Rota changes will also improve staff work/life balance and help service users

Scottish child and youth care provider Kibble has expanded by creating more than 60 new full time posts.

It says it has built on its staffing provision to meet the changing care needs of young people who require round the clock care.

In addition, the organisation has also introduced a revamp of its current rota-based system to ensure consistency within its care provision 24/7.

The change comes after a period of reflection on the changing care requirements for young people across the country, at a time when they often require more support. It will also allow for enhanced consistency in the staff working within each residential home or care service, allowing young people to build on relationships with staff looking after them.

Kibble says the moves will improve work/life balance for its employees who will now work less hours for the same pay, resulting in a 12% hourly pay increase for all care staff, in addition to more downtime between shifts and working fewer consecutive days on any given week.

As the organisation strengthens its staffing provision, it said it is also determined to enhance its existing employee benefits for health and wellbeing. Benefits currently include free parking, free meals on shift, a gym membership, cash for health scheme and access to physiotherapy.

Jim Gillespie, chief executive of Kibble, pictured above, said: “Many of the young people we care for have experienced relationships which have been detrimental to their wellbeing. In order to heal and build on trust, it is incredibly important that they have strong relationships and are able to develop a bond with the staff who care for them.

“We need to be at the forefront of what the best possible care we can provide young people looks like and continue to adapt as their needs change.”

Kibble provides care for young people from across the country, with its 700-strong staff providing care and education within its Paisley campus in addition to community housing, foster care, and its Forest View School and residential home for children under 12 in Lochwinnoch.

The organisation continues to develop its pipeline of child and youth care workers through its Staff in Training programme and has committed to an intake of trainees a minimum of twice per year, allowing people from all walks of life the chance to work for Kibble, gain a HNC in Social Services as well as extensive training, personal mentoring, and ongoing guidance.

Gillespie added: “We rely on our team to give young people a chance in life and provide them with outstanding care that always goes above and beyond. To support our staff to do this, we believe that it is essential for us to ensure their own wellbeing and protection with a support system that enables an improved work/life balance.

“The need for our services is more prevalent than ever before, following what has been an incredibly challenging period for families across Scotland and the UK, and we are committed to investing in our staff, services and facilities to provide the best possible care for children and young people across Scotland.”

Kibble was recently awarded the titles of Medium Employer of the Year and Scottish Top Employer of the Year at the Herald Top Employer Awards.