A CHILD care provider headquartered in Salisbury, that "puts its values and mission at the heart of everything it does", has received a prestigious award for its work.

Five Rivers Child Care came out on top during the National Children and Young People Awards 2021 by scooping the 'Care Employer Award', competing against eight other finalists from across the child care sector.

The social enterprise was praised for its "innovative ways of ensuring children and young people are at the heart of everything they do", and for 97 per cent of employees understanding and recognising the clear company values.

Five Rivers provides high-quality foster care, residential housing, education, therapy and crisis intervention for children and young people, and "proud" to receive the accolade on October 22, Nicci Willock, director of children’s services, said: “We invest so much in our people, and they invest so much back in return."

She continued: "Our staff and foster carers show courage, dedication, and perseverance every single day and they do one of the most important jobs.

"It’s their work with one another and the work they do with our children which creates the positive culture we have here at Five Rivers Child Care."

Following the initial nomination, there was an in-depth virtual interview with the judging panel, discussing systems, processes, training, support and infrastructure at Five Rivers.

Five Rivers was also quizzed about the support it provides its staff and the work culture.

Not only was the time in front of the judges opportunity to demonstrate systems in place, Nicci said that this also showcased the work of the colleagues and their dedication.

“Being a social enterprise enables us to give back to children’s services in a meaningful way and prioritise providing an extra level of care and training to colleagues," she added.

"We put our values and mission at the heart of everything we do and are very proud to have been recognised for our achievements."

As well as Employer of the Year, Five Rivers says it was also a finalist in the 'Children’s Home Team of the Year' category.

Five Rivers Orchard Children’s Home manager Chelsea Bryan was shortlisted and highly commended for 'Children’s Home Manager Award (South)'. 

Following the award success, celebrated at a ceremony held in Birmingham, Nicci said it is "imperative" to focus on the working culture of the workplace, adding: "We need to pay close attention to how we look after our staff and carers now more than ever.

"These incredible people have been on a very tough journey over the last two years and have come to work and opened their doors for children when many were closing.”

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