DCG Success Stories

Homecare services group Radfield Home Care is building on its growing relationship with Derby College Group (DCG) after successfully offering placements, and one permanent role, to health and social care students.

The company, which employs 25 members of staff, provides visiting care, live-in care and day care services for adults across the Derby, Ashbourne and South Derbyshire areas.

Radfield has recently welcomed a Level 2 DCG student on placement at its day care centre in Spondon and offered a permanent carer position to a 19-year-old Level 3 DCG student following a college open event.

Roundhouse recruitment roadshow

Amanda Roy, Recruitment and Training Manager for Radfield Home Care Derby, Ashbourne and South Derbyshire, met the Level 3 student at a recruitment roadshow at The Roundhouse and was immediately impressed.

“She approached me to ask about the role and I put her on the spot, interviewing her there and then with just five minutes to prepare. What immediately struck me was her confidence, her communication skills and her overall attitude.

“Despite the pressure of the environment, she presented herself professionally, asked thoughtful questions and showed clear potential. We took her on and, after completing her induction, onboarding and shadowing, she is now in week five as a visiting carer.”

As a full-time carer, sometimes working independently but always with Radfield’s support available, the former DCG student continues to impress.

“She is doing well. She gets involved, asks the right questions and shows real engagement in her role.

“Our approach to carer support is structured and consistent. We provide shadow shifts to build confidence in real care settings, alongside weekly check-ins to ensure new carers feel supported as they progress through their probationary period.

“We also guide them through completing the Care Certificate, ensuring they develop both the knowledge and practical competence required.”

What makes a good carer?

With more than 20 years of experience in the care sector, including care home management, Amanda is well placed to recognise the qualities that make a good carer: compassion, a proactive attitude and a genuine eagerness to learn.

“We were delighted to find our new Level 3 carer at the roadshow and to continue our relationship with the college. Her recruitment also underlines the real value of DCG’s recruitment roadshows as a bridge between talented students and employers who need them.”