Training is at the top of Austen Allen Homecare’s priorities.

It has to be, to ensure the Dartford community care company can continue to provide a service to demanding high standards for vulnerable elderly people and those with learning disabilities.

The business was started in 2009 as Austen Allen Healthcare Ltd. It became Austen Allen Homecare in 2011, and now – with a staff of 35 covering Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley – it was important to employ a qualified in-house trainer to provide support to carers from induction to spot checks and supervision.

It also provides support to study for diplomas.

The management team are all experienced and qualified carers who still work in the community with the care staff, which is unusual for the industry.

Owner Nina Allen said: “We are able to understand clients’ needs and any issues carers may face which enables the business to make necessary changes for the continuous improvement of our care provision, monitoring and control of the service.

“The Austen Allen Homecare management team convey feedback in our bi-monthly meetings where additional training and changes to rotas can be identified and acted upon.

“We are also accredited to the government Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme and are members of the UK Home Carers Association (UKHCA).”

Austen Allen Homecare is among the entrants in this year’s Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards, supported by the Messenger. Each entrant gets a profile in this paper and online. For more, log on to www.dgbawards.co.uk. Closing date is July 31.