and support I need to succeed. Helen (the previous manager) was a fantastic teacher and was always there to support me.

“Orchard gives you every tool to be where you want to be. It’s down to the individual to choose whether or not they want to be successful. When I joined I had an NVQ level 2 in care and Orchard paid for my NVQ level 3 and my Leadership and Management in Care Service (LMCS) Award.

“Orchard is a good company to work for. It is always expanding, so there are always jobs available. If you work for a company which only has two or three homes you have to wait ages for an opening. But with Orchard I know that if I get the right qualifications there will be opportunities for me.

“In ten years time I would like to be a CQC inspector, so I can pass my experience on to others.”


Beverly – Care Manager, Rastrick Hall

Beverly is currently the Care Manager at Rastrick Hall. She started in October 2005 initially as a carer on days, working a typical three shifts on, three shifts off pattern. She was promoted to senior carer before becoming Deputy Manager. She recently moved to Rastrick Hall to take up the position of Care Manager.

“Since I started I’ve really enjoyed my job because I get a lot of satisfaction from caring for the residents. The staff are all really friendly too and we all socialise outside of the home.

“I joined Orchard after ten years working in a shop because I wanted a career change. I didn’t have my heart set on working in care, but I saw an ad in the paper for Orchard and I decided to apply.

“The training is really good. Orchard put me through my NVQ level 2 within 6 months of starting and after I was promoted to Senior Carer I did my NVQ level 3. I’ve also completed my Leadership and Management in Care Service award and I’m hoping to run my own home soon.

“It’s really easy to do training. When I wanted to do my Leadership and Management in Care Service award I came into the office and asked if I could do it, it was as easy as that! I’ve definitely been given all the training I need to succeed, it’s always been more than the minimum, and Orchard cover the costs!

“I’ve always been supported by the manager and senior support staff and if I ever have a problem I know exactly who to go to for help and advice. In ten years time I’d like to be a Senior Support Manager myself, or a trouble shooter, so that I can help improve other care homes.”

If you are wondering what it’s really like to work in care, a really good place to find out more information is through the Skills for Care website. They are an employer led authority on the training standards and development needs of nearly one million social care staff in England. They provide excellent information for people who are considering a career in care. For more information please use the link below:

http://careerpathways.skillsforcare.org.uk/what_is/what_is.html