February

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has raised concerns about the leadership at Cygnet Health Care, the firm at the centre of a BBC expose over allegations of abuse at a mental health hospital.

The BBC's Panorama programme, broadcast in May 2019, filmed undercover at County Durham's learning disabilities unit Whorlton Hall, run by Cygnet Health Care.

The CQC followed this up with a probe into the firm's management. The firm said it was addressing concerns that had been raised.

The BBC now reports that the CQC found patients under the firm's care were more likely to be restrained.

Higher rates of self-harm were also noted by inspectors who quizzed managers and analysed records at the company's headquarters.

Cygnet runs more than 100 services for vulnerable adults and children, caring for people with mental health problems, learning disabilities and eating disorders.

CQC's findings

The regulator found a lack of clear lines of accountability between the executive team and its services. It said directors' identity and disclosure and barring service checks had been carried out.

But it said that required checks had not been made to ensure that directors and board members met the "fit and proper" person test for their roles.

Systems used to manage risk were also criticised, while training for intermediate life support was not provided to all relevant staff across services where physical intervention or rapid tranquilisation was used.

owever, the CQC did say that the senior leadership team was responding to concerns, and pointed out that most services run by the provider were rated as good with some as outstanding.

Cygnet said it was taking steps to improve services, but added it was "not complacent" and would "take on board" the recommendations.

A spokeswoman added: "We treat some of the most acute patients that other providers may not be able or willing to support.

"We always aim to de-escalate and advocate least restrictive practices in line with current good practice guidelines."

The unit at the centre of the BBC allegations has been closed. While it was privately run, it was NHS-funded.
 

Verifile's founder and CEO, Eyal Ben Cohen, has been officially named as Cranfield School of Management’s Entrepreneur Alumnus of the Year 2020, in a ceremony for their alumni awards at The Royal Society, London on 30 January.

The Cranfield School of Management’s annual alumni awards recognise special achievements and contributions of alumni, providing Cranfield with an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those who exemplify the values of the school.

Eyal graduated with an MBA from the school in 2004. His idea for a background screening company was researched during his time there and later used as his basis for Verifile. 

Almost 16 years later and speaking at the ceremony, Eyal Ben Cohen said: “If my story can help or inspire students to look at a Cranfield MBA through a different lens, create a business, and employ people, that would be something that I would feel really proud of.”



Reflecting on the award after the ceremony, Eyal added: “Cranfield is where my Verifile journey began in earnest. With the support of my lecturers and fellow students, a business plan began to take shape as I worked towards my MBA.

“It’s a place that provided me with access to everything an aspiring entrepreneur could hope for, including a strong network, client introductions, investment capital, research resources, and an office.”

Explaining their decision to hand Eyal the award, James Pagliaro, Senior Development Manager at Cranfield University, said: “Eyal set about developing his idea for Verifile while studying for his MBA at Cranfield.

"Since then, Verifile has shown excellent growth in turnover, profits, product and geographical reach. Furthermore, the company also implements socially responsible employment practices to recruit and retain staff, benefitting the local economy.

“Importantly, Eyal’s vision gives other businesses peace of mind and confidence when hiring new employees; in a world where good people are key to a company’s success – this is integral. It is for this reason, that we are delighted to announce that Eyal is the winner of this year’s Entrepreneur Alumnus of the Year Award.”

The announcement of the award from Cranfield comes hot on the heels of Eyal being named ‘Outstanding Entrepreneur 2019’ at the Global Business Excellence Awards.

The Global Business Excellence Awards are one of the world’s highest profile awards and winning this accolade speaks volumes about the quality of the winning individuals and companies.

Due to their high profile, the Awards attract a wide range of entries from across the world, from large international PLCs and public sector organisations to dynamic and innovative SMEs.

It’s been a fantastic 12 months for Verifile. In May 2019 the company picked up a prestigious Queen’s Award for International Trade, the first background screening company to do so.

Various other awards were also collected, including the National SME Business Award for ‘Best Enterprising Business’, ‘Bedford Business of the Year’ and ‘Best Enterprising Business – Luton and Bedfordshire’.

Verifile were also shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Use of Technology’ in the Investors in People Awards.

But, Eyal said this award, and others, aren’t just for him “This award really is for every one of us working at Verifile,” he added.

“While I may have come up with the idea and while I may be behind most of the decisions, without the teams here I would not have been considered. It is they who get on and get the job done, they who deliver the quality products and services, they make me proud.”