Local hospice in top 20 of not-for-profit UK employers

Keech Hospice Care has been recognised as one of the best not-for-profit employers in the UK after coming in at 18 in the prestigious Sunday Times Top 100 list.

The charity, which supports children and adults with life-limiting and terminal illnesses, first entered The Sunday Times Top 100 in 2017, when it achieved a ranking of 71 on the list. Two years later, on their second entry, Keech’s staff approval ratings have rocketed, sending the charity up the list by over 50 places.

Liz Searle, Chief Executive of Keech Hospice Care, attended the awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 20 February. “I am absolutely delighted that the staff we employ at Keech Hospice Care should rate us so highly,” said Liz. “We have been working hard on ensuring our staff feel valued and believe they can shape the organisation that we all feel so passionate about. This is the second time running that the hospice has been honoured in the Top 100 not-for-profit employers’ awards and we are proud to represent the hospice sector in this year’s results.”

The Sunday Times Top 100 list is based on feedback from staff. In all, across the country, nearly 260,000 staff working for UK employers completed anonymous surveys giving their opinions about their bosses, their working conditions and their employer’s values.

“Keech Hospice Care values its amazing staff and, of course, our volunteers – we have an outstanding team in every area,” said Liz. “Since the last award, we have developed a new five-year strategy, staff have contributed to our new values and we have a new vision, ‘Making the difference when it matters the most’. These play a crucial role in making the organisation a success and this result is an endorsement that staff believe we are going in the right direction in tough economic times.”

Keech Hospice Care was also delighted to be awarded ‘Outstanding’ for caring by the Care Quality Commission at its last inspection.

“Our patients and their families are always at the centre of all we do,” Liz said. “We are committed to providing excellent care at the hospice, in patients’ homes and out in the community – wherever support is needed the most.

“The staff survey shows we have further improved in all areas including personal development, wellbeing and leadership. It’s a fantastic position to be in and it’s amazing to see the journey we are on, becoming a truly great organisation that our community can be proud of,” said Liz.

To find out more about our accreditation please visit the Best Companies website.