A NORTH-EAST care company is significantly expanding its workforce after being asked to double the services it provides for a local authority.
Care Matters is adding around 70 staff to its 100-strong workforce after securing a new contract which builds on a successful partnership with Stockton Borough Council.
Part of the Newlands Group, Care Matters has been a framework provider for the council since 2019, providing domiciliary services in Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, Thornaby and the Parkfield and Oxbridge areas of Stockton.
The new contract, covering Billingham, Eaglescliffe, and other parts of Thornaby and Ingleby Barwick, is the biggest the company has been awarded since its launch in 2013, and marks its first venture into supported living.
Care Matters’ managing director Lisa Spark said: “This expansion is an exciting milestone for the business, 10 years after it was established, and is a real vote of confidence from a local authority that is passionate about providing high quality care services.
“We are delighted and grateful to be given this opportunity to showcase what we are capable of in the supported living sphere, and we look forward to building on the strong foundations that we’ve already established with Stockton Borough Council.”
Care Matters has a “continuous recruitment” policy, meaning that it always has new staff in the pipeline, ready to meet demand.
“That’s one of our core strengths because recruitment in the care sector is known to be challenging, and by constantly bringing in new resource, we have the flexibility that’s needed,” added Lisa.
Some of the additional care staff needed for the new contract have been transferred under TUPE from the previous provider, but others will be new recruits. The extra work will also lead to the creation of additional office-based roles.
Under new three-year contract, the number of service-users being supported by Care Matters in the Stockton borough will increase from 190 to 270.
In addition, the company’s original agreement with Stockton Borough Council has been extended to October 2024, in a further illustration of the authority’s confidence.
Newlands Group, which has its headquarters in Darlington, has a portfolio comprising healthcare, recruitment, education and property.
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