A STICKLEPATH nursing home celebrated its achievements as a first class employer last week. The owners of Tawburn House Residential Home, Anne and Des Underwood, put on a party for all the staff, to celebrate receiving an 'Investors In People Award' from 'Quality South West'. Des and Anne took over Tawburn — a small family-run home with 14 residents — just over three years ago. Recently, Alison Balsdon and Greg Underwood joined the management team, bringing new ideas and vision for the future. Many residents are local to Okehampton and families visit regularly, making Tawburn a busy home with lots of visitors. A large investment has been made to upgrade the building, including complete re-wiring, new roof, new kitchen, laundry and developing the allotment. Investment has also been allocated into staff training and 'personal development'. It was this which won Tawburn its 'Investors in People Award'. The assessment process took a year to complete, concluding that professional development at the home was continuous, that 'there is clear commitment to continuous improvement', and that staff there 'feel part of a strong team' and are encouraged to expand their talents. Des said t he and Anne feel their staff are 'very special and professional people. Their work is far more than a job. They become very much involved with the residents as individuals and their families too. At the party Des and Anne presented each member of staff with a bouquet of flowers, and a voucher to enjoy food and drink at the Pickled Walnut.
