FEATURE
Selection – at Moonrise, recruitment is focused on finding staff who align with its personfirst ethos.
At Moonrise, the approach has been to start with values. Recruitment is centred around identifying individuals who align with a person-first ethos. Skills can be developed through training; compassion, integrity and empathy must already be present.
“ We look for people who genuinely care about making a difference,” Jessica explains.“ Technical skills are important, but the heart of our work is human connection. When someone joins Moonrise, we want them to feel they are stepping into a profession, not just a job.” Once recruited, staff are supported through structured induction programmes that go beyond mandatory compliance. Training includes trauma-informed practice, positive behaviour support, safeguarding and specialist approaches to supporting individuals with complex cognitive and neurodivergent needs. The aim is not simply to equip staff with information, but to build confidence and competence.
“ When our teams understand the‘ why’ behind behaviours, everything changes,” says Jessica.“ They feel more confident, the people we support feel more understood and the overall environment becomes calmer and more positive.”
Ongoing professional development is equally important. Clear progression pathways provide opportunities to grow into senior roles, leadership positions or specialist areas of practice. Regular supervision sessions create space for
reflection and learning, while also offering emotional support.
“ We want our teams to see a future with us,” Jessica adds.“ If someone has ambition, we want to nurture that. If someone needs support, we want to provide it. Retention isn’ t about quick fixes – it’ s about building a culture where people feel valued and heard.”
That culture of support extends to wellbeing. Recognising the emotional demands of care work, Moonrise emphasises open communication, peer support and celebrating achievements, creating an environment where staff feel safe to speak up, share challenges and recognise success strengthens resilience across the organisation.
There’ s also a clear business case for this approach. High turnover carries financial costs and can disrupt continuity of care. Stable teams, on the other hand, build strong relationships with the people they support and their families. Those relationships lead to better outcomes, greater trust and a stronger reputation within the community.
In regions such as Teesside, collaboration between health services, social care providers and community organisations is essential. A well-trained, consistent workforce strengthens that wider ecosystem. When care teams are confident and stable, they reduce pressure on other services and contribute to preventative, community-based solutions.
Jessica is clear that addressing workforce challenges requires a long-term perspective.
“ There’ s no single solution to the pressures facing our sector,” she says.“ But we know that investing in people makes a difference. When staff feel supported and respected, they stay. And when they stay, the people we support experience better continuity and better outcomes.”
The future of care will continue to evolve. Needs will become more complex, expectations will increase and communities will look for providers who can deliver both quality and stability. Meeting that demand requires more than reactive recruitment strategies. It calls for thoughtful hiring, meaningful training and genuine commitment to professional development.
“ At Moonrise, we see our workforce as our greatest strength,” Jessica reflects.“ If we nurture that strength – through training, mentorship and a culture of respect – we can continue to provide the kind of care that empowers people to live with dignity and independence.”
Ultimately, the sustainability of the care sector depends not only on funding structures or policy decisions but on the people who show up every day to provide care and support to others.
By investing in those individuals – their skills, their wellbeing and their growth – providers can build resilient services capable of meeting rising demand across Teesside and beyond.
The voice of business in the Tees region | 47