Look Ahead Care And Support Employee Reviews

Overworked staff seems to be the prevalent sentiment in our current work environment. We find ourselves burdened with an overwhelming caseload, constantly juggling multiple tasks while feeling the weight of ever-increasing expectations placed on operations staff. It appears that our Senior Leadership Team is disconnected from the everyday realities of running a service in 2023.However, amidst this challenging situation, there is a silver lining. We have numerous opportunities to learn and grow professionally. While it may feel like a constant uphill battle, the abundance of learning experiences offers a chance to enhance our skills and advance our careers. Despite the lack of work-life balance, the potential for personal and professional development is a positive aspect we can hold onto.

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Mixed bag

Specialist Support Worker (Former Employee) - Poplar, Greater London - 28 September 2023

Working at Look Ahead has been a mixed experience, I’ve been in a few services and it is day and night. I am leaving to work for the NHS soon, but in the service I am now, the work is undeniably rewarding, with a strong sense of purpose in supporting our clients. The customers we support are attaching which makes our efforts feel even more meaningful. It’s incredible to see the difference from the start of their stay to the end, and it makes it feel like the work is worth it.The manager of my current service is commendable for their support and commitment to ongoing education, not only towards useful managerial skills but also towards issues like BAME, it matters on a day to day and I’ve learned a lot from them. Their dedication to supporting employees and customers goes above and beyond what is typically expected and it’s not what I’ve always had, generally managers are a mixed bag. I find the fact that they are a dedicated and obviously very clever manager who also is hands-on with customers very commendable. It is the sign of a very positive culture at least in this service.However, there are some notable drawbacks. The pay, particularly for a city like London, isn't on par with the cost of living. It can be challenging to make ends meet, which can be a source of stress especially if you have to commute to work during peak hours.Another downside is the excessive amount of paperwork. We often find ourselves spending more time on administrative tasks than on directly supporting the people who rely on our services. This can be frustrating and makes me wish I could spend -

Pros

Training opportunities, great culture

Cons

Can be draining, pay, lack of respect from senior management

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A challenging work environment

Manager (Current Employee) - London, Greater London - 27 September 2023

I've been with the company for 7 years or so, and while I've had the privilege of working under maybe one or two fantastic managers, my overall experience has been marred by a few persistent issues.One of the biggest concerns is the lack of cohesion among Senior Management and head office. It often feels like they operate as lone wolves, making it challenging to collaborate effectively and get the support one needs. Transparency is also a significant issue. Many decisions made by head office seem to lack clarity and rationale, leaving managers and support workers in the dark.Furthermore, it's disheartening to witness the apparent discrepancy in treatment between different departments. It feels like those of us in Operations are often left to fend for ourselves. If people in Operations worked the way people in HR or Finance work, they’d be fired This lack of consistency in standards is demoralizing.One of the most frustrating aspects of my time here has been the need to constantly chase after things. Whether it's information, resources, or support, I've found myself repeatedly taking the initiative because it doesn't seem readily available.Lastly, the absence of emotional support is a notable issue. A supportive workplace should not only focus on tasks and deadlines but also on the well-being of its employees. Unfortunately, I've experienced a lack of this essential support during my time here. I’ve not had my line-manager have a conversation not related to deadlines with me in over a year.In conclusion, my experience with the company has been a challenging one due -

Pros

Customers

Cons

Lack of transparency, communication, support, pay

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Productive

Support Worker (Former Employee) - London - 21 September 2023

What is the best part of working at the company?Nice staff and annual leave packagesWhat is the most stressful part about working at the company?Lack of support especially during COVID-19. Staff forced to receive vaccinations or have employment threatened. Staff without vaccine are forced to apply for permanent roles with contract including Bank staff. Unfair treatment. Confusing guidelines especially around COVID-19 and safeguarding.What is the work environment and culture like at the company?Work environment are good with nice units to work in.What is a typical day like for you at the company?Personal care, living skills and flat care including cooking meals and shopping.

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Highly pressured but supportive staff team

Support Worker (Former Employee) - Lambeth, Greater London - 17 September 2023

Great environment to learn front line support work. Highly pressured environment and challenging clients but supportive team. Would recommend look ahead as a place to work.

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Insights into Look Ahead Care And Support

Based on 34 survey responses

What people like

Supportive environment
Clear sense of purpose
Feeling of personal appreciation

Areas for improvement

Sense of belonging
Trust in colleagues
Fair pay for job

Hectic and glad to leave

Payroll Manager (Former Employee) - Near Westminster - 4 September 2023

What is the best part of working at the company?Getting in early and getting a decent seat before they were all gone.What is the most stressful part about working at the company?The line Management wanted things done before the request was even made. What is the work environment and culture like at the company?The different departments worked against each other rather than with each otherWhat is a typical day like for you at the company?Chasing my tail all the time because so many things had not been done for years

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Fun and supportive

Support Worker (Current Employee) - Islington, Greater London - 15 July 2023

Nice place to work. Team spirit is very high. The manager of my project has a good listening ear and ready to accommodate and carry staff along in plans. Working hours is not too long and your weekly shift could be covered in 3 days.

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Treat people like commodities

Contract Manager (Current Employee) - Berkshire - 14 July 2023

A really dreadful ethos practiced at every level of senior management. They use you, get what they want and then dump you. Lots of staff leaving. Young people left rotting in their rooms, not enough staff to do the basics of the job.

Pros

Resilient support workers

Cons

Out of touch senior leadership

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not professional

Support Worker (Current Employee) - Islington, Greater London - 19 May 2023

Not reliable and professional. I feel they do things only to follow a protocol and policies. Although at the beginning I enjoyed and I certainly learnt things, now I'm just over and sick of their propaganda.

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Productive and support depends on who you are working

Support Worker (Current Employee) - London - 26 April 2023

What is the best part of working at the company?The staff you meet from different backgrounds and the partway of learning What is the most stressful part about working at the company?Working with difficult customers . Who doesn't respond to supportsWhat is the work environment and culture like at the company?The environment is good, and culture is same as most care organisations What is a typical day like for you at the company?Every day is different and not predictable. They organise activities and events as they diarilised and you organise the day around the plans.

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Shockingly bad

Support (Former Employee) - Berkshire - 20 April 2023

Definitely the worst provider of housing and support in Berkshire. Operations managers are clueless about the day to day challenges facing young people. They do know however how to singlehandedly destroy the best young people's service in Bracknell. Get rid of an amazing manager and watch the rest of the staff leave as well. SF!

Pros

Caring staff

Cons

Dysfunctional and aloof Operations Managers

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Long standing company - a really good place to work!!!

Specialist Support Worker (Former Employee) - London - 23 December 2022

Was there 7 years, worked in quite a few different schemes and left on very good terms only because I relocated from London to the country side! Never had an issue really, met with the then CEO and senior management on occasions, was able to amend working hours following my maternity leave and had a really good time there! Learnt a lot and always felt like they put their customers first!

Pros

They care about the customers

Cons

None

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Great place to work

Contracts Manager (Current Employee) - London, Greater London - 21 December 2022

Plenary of opportunities for progression and growth. Great teamwork. Training available at all levels. Equality and diversity. Psychologically informed environments. Very rewarding organisation.

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Opportunity to rise up

Support Worker (Former Employee) - Camden Town - 21 October 2022

Learned a lot working with Look Ahead, had great opportunities to become a senior support worker and beyond but sadly was TUPE'd over by another company and had to start from the bottom again. Management really drives you to reach your full potential here...A shame the pay isn't higher compared to other places.

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This is the right place to stay longer

Home Care Worker (Current Employee) - East London, Greater London - 18 July 2022

I have been working at Nubah Social care since 2018 and I don’t have any issue with management. All are very friendly and positive environment to work for longer. Anyone can try. Organisation is being growing slowly.

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Different, challenging, attaching service users

Specialist Support Worker (Current Employee) - Poplar, Greater London - 1 June 2022

I worked in different services in look ahead as a support worker or specialist support worker and it depends on the manager. the service I work at now is great. It’s challenging and you do need to do your job but my colleagues and managers are supportive.

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Not great

Children's Support Worker (Former Employee) - London - 5 May 2022

Wouldn’t recommend due to own experiences, I didn’t feel supported. My first manager was amazing however we got a new one and I didn’t feel genuine support. Some of the people higher up seem to not care about what happens to you if they mess up and some can be quite disrespectful.

Pros

I had a great team next to me, not including management

Cons

Management

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Terrible place to work, awful boss

Support Worker (Former Employee) - Cannon Street road - 20 April 2022

Really not a good experience, staff are nice but everything else is horrendous. So disorganised, terrible management. Really not understanding. Place is falling apart, all the staff are leaving

Pros

None

Cons

Everything

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Too much work, never ends, too demanding

Income & Housing Officer (Former Employee) - London - 8 March 2022

Underpaid and overworked. Too much responsibility! There's always something to do next and they don't have proper systems in place. Everything is very lousy and you always have to do things that are not in your job role.

Pros

Flexibility

Cons

Too much responsibility

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Very professional and teamwork is at its best

Personal Support Assistant (Current Employee) - Redbourn - 6 September 2021

My working experience with Look Ahead has been the best compared to other companies I have worked for. Staff are treated equally, lots of training and management courses offered from a low grade. Lots of rewards awarded both to staff and customers.

Pros

PPE always available

Cons

Lots of overtime, can be PSA to work in other projects

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Great organisation, with opportunity for movement and growth internally.

Manager (Former Employee) - Anerley - 26 August 2021

Lots of available in and external. Opportunity for growth and development. 1-1 supervision regually. Opportunity for movement within the organisation.