News Four Seasons and unions sign joint recognition agreement

F

our Seasons Health Care has signed an agreement with three major trades unions to cover more than 500 care homes, hospitals and specialised care centres employing more than 30,000 staff caring for more than 20,000 residents.

The agreement with the GMB, the

Royal College of Nursing and UNISON is the fi rst such voluntary joint agreement between a major independent care provider and the three unions. The agreement recognises the joint unions for negotiation and consultation on a unit by unit basis. The chief executive of Four Seasons, Pete Calveley said: “We are committed to provide the highest standards of care for our residents and to set the sector bench-mark for quality and value. We are fully supported by our owners Terra Firma, who share this commitment and understand it is best achieved by having a well trained, stable and highly motivated workforce and good co- operative employee relations. These are the same objectives that our employees and the unions have.” Paul Kenny, GMB general secretary,

said: “This agreement is a new dawn paving the way for a whole new approach in the care home sector and setting the bench mark for the rest of the industry after a very unsettled few

30 Care Home Management | Mar 30 March//A

Front row: (L-R) Dr. Peter Carter, RCN; Dave Prentis, UNISON; Paul Kenny, GMB; Ian Smith, chairman, Four Seasons; Pete Calveley, chief executive, Four Seasons.

years. GMB members will welcome the agreement as GMB begins work with the company to fi nd ways to secure the funding necessary to provide fi rst class care from a committed and fairly rewarded workforce.” For the Royal College of Nursing, chief executive Dr Peter Carter, said: “The RCN welcomes this historic agreement and looks forward to working with Four Seasons to provide advice and support to our members in the workplace. We have always maintained that a partnership between employers and trade unions contributes to a better working environment and benefi ts everyone with better pay, terms and conditions and improved care and treatment for clients. By working together we have an opportunity to have a stronger voice on professional issues.” Dave Prentis, UNISON general

secretary, said: “I am pleased to be able to sign this important agreement which signals a positive commitment to partnership working. Four Seasons is a major employer across the UK and this agreement is key to boosting good employee relationships and delivering good quality care.”

April 20 2013

The Fremantle Trust completes acquisition of Chalfont St Peter home

Buckinghamshire-based care provider, The Fremantle Trust, has announced the acquisition of Hibbert Lodge, a care home in Chalfont St Peter.

The charity has plans for a major £1.5 million refurbishment of the building, which has been empty for more than 12 months. The Construction Partnership will oversee the redevelopment, which will also include the creation of an extension allowing bedrooms to be modernised and increased in size.

Due to open in August, Hibbert Lodge will be the fi rst of the Trust’s 46-strong services to be owned by the charity. It will accommodate 24 residents, providing a core specialism in dementia care. Formerly run by The Fremantle

Trust as a care home under a lease arrangement, Hibbert Lodge previously accommodated 37 residents but the new design will see a reduction, which will create a superior living space in a pleasant and tranquil environment for the 24 residents.

The new addition to the Trust’s portfolio will also create around 40 employment opportunities in the local area.