Member Article

Northumberland homecare specialist establishes new HR team

A Northumberland homecare organisation has established a new HR team to help manage its expansion.

Helping Hands, providing specialist care across Northumberland, has appointed Andrea Guy, 47, as HR manager, alongside Tracy Thomas, 51, HR and group administrator.

The two new appointments come after the organisation has rebranded and relocated its offices. Currently, the care specialist employees over 450 people, with further plans to recruit at least 50 more.

Both Andrea and Tracy will be based in the Cramlington office but will work between Cramlington and Hexham to provide support to homecare staff working across East and West Northumberland.

Andrea, from Blyth, joins Helping Hands with a wealth of business and HR experience. For seven years, she worked in HR management, and prior to that, worked as a business manager for 14 years. Although Andrea has no prior healthcare experience, she became aware of homecare when her friend was diagnosed with cancer. Andrea assisted a homecare team in looking after her friend and has been passionate about homecare ever since.

She said: “I’m delighted to be joining Helping Hands, and can’t wait to get stuck in. I’m really looking forward to facing new challenges and working with Tracy to provide support to the homecare staff across the business.

“Tracy and I are very keen on raising the profile of HR. We are operating an open-door policy and want to emphasise that whatever the issue or query is, we are approachable, friendly and will make time to discuss any issues.”

Tracy, from Whitley Bay returns to Helping Hands as a HR and group administrator after previously working as an admin assistant through a temporary recruitment agency. Prior to joining Helping Hands she worked in a GP surgery, maintaining records and assisting with any queries.

“I really like the fact that I am in a role where I play a part in resolving issues and being able to help others. I’m excited to be working alongside Andrea, knowing that we both have a similar thought process and are passionate about raising HR’s profile. I am really pleased to be returning to Helping Hands.”

Alison Dickson, registered branch manager for East Northumberland said that Tracy and Andrea have already begun to make their mark within the organisation.

She said: “Andrea and Tracy have already proved themselves to be an asset to Helping Hands. They have made such a big difference to how human resources functions within the organisation.

“Their strong work ethic and approachability has allowed for more effective communications between staff across Northumberland.”

Helping Hands Community Care provides homecare services, supporting people living at home with dementia, while also offering specialist and complex care.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Helping Hands Community Care .