Local care professional addresses issues in our community
Having worked in various positions in social care for 20 years, this month, Surj Virk has placed the future of local care standards in her own hands, with the launch of her business, Visiting Angels. Driven by becoming a provider the whole community can trust - for those in need and for staff seeking an opportunity to revitalise their careers – Surj believes Visiting Angels will “strike a chord” with the community, as it did with her and her own ambitions.
Despite graduating in IT, Surj has always felt compelled to support those in need of assistance, and so, driven by “making a change from within”, retrained to find a role in the care sector. Beginning her career as a recruitment manager and progressing into roles in quality assurance, being a registered and regional manager herself, Surj understands the trials and tribulations carers go through on a daily basis, and what must be addressed to improve overall conditions. With a passion for people, she hopes the new venture will help high-quality carers forge a better career for themselves.
“Looking after carers is the biggest problem in the sector at the moment,” explained Surj, “As such, it’s important that we set a precedent with Visiting Angels and show carers in the community that they are appreciated and respected for what they do. All of these focal points, from the quality of recruitment to staff retention and reasons for carers leaving, have a huge impact on the quality of service clients receive. So, it’s our job to address what we can change and instil a culture of loyalty and consistency of care for our clients.
“Making a difference is a huge motivation for me, and I’m so proud to have brought a care provider to the area that will show people what real quality care looks like - whether it’s for a caregiver, a client or the community as a whole!”
Thanks to their ‘carer-centric’ approach, Visiting Angels has already been making a difference in other parts of the UK. In fact, their staff turnover rate is just 12% - nearly six times lower than the industry’s all-time high average of 64%1 – something Surj expects to repeat at her local branch. Companies that prioritise the wellbeing of their staff see an improved level of service for clients in need, with carers feeling valued, protected and respected for their ongoing commitment to an industry in serious need of reform. By providing carers with official contracts of employment, paying for time between home visits and fairly subsidising milage in line with the rising prices of fuel, Surj is acting on issues that have been damaging the reputation of the in-home care sector for years. These policies, combined with an unwavering drive to take pressure off families in need of their services are all ways that Visiting Angels raises the standard of social care across Warwickshire’s communities.
“I’m really looking forward to giving caregivers an opportunity to become revitalised in their roles. I plan to create at least 30 jobs within the first year, and within three years we hope to have 80+ staff. I want to reach as many people as possible in the local area and ultimately become the caregiver of choice. Already being well-established in the community, I know how important the issue of social care is, so this is the start of an exciting chapter for local care provision,” added Surj.
In its mission to meet the growing demand for exceptional care providers as social care waiting lists rise by 37% in 6 months2, Visiting Angels is setting a precedent and truly making a difference for those who need attentive and high-quality care in the community. For more information, visit https://www.visiting-angels.co.uk/warwickshire/
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