Harwood Court became part of the Distinguished Care Group in January 2025. It had not been inspected for the last 6 years.

As the Care Quality Commission reinvent themselves following a very public shaming by the Govt on live TV they have pledged to catch up with all services outside there self-decreed two-year cycle.

Harwood Court received a two-day unannounced full and comprehensive inspection early September 2026. This was an inspection that looked at all areas and across all Key Lines of Enquiry (Caring, Responsive, Effective, Well-Led and Safe) and was conducted by four inspectors and an associated medicines optimiser.

The team, led from the front by the registered manager George Ward performed magnificently across the two long days (08.00-18.00) and the home and the group were also required to provide reams of supporting documentation, audits, reports and policy and procedures as evidence to the CQC that both the service and the provider group met the inspection criteria.

The CQC final report and rating states:

‘People received high-quality care in a compassionate, supportive and homely environment. During our visits, everyone we approached, including people living at the home, staff and visitors, were willing and comfortable speaking with us. Conversations were relaxed, and people spoke confidently about being involved in decisions about their care and daily lives.

People felt safe, well cared for and treated with dignity and respect. They also felt listened to and staff were kind, caring and had no concerns. One person told us, “I am happy. The staff help me and make me feel safe. They listen to me and that is so important.”

Relatives told us their family members were safe, well cared for and happy living at the home. They described staff as hardworking, compassionate and caring. Relatives said there were enough staff and found the management team approachable. They were confident that any concerns would be addressed promptly.

People had a wide range of activities to choose from. There were enough staff available to spend time with people when they wanted or needed support. Relatives told us staff knew their family members well and treated them with dignity and respect.’

The proud provider Mr Tajveer Singh Gill praised George and the team.

“Congratulations on the great CQC report. It is fantastic to see an outstanding for care and on reading the report I feel you were unlucky to not get an outstanding overall.”

By way of a thank you and in recognition of their achievements George and his practice development lead Amy Marshall were asked to represent the group at the national awards event for the 2026 leaders in Care where the Distinguished Care Group were top five finalists in the innovation in care homes category.

 

A black-tie event with overnight accommodation thrown in our worthy duo just happened to return with the winners award – a fitting culmination of their journey across this last 20 month from the uncertainty of being sold by their previous group to now winning the prestigious award, picking it up in person and topping it al with an ‘outstanding’ rating for caring and a clean sweep overall ‘good’

Well done George and team we could not be prouder of your achievement.