Just two years ago, ivolve Glenfield faced a turning point. Rated “Inadequate” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the team at Glenfield knew that something needed to change. And change it did – in the most powerful, person-centred way possible. Today, Glenfield is proud to be rated ‘Good‘ by CQC across the board – and it’s not just a rating. It’s a symbol of renewed purpose, resilient leadership and a flourishing community.
At the heart of this transformation is Stacey, Glenfield’s passionate new manager, who stepped into the role just six months ago after a break away from the home she’d worked at for 10 years, to look after her young children. “I actually cried when I found out,” she recalls. “We’ve put so much into this. Every colleague, every day, has worked with their whole heart. This rating is for them – and for the people we support.”
“We’ve put so much into this. Every colleague, has worked with their whole heart. This rating is for them and for the people we support.”
Stacey, Glenfield Manager
A Culture of Possibility
The turnaround at Glenfield didn’t happen overnight. It took grit, trust, and a deep belief in what’s possible. Stacey and her team embraced the principles of practice leadership, modelling the ivolve way of support: hands-on, heart-first, and grounded in our Strive model of care.
“When I returned to Glenfield, there were improvements we needed to make.” Stacey says. “So, we started small. A walk with Sam. A shopping trip with Natalie. The tiniest spark of confidence could light up a whole day. And now? We’ve got people asking to go for walks, getting involved, making choices, laughing.”
This is Strive in action: supporting people to enjoy dynamic, person-led lives with everyday moments that build independence and wellbeing. Whether it’s making a cup of tea independently or heading out to the park for the first time in years, Glenfield’s approach reflects everything ivolve stands for – active, positive, and empowering support.
The Day CQC Walked In
The “Good” rating followed an unannounced CQC inspection that focused on two vital areas: safety and leadership. Stacey, who happened to be in on her day off to finish the rota, remembers the moment vividly.
“I was literally in the office when someone said, ‘CQC are here,’ and I thought they were joking. My heart was pounding,” she laughs. “But when the inspector walked in, we were ready – because this isn’t about preparing for an inspection, it’s about doing the right thing every day.”
What happened next is a moment Stacey will never forget.
“She told me, ‘What I’ve read on paper and what I’ve walked into are worlds apart.’ That’s when I knew we’d done it. She could see the love, the energy, the commitment. And she knew we weren’t just ticking boxes – we were transforming lives.”
Leadership was recognised as a strength. The inspector saw Stacey not as a manager behind a desk, but as someone actively involved in every aspect of support. Every question was met with clarity and confidence. Every file was ready, every answer honest. It was, quite simply, a service proud of the care it provides.
“CQC could see the love, the energy, the commitment. They knew we weren’t just ticking boxes – we’re transforming lives.”
Stacey, Glenfield Manager
A Celebration of Pride and Progress
When the rating came through, Glenfield didn’t just celebrate – they whole place exhaled.
A big barbecue, music, laughter, and even a bouncy castle filled the garden. It was a chance for everyone to pause, reflect, and feel proud. Families were informed and overwhelmed with happiness, and although they couldn’t all be there in person, their support was felt.
“We’ve taken a breath,” Stacey says. “But we’re not slowing down. This isn’t the end – it’s the beginning of something even better.”
Why the Glenfield CQC ‘Good’ Means So Much
The change at Glenfield runs deeper than ratings. It has restored pride in colleagues, who can proudly say, “I work at ivolve Glenfield.”
And for the people supported at Glenfield, it means increased independence, reduced behaviours, and richer, more fulfilled days.
“The people we support are out and about in the community every day, doing the things they love,” Stacey explains. “They’re living, not just existing.”
Lorna Finegan, Area Manager for ivolve who supported Glenfield through the inspection and beyond, said: “The ‘Good’ rating doesn’t just recognise compliance – it recognises care, commitment and courage.”
“The team here are incredible. They embraced change, stayed united, and truly transformed the culture. It’s one of the most remarkable turnarounds I’ve seen.”
Lorna Finegan, Area Manager – Midlands
What’s Next for Glenfield?
This Glenfield CQC ‘Good’ rating is just the beginning. Their sights are now set on achieving an ‘Outstanding’ rating – but more importantly, on continuously improving outcomes for the people who live there.
Whether it’s Sam walking confidently in the community without a handling belt, or Curtis taking steps towards the park, every moment of progress matters. Stacey puts it simply: “We’re not taking our foot off the gas. We’ll keep going. We’re going to give it our all.”