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Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to confirm that we have now resumed overnight respite care following the recent temporary pause, as of last week.

This has been a challenging period for everyone. I want to sincerely thank you for the professionalism, flexibility and commitment you have shown throughout. Many of our clinical colleagues have undertaken additional training and upskilling, supported service changes and adapted quickly to new expectations. Your response has demonstrated the very best of this organisation.

I also want to recognise the contribution of our wider teams across the charity. Our retail, fundraising, facilities, HR, finance, governance and administrative colleagues who have continued to keep the organisation steady during this time. Whether maintaining safe environments, strengthening processes, supporting staff wellbeing, ensuring compliance, or sustaining vital income, your work has enabled clinical services to refocus and strengthen safely. Reopening overnight respite is a whole-organisation achievement.

During the pause, we have introduced a number of important improvements to ensure we are fully assured in the safety and quality of care we provide. This includes the formal introduction of a Nurse in Charge (NIC) model, clearer Director on Call (DOC) oversight, enhanced escalation processes and additional clinical training focused on recognition of deterioration, sepsis and safe decision-making. These changes are designed to strengthen operational grip and provide greater clarity and support across shifts.

Our Trustees have reviewed the actions taken and feel assured that we are able to provide safe, high-quality overnight respite care. As CEO and CQC Nominated Individual, I share that assurance and remain committed to ensuring our systems, leadership and governance continue to strengthen.

I also want to take the opportunity to acknowledge that this period has also been emotionally difficult. Alongside service changes, we have experienced the deaths of a number of children known to us and an increased use of our sunflower suites. Supporting families through loss while navigating organisational change is not easy. Your compassion, resilience and support for one another during this time has been remarkable.

Thank you for rallying round, for staying focused on children and families, and for embracing the improvements we are making. Reopening overnight respite is an important step, and it is one we are taking with confidence, vigilance and care.

Thanks,

Karen