About Anchor

Anchor’s Senior Leadership Team's performance review is based around a mixture of their Business Plan objectives and behavioural objectives, all of which link to the Anchor values. The organisation prides themselves in the openness and two way communication they have, which is demonstrated through their leadership’s commitment to care and housing conferences, team meetings, 'back to the floor' days and blogs. The CEO, Jane Ashcroft, is very visible across the organisation. This is not always easy as Anchor operate over 1,000 locations across England, but Jane is committed to getting out and about as much as possible. Jane also publishes a weekly blog that goes to all colleagues who can then comment and discuss topics with Jane through the intranet. In Support Services there is a monthly 'huddle' which is hosted by the Senior Management Team and features guest speakers from across Anchor. Each of the Senior Managers and the Heads of Departments within each function organise regular team meetings, which are also attended by the member of EMB for that function, for example the HR Director hosts the HR team meeting.

Anchor’s Leadership Development Programme is well embedded. The organisation also offers tailored leadership solutions consisting of bespoke training. Based on training needs analysis this includes a review of the people profiler, performance management data and conversations with Senior Leadership Team members and business partners. Performance management is based on formal reviews twice a year which are supported with monthly updates. Anchor have also developed simple and fit for purpose tools and processes for Care, Housing and Support Services. Talent review is currently focused in the Leadership Team and Support Service roles including district, home and care Managers. Calibration activity in functional teams has been led by HR to help increase consistency in performance rating application and to identify potential stars and/or successors for the future.

Anchor offer annual fitness fortnight across all locations to promote healthy lifestyles. They’ve also partnered with CiC (Community Integrated Care) to provide a Colleague Assistance Programme. There is also an Employee Assistance Programme for all colleagues, offering confidential advice on all aspects of wellbeing such as financial health, bereavement and stress management. For those in charge of a team there’s also a Manager’s Adviceline, which provides advice on team management. Anchor also run a health cash plan with Simply Health which is available to all colleagues. There’s even a Cycle to work programme, offering discounts on bikes which runs twice a year, as well as Anchor shopping discounts on gym memberships and fitness classes which are available for all colleagues.