Parklands Care Homes has won national recognition for its pioneering approach to supporting care staff in the Highlands, picking up the Innovation in Care Homes Award at this year’s Leaders in Care Awards.
The award honours providers who are redefining residential care through creative, people-centred ideas and judges praised Parklands for its “forward-thinking” model of offering on-site accommodation for care workers.
With homes in Fortrose, Grantown, Keith and Huntly, and expansion plans in Inverness, Parklands has introduced a range of accommodation options to address a growing workforce challenge: the severe shortage of affordable housing in the north.
The group has built on-site accommodation pods in several locations, provides housing for up to 20 staff in Huntly, and plans to develop key worker units in Inverness as part of its next phase.
Ron Taylor, Managing Director of Parklands Care Homes, said:
“We’re proud to be recognised for innovation that directly benefits our team.
“We operate in areas where a shortage of affordable housing makes it difficult to attract and retain staff.
“By investing in staff accommodation, we’re giving our teams the stability and support they need to continue delivering high-quality care.”
The national award was presented at a ceremony in Birmingham and organised by Care Home Professional and Home Care Insight, two of the UK care sector’s leading publications.
Stephen Hall, Editor of Care Home Professional, said:
“Parklands impressed the judges and readership with its forward-thinking decision to provide on-site staff accommodation at several homes to address the shortage of affordable housing for care workers.
“The project has supported recruitment, improved retention, and enhanced the overall wellbeing of staff teams.”
The initiative comes at a time when care providers across rural Scotland are grappling with recruitment shortages, often driven by housing pressures and travel distance. Parklands’ model offers a tangible solution, helping to attract new care professionals to live and work locally.
This is Parklands’ third major accolade this year.
In May, the group was awarded Best for Wellbeing at the Care Home Awards, and in September it received the Highland Business Award for Corporate Community Impact.
Now, with a national innovation title to its name, Parklands is strengthening its role as a sector leader not only in care, but in workforce support and rural regeneration.
