Engage Care Talent

In this episode of Engage Care Talent, hosts Chris Le'cand-Harwood and Rowan Marriott sit down with Roy Imeson - RNIB's Visibly Better Employer | Employment Advisor - to discuss one of the UK's most overlooked talent pools - blind and partially sighted workers.Key Topics Covered:🔍 The shocking reality: 3 out of 4 people with sight loss are unemployed💼 11,000 skilled workers actively seeking employment across the UK🚀 How inclusive recruitment can unlock exceptional problem-solvers for your organisation🐕 The unexpected benefits of hiring visually impaired employees (hello, office guide dogs!)📋 Simple changes to job descriptions that could transform your talent pipeline🏢 The Visibly Better Employer Standard - a quality mark revolutionising inclusive recruitmentWhat You'll Learn:- Why common job requirements (like "must have full driver's license") unnecessarily exclude talented candidates- How visually impaired workers often make the best employees due to their adaptability and problem-solving skills- Practical steps organisations can take to create truly inclusive workplaces- The reality of what jobs can and cannot be done by blind or partially sighted peopleExciting Announcement: Workshop 21st January 2026We're not just talking about this - we're doing something.This conversation didn't just make for a great podcast episode. It sparked action.AudienceLink, Rowan's business, is partnering with Roy to host an exclusive workshop on January 21st, 2026, at the Grimaldi Building in King's Cross, London.Why AudienceLink? Because Rowan's day job is finding the right people for the right jobs. He spends his time identifying hidden talent pools and connecting organisations with candidates they didn't know existed. When he discovered that 11,000 skilled, motivated workers were sitting unemployed -simply because organisations don't know how to reach them - he knew AudienceLink had to be part of the solution.Contact Rowan if you want to attend, or know someone who this is perfect for.Connect Rowan and Roy:Rowan Marriott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowan-marriott-7791068/ Roy Imeson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royimeson/If this conversation changes how you think about inclusive recruitment, please like, subscribe, and share with your network. Together, we can make meaningful change for thousands of skilled workers who are ready to contribute.

What happens when hundreds of people from across the UK - service users, support workers, nurses, and chief executives - come together to celebrate recovery and lived experience? Something truly special.In this episode, Raf Hamaizia (Group Expert by Experience Lead at Cygnet) tells us about the why and what of the National Lived Experience Awards - an event that's been running for 12 years, celebrating the talent, creativity, and remarkable journeys of people with lived experience in mental health and social care.In this episode:- The story behind the National Lived Experience Awards and why they matter- Rowan's firsthand account of attending the awards (rainbow fashion and all!)- Why recognition is crucial for both service users AND staff- How events like these remind healthcare workers why they do what they do- The emotional performances, inspiring entrepreneurial stories, and powerful moments of connection- Practical ways to bring this spirit of recognition into everyday care settings- The Mark Britten Award and the Cygnet Yellow Book projectKey Moments:- 00:57 - Introduction to the National Lived Experience Awards- 06:44 - Rowan's experience arriving at the awards- 13:23 - The power of recognition and equality in the room- 18:57 - The Cygnet Yellow Book and People's Council- 28:40 - Why investment in innovation matters- 34:06 - The unsung heroes: domestic staff, maintenance, and the whole teamThis conversation is a reminder that healthcare isn't just about care - it's about celebrating progress, recognising talent, and creating moments where everyone feels valued, whether they're receiving support or providing it.Want to know about Raf's story? Watch this episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmzzVN3fVME&t=42sConnect with us:- Engage Care Talent: https://www.engagecaretalent.com/Find out how to get involved with the National Lived Experience Awards https://www.livedexperienceawards.org/Thank you to the sponsors who made the 2024 National Lived Experience Awards possible.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with anyone working in healthcare or social care. These stories matter.

Attracting, engaging, and retaining talent in health and social care isn’t easy — but it’s possible when people come together to share knowledge, collaborate, and take action.In Episode 3 of our Engage Care Talent documentary – The Meeting, Chris Le’cand-Harwood and Rowan Marriott sit down in the studio for a focused planning session. They explore the purpose behind Engage Care Talent, why it exists, and how it’s becoming more than a podcast: a genuine community for change.Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:✅ What “solving the care talent crisis one conversation at a time” really means✅ Why engagement is just as important as attraction and retention✅ How real stories and shared experiences can inspire practical change✅ Why this isn’t just a project — it’s a movement built in public📺 Watch Episode 2 – The Run: https://youtu.be/Mh8Kc6iN5SQ🎬 Missed Episode 1? Start here: https://youtu.be/vL2E17lA10Y⏩ Subscribe for what’s next: https://www.engagecaretalent.com/We’re building more than conversations - we’re building a community. Join us.

Attracting and retaining talent in health and social care can feel like a marathon. But with the right mindset, confidence, and the willingness to take steps, it can be done.In Episode 2 of the Engage Care Talent documentary - The Run - Rowan Marriott and Chris Le'cand-Harwood head out for an early morning run to talk about resilience, endurance, and why tackling the care talent crisis starts by taking action - even when it feels difficult. ✨ Watch Episode 1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL2E17lA10Y&t=4s✨ Subscribe to catch Episode 3 - The Meeting - where we reveal how we’re planning the future of Engaged Care Talenthttps://www.engagecaretalent.com/🎙 Explore our catalogue of nearly 20 episodes on: • Leadership in health & social care • Innovations transforming healthcare • Employer branding masterclasses • The economy’s impact on talent attraction & retention • Case studies and insights into what engages staff👉 Get access here: https://www.engagecaretalent.com/We’re also launching a true community for people passionate about solving the care talent crisis - early access will open soon for 20 people. Register your interest today https://www.engagecaretalent.com/

Ready to implement new workforce technology but worried about getting it right?We dive deep into the topic in part 2 of our 2-part series with Temployer - the flexible workforce management platform.It’s another great episode on Engage Care Talent - we’re solving the care talent crisis one conversation at a time.Hosts Chris Le’cand-Harwood and Rowan Marriott sit down with Mark Hily, from Cygnet, and Ben Benhafsi, from Temployer.Marc and Ben have worked closely for the last few years to roll out flexible workforce management technology at Cygnet. And it’s made a massive impact on the way they manage their flexible workforce.This isn’t just another tech conversation – it’s a masterclass in change management. Our guests reveal the exact steps they took to transform busy teams into engaged adopters, sharing real insights on overcoming implementation challenges and driving behavioural change.This saved Cygnet millions of pounds, but more importantly, it’s ensures quality care while making flexible workforce management more streamlined. What You’ll Learn• Proven strategies for getting staff engaged with new technology• Step-by-step change management approaches that actually work• How to overcome resistance and build buy-in across your organisation• Common implementation pitfalls and how to avoid them• The psychology behind successful technology adoption• Practical tips for managing behavioural change in the workplaceWhether you’re planning your first workforce management system rollout or looking to improve adoption of existing tools, Mark and Ben’s hard-won experience will save you months of trial and error.Guests: Mark Hily (Cygnet) & Ben Benhafsi (Temployer)https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-hily-23a1b465https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-benhafsi-13b04932/Hosts: Chris Le’cand-Harwood & Rowan Marriotthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislch/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowan-marriott-7791068/Don’t let poor implementation waste your technology investment – watch now for actionable advice and a real view into what it takes to make something happen.Subscribe to the Engage Care Talent Newsletter:https://www.engagecaretalent.com/

Go behind the scenes with founders Chris Le'cand-Harwood and Rowan Marriott as they spend time together recording the Engage Care Talent documentary. Over dinner, they share the why and what behind the mission of the Engage Care Talent - the place talk and learn about attracting, engaging and retaining talent in health and social care.🎬 This is Episode 1 of our 3-part documentary seriesSubscribe at www.engagecaretalent.com to access all episodes and exclusive conversations with our guests.Over dinner, we explore:✅ The personal motivations driving two founders to tackle healthcare's talent crisis✅ Why now is the crucial time to address healthcare talent challenges✅ How community building can transform talent acquisition and retention✅ What makes Engage Care Talent different✅ The vision for creating lasting change in health and social care✅ Building bridges between C-suite executives and frontline recruitersThis isn't your typical business meeting - it's an candid conversation between two founders who believe they can make a real difference. We're tackling the care talent crisis one conversation at a time, and this behind-the-scenes look shows you exactly how and why we're doing it.Whether you're a Chief Executive, HR Director, Talent Acquisition specialist, or anyone involved in healthcare staffing, this community is for you.About Engage Care TalentWe're building a community who are passionate about attracting and retaining talent in health and social care. To learn, share and support each other.Our mission is to create lasting change in how the healthcare sector approaches talent challenges.🔔 Subscribe at www.engagecaretalent.com for Episodes 2 & 3 of this documentary series💬 Share your thoughts in the comments🤝 Join our community of healthcare talent professionals#HealthcareTalent #NHS #TalentAcquisition #HealthcareRecruitment #CommunityBuilding #DocumentaryPodcast

Healthcare organisations are struggling with staffing complexities and skyrocketing agency costs. In this episode of Engage Care Talent, we dive deep into how innovative tech solutions are transforming workforce management in healthcare.It was great to get Ben Benhafsi from Temployer into the studio to chat about creating sustainable, flexible, and cost-effective staffing solutions that maintain high standards of patient care. Rowan Marriott [Co-Founder of Engage Care Talent] gets some unique insights into the world of workforce management, technology and the Temployer platform.What You'll Learn:✅ Why over-reliance on temporary agencies is hurting healthcare organisations✅ How to balance permanent staff satisfaction with flexible staffing needs✅ The tech framework that's optimising workforce management across multiple facilities✅ Compliance automation and invoicing efficiencies that save time and money✅ Real implementation strategies from organisations seeing remarkable resultsKey Takeaways:• Prioritise internal resources before turning to agency staff• Integration doesn't have to be overwhelming with the right partner• Compliance and cost control can work hand-in-hand• Technology can create value for organisations, employees, AND agenciesComing Up Next:In the next episode, Ben joins us again with Cygnet Group, where we'll explore their partnership with Temployer and the remarkable results implementing these workforce management solutions organisation-wide.**Subscribe** to get the next episode in your inbox https://www.engagecaretalent.com/ Connect with Ben:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-benhafsi-13b04932/Temployer Website: https://temployer.co/#ad

In this Engage Care Talent Mini episode, we're pulling back the curtain on our biggest expansion yet - taking Engage Care Talent from podcast conversations to real-world events.What you'll discover:• Why we're moving beyond just podcasting to build genuine community• The relief care professionals feel when they can finally get off Teams and meet face-to-face• How networking events can work WITHOUT being sales pitches• Our vision for regional events that actually serve care sector professionals• Why community building matters more than ever in solving the care talent crisisWhether you're in talent acquisition, care management, or anywhere in the care sector, this short episode reveals why we believe in-person connection is the missing piece in tackling the care talent crisis.Ready to be part of something bigger? Our first Engage Care Talent event is coming soon - and we can't wait to meet you in person.Connect with us:Follow Engage Care Talent for updates on our upcoming eventsShare this episode with someone in the care sector who needs to hear thisLet us know in the comments: What would you want from a care sector networking event?

The healthcare sector needs future proofing - and some organisations are breaking the cycle. Instead of constantly firefighting workforce challenges, they're building sustainable, future-ready teams.We were in the studio recently recording an episode all about workforce management technology. And it showed how important having sustainable systems is for organisations.So Chris and Row talked about it more in this super short episode.And we are producing a series on the topic.🔥 Coming Up in This Series:• HR Directors sharing retention strategies that actually work• Jasper from Love Work on immersive learning approaches• Chief Executives on strategic workforce transformation💬 Join the Conversation:Are you building a sustainable workforce in your healthcare organisation? Share your experiences in the comments below!📧 Get Involved:Want to be featured in upcoming episodes? Reach out to us - we're looking for healthcare leaders ready to share their sustainable workforce strategies.

There's been a lot going on at Engage Care Talent these past few months, and we have a catalogue of nearly 20 episodes for you to feast on!Chris and Row take some time out in their studios to look back at the most recent episodes that have landed on the podcast that's all about tackling the care talent crisis one conversation at a time.🎙️ Artificial Intelligence and Talent Acquisition - there's some real value in this episode packed full of tips about how to implement AI.🎙️If you have a people problem you have a leadership problem - get some practical advice for leaders who want high performing [and happy] teams🎙️We dive into the Government's plans for the NHS and what that means for TA and retention.🎙️Do employees really leave their managers?🎙️How to lead an effective Resourcing Team🎙️Behind the scenes of a nursing employer branding project🎙️A review of the economy and what that means for health and social care employers**And we give you a sneak peek about Engage Care Talent's plans for the next 12 months, and tell you about how exclusive Engage Care Talent Documentary!Subscribe for episodes, announcements and events direct to your inbox:https://www.engagecaretalent.com/

It’s important to channel our inner economist regularly - it’s important to understand the climate that your organisation works in, especially when it comes to health and social care. In this episode of Engage Care Talent, we dive deep into the UK's economic landscape with Julius Probst, European Labour Economist at Appcast. Julius shares valuable insights on how recent economic shifts are impacting recruitment in health and social care. Despite initial concerns about a continued recession, the UK economy has shown resilience. While job growth has been generally stagnant, the healthcare sector stands out as an exception, continuing to create new positions. We explore crucial topics including: The impact of the new Labour government's autumn budget on healthcare recruitment Current wage growth trends The effects of national insurance contribution changes on care homes and healthcare businesses Julius also discusses why healthcare remains a stable sector for employment despite economic uncertainties, offering valuable perspective for both employers and job seekers in the care sector. For more episodes like this, visit www.engagecaretalent.com and subscribe to receive new episodes directly in your inbox.

How do you run a successful Resourcing Team? Being a Resourcing Leader is a key function in Human Resources. And it has a fundamental impact on attracting and retaining talent. The role has its challenges, especially when you're hiring and onboarding thousands of people across mental health services. But it’s an exciting role that has a bottom line impact on organisations. In this episode, we chat with Ben Hopewell, Head of Resourcing at Cygnet. We explore how his career experiences have shaped his current role, and Ben shares invaluable insights on: ✅ How to lead a resourcing team ✅ Building the right team structure ✅ Navigating your first year as a Head of Resourcing ✅ Engaging with senior leaders ✅ Aligning recruitment with business objectives ✅ Behind the scenes of a nurse employer branding and recruitment campaign ✅ Defining and achieving success For more episodes like this, visit www.engagecaretalent.com and subscribe to receive new episodes directly in your inbox.

In this episode of Engage Care Talent, we explore the upcoming changes to the NHS. Labour has announced its largest NHS funding increase since 2010 (outside of COVID) with a £22.6 billion cash injection. Chris Le'cand-Harwood and Rowan Marriott discuss the highly anticipated ten-year NHS plan, set to launch in the spring. The plan features an open consultation with NHS staff, embracing a collaborative approach to developing solutions. Their discussion explores immediate priorities such as reducing waiting lists and improving staff salaries, while examining how these reforms will shape the future of the NHS. Chris and Rowan will be keeping an eye on the next few months in anticipation of the NHS Plan launch and invite guests to dive into it further. Subscribe for episodes direct to your inbox: https://www.engagecaretalent.com/

In this episode of Engage Care Talent, hosts Chris Le'cand-Harwood and Rowan Marriott sit down with Maureen "Mo" Brown, Co-Founder and CEO of MI-Say, to uncover the truth about employee retention. MI-Say is an employee listening platform that helps organisations understand and act on employee feedback. 🔍 We dispel common myths about employee turnover and explore evidence-based strategies for retaining top talent. This eye-opening conversation reveals what really drives employee decisions to stay or leave their organisations. Subscribe to get more episodes direct to your inbox: https://www.engagecaretalent.com/

Attracting the right people into health and social care is crucial, and retaining them is just as important. Poor leadership and people management can be devastating for an organization, especially affecting those who depend on its services. This becomes even more critical when caring for others. In this episode of Engage Care Talent, Chris and Rowan chat with Nathan East, Managing Director of Right at Home - Chichester & Bognor Regis. With his background in media and Indeed, he brings a valuable perspective to the podcast.

If you have a people problem, you have a leadership problem. Work overload, stress, frustration, and lack of motivation—these are all issues organisations tend to place on their staff's shoulders. In reality, the responsibility lies with leadership. In this episode of Engage Care Talent, Chris Le'cand-Harwood chats with Sean Hagger, Senior Consultant at Legitimate Leadership. They explore the myths surrounding leadership and motivation, discuss how great leadership impacts people within an organization, and examine what leaders can do to better serve their teams. This is a particularly important conversation given the challenges facing the NHS workforce and this institution's importance to the nation's health. While investment matters, is strong leadership the key to driving real change? Subscribe for episodes direct to your inbox: www.engagecaretalent.com

🏥 Join us for another insightful episode of Engage Care Talent as Dean Malpass returns to unpack the NHS Report and discuss the government's plans for the next 12-18 months. With the first Labour government in 14 years taking the helm, we dive deep into their quick response through the NHS Report and examine its implications for the future of healthcare. In this episode, we explore how the Autumn Budget and upcoming 10-Year NHS Plan will impact staff attraction and retention in one of the world's largest employers. Dean shares his expert analysis of the Darzi review and explains why radical change is necessary for the NHS's future. Subscribe to Engage Care Talent here https://www.engagecaretalent.com/ #HealthcareTalent #NHS #TalentAcquisition #Healthcare #CareersinHealthcare

How do you ensure you're providing the best candidate experience when it comes to attracting and retaining the right talent? Technology is the answer but only when done well. We managed to get Matt Alder on Engage Care Talent - he's a big authority when it comes to technology and talent acquisition. He has a well established podcast - Recruiting Future - which has over 650 episodes. And he's an author of books such as Digital Talent. And he's the person to talk to when it comes to demystifying AI. When TA teams have to do more with less, the candidate experience can fall by the wayside. But get it wrong at your peril - it can damage your reputation and put off the best talent from joining your organisation. This episode is for anyone who wants to use technology to help their TA teams, and their candidates.

What does it take to attract the right talent in health care? The secret behind successful recruitment is simple but it's not always easy to do. But we have the answer here for you in this episode of Engage Care Talent. We chat with Mark Williamson, a Founder and Director at Willing Care Recruitment. He set up his business because he knew there was a better way to help health care employers attract talent.

What does it take to change mental health care? And be a true innovator? In our healthcare innovators episode, we chat with Raf Hamaizia, Mental Health Campaigner & Group Expert By Experience Lead at Cygnet Health Care. Raf and his team work with service users to help influence the care they're given. He has an inspiring story and is a great example of having passion, purpose and an unwavering desire to change mental health care for the better.