A children’s hospice is flying the flag for Wiltshire after being named the UK’s ‘Best Charity to Work For’.

Julia’s House, which provides care for families of the most seriously ill children across Wiltshire and Dorset, was praised for its ‘compassion, care and excellence’ in the prestigious Best Companies Awards 2023. 

“The charity supports staff to be the best they can be in an emotionally demanding but immensely rewarding environment,” judges said.

As well as being the best UK charity to work for, Julia’s House was ranked 14th as one the best companies to work for across the nation and has consistently been in the top 100 for the last 15 years.

“Julia's House recognises that healthcare staff come under huge pressures, and there is a national shortage of nurses and carers,” said Martin Edwards, chief executive for Julia’s House.

“It is therefore vital to look after our staff to an exceptional standard and to be one of the best employers in the country. This directly affects the quality of care that the children and their families receive.

“We will continue to listen to and learn from our staff, adapt and evolve our work environment and share new and innovative ways of growing and supporting everyone. 

“We're only one of the best places to work because we have the best people,” he added.

Julia’s House children’s hospice employs 250 staff across Wiltshire and Dorset, who provide specialist care for nearly 200 families.

This includes care for the seriously ill child as well as family support and can be accessed in the family home, in the community, or at one of the charity’s two hospices in Devizes and Corfe Mullen.

Currently, around 80 per cent of the children supported by Julia’s House need two care team members present during their community sessions due to the complexity of their condition.

However, the charity relies almost entirely on donations to fund its lifeline of care for local families, as it only receives eight per cent of funding from the government.

“Our Best Companies to Work for Lists recognise and celebrate all of the organisations who are helping to make the world a better workplace,” said Jonathan Austin, CEO and founder of the Best Companies Awards.

“To make the Best Companies List is a remarkable accomplishment and Julia’s House children’s hospice should be proud of all that they have achieved this year.”