Putting people first has enabled Apple Mews care home in Armagh, Northern Ireland, to gain a national accreditation.

The residential home, run by Priory Adult Care (formerly Amore Care), part of the Priory Group, has been awarded Investor in People status for the way it develops, supports and motivates its team.

The Investors in People accreditation - awarded to organisations of any size and in any sector - transforms business performance through people, helping companies to achieve their objectives by targeting specific priorities within their organisation.

Delighted with the achievement, Rosemary Dilworth, general manager in specialist services at Apple Mews, which has 104 employees, said: “This award reflects the dedication of our team."

“They are our core strength and it is vital that we support and develop their skills to reach full potential, ensuring they can offer the best possible service to our residents. Gaining the Investors in People standard is a testament to their commitment and enthusiasm. 

Gavin O'Hare-Connolly, director of operations at Amore Care said: “At Amore Care we are passionate about the development, mentorship and leadership of our most important resource -our staff.

“Through Rosemary's leadership, this award cements our vision of investment in the workforce. I am immensely proud of the entire team at Apple Mews.”

Apple Mews provides nursing care for adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex physical disabilities. It runs a variety of programmes to engage residents such as art and music programmes, education, and various outdoor activities.

Residents at the home were recently celebrating after Priory Adult Care (formerly Amore Care) was named ‘most outstanding residential care service in the UK’.

Priory Adult Care (formerly Amore Care) won the top award at the Global Over 50's Housing Awards in London.

At the awards ceremony attended by the UK’s biggest care home operators, Priory Adult Care (formerly Amore Care) received special praise for the care and compassion shown towards residents on a daily basis by its staff.

Organisations that have achieved the Investors in People standard generally have lower staff turnover and sickness rates and lower recruitment costs. In addition they tend to have increased levels of employee engagement and productivity.

Investors in People is owned by the UK government, managed nationally by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

Assessments are conducted locally.

For more information on the specialist services Priory Adult Care can offer, please call the enquiries and referrals team on 0808 208 2147 or click here to make an enquiry.