Good flexible working policies - Anonymous employee Care Inspectorate Employee Review

Some supportive colleagues. Pension and annual leave provisions are in line with other public sector bodies.

The overall working style is extremely old-fashioned and blinkered, with little appetite for innovation or new ideas. There is a persistent negative and blame-centric culture, especially among senior management and programme leads, leaving staff reluctant to take initiative or speak up when issues arise. Employees are not trusted, leading to frequent micromanagement; autonomy is discouraged, and constructive challenge is rarely welcomed. Organisational processes, even for basic or routine tasks, are unclear or inconsistent, resulting in confusion and wasted effort. Most work is done “by committee,” resulting in slow decision-making and lack of clear ownership. Overbearing behaviour from senior management is common, with a strong emphasis on bureaucracy and rigid adherence to established (often outdated) processes over practical solutions. The staff induction was poor, leaving new starters unsupported and confused about expectations. Flexible working is more veneer than substance, with staff unable to access key office locations like Edinburgh despite promises of flexibility. Management routinely shows little consideration for employees’ individual circumstances, and seems prepared to ignore established HR and performance procedures if inconvenient.

They have documented values of person-centeredness, fairness, respect, integrity, efficiency, and equality,

Despite professing values of person-centeredness, fairness, respect, integrity, efficiency, and equality, this employer embodies toxicity. The executive director and senior management disseminate toxicity. The management team listens but takes no action against documented evidence of unrealistic demands, bullying, and lying. Their conduct is a betrayal of trust, undermining morale and tarnishing the workplace culture. Despite their lofty rhetoric, their actions reveal a disregard for the well-being of their staff, fostering an environment of fear and resentment. This employer's hypocrisy stains their reputation and contradicts the very values they claim to espouse.