Chesterfield-based care provider Heathcotes Group has appointed Emily Frost as recruitment business partner to support its specialist residential services nationwide. Frost will be responsible for recruitment across all areas of Heathcotes’ organisation including its office-based support operations and 72 residential care services for adults with learning disabilities and complex mental health needs.

Frost has experience of recruitment and talent acquisition in the health and social care sector. She previously held senior recruitment roles for a variety of major care providers, encompassing specialist services for children, the elderly and adults with mental health needs, autism and learning disabilities.

Heathcotes Group supports individuals with Asperger’s syndrome, autism, Down’s syndrome, learning disabilities, personality disorder, physical disabilities, Prader-Willi syndrome, sensory impairments, speech difficulties and severe epilepsy. The company offers full-time residential care services alongside supported living which gives people independence in self-contained accommodation backed by 24-hour care support when needed.

Frost said: “I am very excited to join an organisation like Heathcotes Group, which has a very forward-thinking approach to investing in people and supporting their long-term progression. The company has won national recognition for its workforce development policies, including an award-winning apprenticeship programme. It’s certainly an organisation that facilitates long-term career progression – around 90% of the senior management started out as entry-level support workers.

“The pandemic has given everyone a greater appreciation of social care and how vital it is to the lives of some of society’s most vulnerable people. Working life at Heathcotes focuses on helping our service users to progress from residential care to a more independent life, so our support teams know that they are making a lasting difference. Highlighting that sense of achievement is important in attracting talented, compassionate and dedicated people to our sector.”