Unite Highland Care

Success Story

From “Inadequate” to “Good” – How Sleek HR Helped a Care Provider Rebuild Culture, Confidence, and Compliance

In 2024, this care provider was placed into CQC special measures after being rated Inadequate. Inspectors raised concerns around unsafe recruitment, lack of governance, and inconsistent management oversight.

The Back Story

Inside the organisation, trust had broken down.

Grievances were increasing
Managers were escalating issues to disciplinaries too quickly

Morale was low, with no in-house HR support to guide resolution

At a Glance

Industry: Health & Social Care
(Supported Living & Domiciliary Care)
Size: 48 staff
Location: South of England
Challenge: CQC downgrade, grievance culture, unclear governance, low morale
Support: Retained HR: recruitment, policy, ER cases, management support
Outcome: CQC rating improved, grievances reduced, stronger culture and compliance

The Solution: Consistent HR Support with a Human Touch

Sleek HR became the organisation’s retained HR partner—not just on call, but present and involved. We joined team meetings, supported staff informally, and became a familiar face—without compromising professionalism.

Over the next 12 months, we delivered practical, priority-based support:

Recruitment Process Rebuild

We took full ownership of recruitment:

Safer recruitment protocols (DBS, references, Right to Work)
Clear job descriptions and expectations
Support with candidate screening and shortlisting

Result: Better-quality hires, improved onboarding, and reduced risk.

Reversing a Grievance Culture

We shifted the organisation away from formal disciplinary overuse by:

De-escalating employee relations issues early
Coaching managers on handling concerns informally
Rebuilding confidence in fair, respectful resolution

Result: Fewer grievances and disciplinaries, stronger team trust.

Employee Engagement & Benefits Review

We helped improve internal clarity around:

Pay and entitlements
Epectations and responsibilities
Informal recognition and feedback culture

Result: Staff felt more valued and less confused—boosting morale.

Governance & Human Resource Frameworks

We helped improve internal clarity around:

Pay and entitlements
Epectations and responsibilities
Informal recognition and feedback culture

Result: Staff felt more valued and less confused—boosting morale.

Priority-Based, Fixed-Fee HR Support

Using our retained model, we focused on what mattered most each month. Leaders could plan with confidence, knowing expert support was always available—without worrying about hourly costs

Result: HR support that flexed with their business, reduced stress, and built long-term capability.

The Results: A Stronger Business in Every Way

CQC rating upgraded from Inadequate to Good
Grievance and disciplinary cases dropped significantly
Line managers more confident and consistent
Improved team engagement and communication
Stronger compliance and audit readiness

“I’ve reviewed the ongoing support proposal and the monthly priorities log—thank you for all the work you and the team have put in. You’ve made a real difference to our people and practice. This turnaround has restored our reputation and given us confidence to maintain high standards.”

Operations Manager

“I love the fact that you’re genuinely good at what you do. You’ve made the journey of getting our staff compliance right feel easy and that’s no small thing in this sector. You’re approachable, knowledgeable, and consistently on point.”

Managing Director

Protect Your Business & Strengthen Your Workplace Culture

Sleek HR’s flat-fee, retained support gives growing businesses:

A named HR adviser without the cost of a full-time hire
Tailored monthly priorities and ongoing people support
Guidance on recruitment, performance, ER, contracts, policies, and culture
Compliance without the jargon
Calm, trusted advice—when you need it most

Less stress. Stronger teams. Better business.

“It’s like having your own HR team—without the overheads.”

Let’s talk. Book a call today!