Brunelcare is entering its 65th year of providing services to the elderly through care homes, day centres and home care, and last year it was awarded its 10th consecutive Investors in People award. Training is essential in this non-profit organisation and this year Brunelcare's training budget is four times the national average for not-for-profit organisations, according to the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) annual survey. Each carer receives an average of 12 days' training a year, both in compulsory fields and other areas that will broaden their experience. To maintain this nurturing culture, carers and senior carers can become training and NVQ assessors themselves. An 81% positive score from staff who say their training is helpful rates Brunelcare in the top 20 nationally for this measure. Senior management aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, either. All head office staff, senior managers and even the chief executive carry out shifts as carers, support workers or housing officers. Many staff feel personally involved with their work and each puts in more than they are actually paid to. It is not uncommon for them to stay late or visit clients on days off. Employees find the work stimulating (with a 75% positive score), they feel fully involved at work (78%) and that their managers trust their judgment (79%). Brunelcare looks out for its employees' home life, too. Its "family-friendly" policy ensures that carers have as much time as possible to spend with their families. A "maximising energy and performance" training programme provides guidelines for staff on how to get the most out of their diet, exercise, stress and sleep routines. Brunelcare is among the top 25 organisations for work/life balance (71% positive). The pension scheme is generous too, with the company contributing 11.7% to all staff, against staff contributions of 4.1% to 6.1% per year, depending on age. Several of the care homes are registered as educational institutes, meaning nurses can update their nursing qualifications — and foreign nurses can upgrade their training so that it is recognised in the UK, all of which helps build a 77% positive score for personal growth.