THE care company which runs a Tavistock nursing home is celebrating after achieving the prestigious Investors in People award.

Established in 1996, the Stonehaven Care Group, an independent family-run business that provides residential care to a wide range of people, runs Chollacott Nursing Home in Tavistock.

Director Nathan Stone said: 'We undertook Investors in People at this time for two main reasons. Firstly, because we were cautiously confident that we would achieve recognition, and secondly because we were keen to use the thorough assessment process as a review of what we do in order to identify areas where improvements can be made.

'The assessments took place over three days, during which time the assessor visited six of our care homes and met with randomly selected individuals from all roles within the organisation.'

Extracts from the official assessments stated: 'Your home managers are a thoroughly impressive bunch. I was struck by their professionalism, consideration and commitment. They are all very much appreciated by those who work for them and who rely on their quiet but assured support.

'Rarely have I seen such a comprehensive range of training and development offered to ensure staff quickly assimilate the knowledge and skills they need to deliver your objectives and grow as individuals.  It's excellent, and your view that all this training translates into top class care for residents is commendable. So too, is the manner that you encourage staff to avail themselves of almost unrestricted access to funded training, many of whom can earn a small wage increment as a result.'

Managing director Stephen Stone said that although the family firm and staff were delighted with gaining the accreditation, they would constantly be aware that there was always room for improvement and that it was important to identify potential problems before they occurred.