Annual conference - looking back on our favourite time of year
Franchise Owners bring a special atmosphere of positivity and fun to our two days together
Published: 24/09/2023
I can honestly say that after the hours of work that we put into the planning and delivery of each Annual Conference, come the most fun and rewarding two days of my working year.
The culture within our network and the nature of the people who are drawn to work in the Care sector means many genuine friendships evolve over the years, so in addition to the professional pride that the event evokes, it’s also a true pleasure and a lot of fun to spend two days in everyone’s company.
In the early days, we would cram two full days of presentations in, asking our delegates to arrive early and jump straight in.
But as the network grew, it became apparent that the real value of bringing the franchisees together came from the conversations they had with one another – around the coffee station, in the queue for the buffet, or at the bar.
Formal presentations still play an important part in the event, of course – conference is the perfect place to open up new ideas and to focus attention into specific areas of the business, via a blend of keynotes, panel discussions and interactive workshops.
We invite relevant professional guest speakers and have many superb presenters within our team, who can engage and inspire as they share our operational plans and longer-term vision for the brand and reflect on recent performance and trends.
But it’s the war stories, the tips and ideas exchanged, the introductions made, which really give Franchise owners value from meeting in person.
So these days, we don’t start our formal agenda until the early afternoon, giving attendees time to catch up over an extended lunch, and our 15-minute ‘grab a coffee’ breaks have extended into 30-minute networking sessions, held through the day.
The theme of this year’s event – Innovate, Integrate, Inspire – reflects two major developments that are currently being introduced to the network; a move into Clinical Care service delivery, and our bespoke new operational software solution, RightCareHQ.
CEO Lucy Campbell spoke openly and honestly about the opportunities and challenges of the last year – she’s so committed and passionate about the success of our brand – I swear that if you cut her in two, you’d find the RaH logo running through her like a stick of rock.
It’s not been the easiest year for us operationally, given the scale of change that has accompanied the introduction of our new software, and the challenge of ensuring that the technology meets varying needs and practices across the network. Lucy did an amazing job of conveying how seriously the franchisees’ challenges are felt by the team at National Office; every bit as much as their successes; whilst also focusing on the positive road ahead.
Director of People and Brand, Heather Wehrle, pulled data, media coverage and national commentary together as she reported on the network’s performance in 2023 and presented next year’s operational plan, including the results of recent network consultation.
Our new Clinical lead, Lisa Grainger, shared the experiences of offices piloting the project to train and upskill CareGivers to offer ‘delegated activities,’ such as catheter and stoma care, which are usually delivered by nurses.
And Jane Townson MBE, CEO of the Homecare Association, brought us up to speed on the socio-political agenda and the ongoing campaign to improve funding and working conditions in the Government-funded part of our sector.
Day 1 came to a close with presentations to Franchisees who have passed sales milestones, and then it was time to relax, with optional five-a-side football and yoga held within the excellent facilities at St George’s Park (home to the English Football Association.)
Our first evening event is informal – street food, drinks and networking, and a chance to introduce and thank our event sponsors. Franchising and Care share common values and our sponsors, whether new collaborations or long-established brand partners, always bring something special to the event. It’s lovely how often they comment that our conference stands out for the special atmosphere and positive energy it ignites.
Day 2 saw us take a deeper dive into topics such as employee engagement, digital marketing, overseas recruitment, and protecting personal data from cyber crime and accidental breaches.
Keynote speaker Scotty Mills gave us insight into the world of a Royal Marine Commanding Officer, coaching people to recognise that living and breathing the Marines’ core values will bring out the best in any team – be they soldiers, sporting professionals or ‘normal’ people just like us.
It was lovely of Scotty to stay on and celebrate with us, bringing a more meaningful level of sparkle to the disco-themed black-tie gala dinner, with a glittering array of medals and lots of appreciation for the world he stepped into for a day.
Our Celebration Award presentations are live streamed, so the Franchisees’ care teams can log in to find out who’s won our various business awards. They also get to hear from three people who are invited as guests of honour to receive their awards – our Registered Manager of the Year, CareGiver of the Year and Young Ambassador of the Year.
It was great to celebrate with this year’s winners – Alison Taylor, Steffan Thomas and Georgie Lewin – in a night that always stretches until the early hours for many. Big thanks to the Hilton team, who played an important part in building a vibe of infectious fun and lots of laughter.
And so we return to our respective offices, tired but full of respect for our network and with many treasured memories. The focus moves now to channelling all the ideas and inspiration that come from conference, into action that will move the dial in Franchisees’ businesses and bring continued benefits to their staff and Clients.
And like painting the Golden Gate bridge, as soon as one conference ends the planning for the next one begins. We’re all looking forward to it already!
A few more of the fantastic photos taken by James Turner Photography
