We’re excited to welcome Medway Intermediate Care and Reablement Service
Joining our team means you will be a part of one of the UK’s largest community health and care providers with a 15+ year history of partnering with communities, health and care organisations and the voluntary and charity sectors.
Who this site is for
This microsite is for Medway Community Health colleagues joining HCRG Care Group in October 2026 as part of the Intermediate Care and Reablement Service (ICRS). This Welcome Portal is not for MCH colleagues that will be joining Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust. If you’re in the wrong place and want to learn more about the merger of MCH and KCHFT, click here.
Welcome from Debbie Lindon-Taylor
Watch: Welcome and introduction from Debbie Lindon-Taylor, Managing Director of Adult Community Health Services
We’re delighted to welcome you to HCRG Care Group as we prepare to launch Medway’s new Intermediate Care and Reablement Service (ICRS) on 1 October 2026. Following a competitive procurement process led by Medway Council, we’ve been awarded the contract to deliver this essential service for people across Medway.
This marks an important milestone for us – and for you. Your experience, skills and commitment are critical to the success of this service and to ensuring continuity of high-quality care for the people and communities we serve.
Why this matters
This new service represents a major step forward in how care is delivered across Medway. By bringing together intermediate care and reablement into a single, integrated model, we have a real opportunity to improve outcomes, reduce hospital stays, and support more people to live independently at home.
HCRG Care Group has an established presence across Kent and Medway and a strong track record in delivering high-quality adult community health and reablement services. We currently provide services across Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Swale, and are proud to build on that experience in Medway as part of a wider system partnership.
What you can expect
Between now and October 2026, we’ll be working closely with Medway Council, NHS partners, and the current provider to ensure a smooth and supportive transition. Our focus will be on maintaining continuity of care while identifying opportunities to strengthen and evolve the service.
Some of the key developments planned include:
- A fully integrated service model combining home-based and bedded reablement pathways into one cohesive offer
- A strong Home First approach, supporting people to recover and regain independence in their own homes wherever possible
- Closer partnership working across health, social care, and the voluntary and community sector
- Enhanced support for hospital discharge, including strengthened care transfer hub working
- Expanded service scope, including specialist pathways such as bariatric and non-weight-bearing care
- A focus on data, outcomes and continuous improvement to drive quality and innovation
Your role in this journey
We know that the success of this service depends on the people delivering it. That’s why we’re committed to supporting you through the transition and beyond – through clear communication, opportunities for development, and a shared commitment to delivering person-centred care.
We also recognise the expertise and local knowledge you bring. Your insights will be vital in shaping a service that meets the needs of Medway’s communities and delivers the best possible outcomes for the people we support.
We’re genuinely excited to have you on board and look forward to working together to build a service that promotes independence, supports recovery, and makes a meaningful difference every day.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about what’s ahead, we’re here to help.
Transfer timeline
While many of you will have been through a transfer process before, it’s helpful to know what to expect. We’ll add more detail over the coming weeks, as we begin conversations with your current employer and the commissioners.
Announcement
Following the end of the procurement process, the outcome is announced by commissioners.
The coming months: Mobilisation
We'll work with you, your current employer, and with commissioners to work through the transfer process. This includes the TUPE transfer process and lots of engagement with you.
1 October: Safe transfer
This is when the service is due to go live under the new contract. The focus here is ensuring services safely continue uninterrupted.
TUPE: Step by step
TUPE, short for Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations is UK employment law that safeguards the rights of employees when the business or undertaking they work for transfers to a new employer. The law ensures that terms and conditions (T&Cs) of employment are protected after the transfer, providing a job security during uncertain times.
Notification
The affected workforce is notified of the award of a contract to us. This includes the reasons for the award, proposed transfer date and any implications.
Measures letter
The affected workforce receives a ‘measures letter’ via the current employer, providing information on ‘measures’ (changes) that we might want to take after the transfer; this will include changes to policies, pay dates, alignment of job titles, base locations, and so on.
Joint consultation
A group consultation meeting is held with the affected workforce by both the current and new employer to discuss the Measures Letter in detail and answer any questions. The outgoing provider will also appoint a representative, or let us know of any union representatives, to help ensure you have a single channel of communication alongside this platform.
FAQs
After any engagement or consultation event, or receipt of your questions, we’ll update the FAQ section on this site to provide answers that everyone might find useful.
Transfer day
On transfer date, affected colleagues’ employment will automatically transfer – but it will be business as usual in operating your service.
Transition
Following the transfer, there will be a transition onto new systems over a few weeks and we will provide additional support.
Your questions, answered
Will access to EPR continue upon transfer?
HCRG Care Group use EMIS as their clinical electronic patient record system (EPR), and patient records like name, address, appointments will be held on EMIS. The patient records that are currently on RIO will be transferred across to EMIS and staff will have access to those. Full training will be provided, with training dates in advance, materials, and additional on-site support at go live. There is no plan to continue access to the MCH system, RIO, after transfer.
Will Administrative Colleagues have a uniform?
No. Administrative colleagues will not be issued a uniform. However, colleagues are expected to wear their ID badge at all times and follow the standards set out in our Uniform Policy for Non-Uniformed Colleagues. This includes maintaining a professional appearance, with business casual or smart attire appropriate to their role and interactions with service users.
Will Administrative Colleagues have the opportunity to work from home on a hybrid basis?
Yes. We support flexible working across our organisation where service needs allow. Administrative colleagues will generally be expected to work from their designated base location, however managers may agree occasional home working arrangements where appropriate to support a healthy work-life balance.
Will Administrative Colleagues be issued equipment to support Home Working?
Not ordinarily. Administrative colleagues will generally be expected to work from their designated base location and therefore will not routinely be provided with home-working equipment. However, where home working has been agreed, including as a reasonable adjustment, appropriate equipment, such as a laptop, may be provided to support colleagues in carrying out their role.
Is HCRG Care Group planning to open a base location in Medway?
We do not currently have a base location in the Medway locality. We recognise this has been an important topic throughout consultation and understand the impact on colleagues. For the purposes of the TUPE transfer, base locations remain as set out in the measures letter. However, we are actively exploring potential estate options in the area.
Will Administrative Colleagues continue to support solely the ICRS Service, or will there be a requirement to support other services?
Initially admin colleagues will support just the ICRS service, however, as the service settles in and evolves this could include supporting CTCH only.
What hours will Administrative Colleagues work?
Working hours will be between 8am-5pm. Rota’d to cover weekend at 9am-5pm.
Will my monthly pay date change?
Your payday with HCRG Care Group will be the 26th of each month, or if it falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the closest working day before.
Will my outstanding annual leave transfer with me?
Yes, we will endeavour to carry over any outstanding annual leave on transfer – this is dependent on MCH providing us with detail of your outstanding entitlement on transfer. We highly recommend that colleagues take annual leave as normal prior to transfer.
Which holiday year does HCRG Care Group operate?
We operate an April-March Annual Leave year.
Will my future annual leave be honoured on transfer?
Yes, we will ensure that your future annual leave is honoured, provided this has been booked and approved prior to transfer.
Will I retain access to NHS Pension?
Yes, all colleagues will retain access to NHS Pension. Where a colleague is not enrolled into a pension scheme, or is enrolled into an alternative scheme, they will be automatically enrolled into NHS Pension.
Will job titles or job descriptions change following transfer?
There may be a requirement to review job titles across our wider service post-transfer. Colleagues will transfer on their current job descriptions and job titles. Any future changes would be discussed through the appropriate consultation process.
Will my contractual work base change?
Your contractual base will change on transfer and further detail will be provided on this through measures and consultation, this is due to HCRG Care Group’s estates model being seperate to MCH’s. Where eligible, Reserve Mileage will apply in line with Agenda for Change terms and conditions.
Can home be used as a contractual base for mileage and expense claims?
No. A contractual work base is required for mileage and expense claims.
What mileage and travel expenses can I claim?
Mileage and travel arrangements will remain in line with Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions.
Will my continuous service be protected?
Yes. Your continuous service will transfer with you and remain fully protected.
Will my annual leave entitlement be affected by the transfer?
No. Your annual leave entitlement, including any service-based enhancements, will be protected.
Will my current working pattern or flexible working arrangements be affected?
There will be a reqirement to adjust rotas to effectively meet service needs, however we are a flexible-first employer, and will discuss any proposed changes with you throughout the consultation process. It is important that we develop a shift rota together with you that meets the needs of the service, and a to enable a suitable work-life balance.
Will existing apprenticeships continue following transfer?
Yes. Existing apprenticeships will continue and remain fully supported.
What apprenticeship and development opportunities are available?
We offer a wide range of apprenticeship and development opportunities to support career growth at all levels. These opportunities will be discussed throughout consultation and are available to view post-transfer via our learning platform, MyLearning.
When will I receive new IT equipment and access to systems?
We are currently finalising plans to distribute IT Equipment and will ensure colleagues receive the equipment, access and support they need for transfer.
How can I access IT support following transfer?
Dedicated support will be available during transfer, with ongoing assistance provided through our IT Service Desk.
Will there be any changes to uniforms?
If your current uniform is branded, or worn and in need of replacement, we will work with you throughout the transfer process to collect sizes and place an order for new uniform.
How do bank-only colleagues access and book bank shifts?
Bank shifts can be booked through our roster system, available via mobile app and web browser.
Will Standalone Bank Roles Transfer?
No, colleagues who are bank-only do not automatically transfer under TUPE. However, we are committed to providing continuity for the current Bank, and understand their value within the service. Bank-only colleagues can sign up to HCRG Care Group’s Bank via the form at the top of this Welcome Portal.
Will additional Bank Roles transfer?
Additional Bank roles are unfortunately not eligible to transfer under TUPE. However, colleagues who are substantive with an additional bank role can continue to work additional hours should they be available, and these can be claimed as additional hours through our HR System, iTrent.
What pay rates and enhancements apply to bank workers?
Bank pay rates and enhancements will be shared with colleagues during the onboarding process. These fall in line with our standard bank rates.
Will service operating hours change following transfer?
No, standard service operating hours will not change on transfer. They will remain as they currently are, 7am-10pm and we will develop a shift rota, together with you, to make sure that the service is well supported during those hours.
Will there be any changes to equipment storage or access arrangements?
We recognise that there are currently satellite arrangements for equipment storage across the Medway Area. We intend to continue this arrangement, however due to estates limitations, locations are likely to change upon transfer. We are working to identify appropriate locations and will keep colleagues up to date on this.
Will there be any changes to the way services are delivered?
Yes, we are required to make adjustments to the current service delivery model, as directed by our commissioners, to ensure that the service operates effectively and that we continue providing the excellent care that you have been providing moving forward. However, fundamentally, the service remains as a home-first and therapy support service moving support into current bedded homes. We will be providing details of any changes to service delivery throughout the consultation process.
Will roles, responsibilities, or ways of working change following transfer?
Not ordinarily, all colleagues will continue working to their current responsibilities. However, there may be changes required to ways of working due to our systems and service delivery model. This will be detailed in measures and throughout the consultation process.
What will happen to my NHS.net email account?
Your NHSmail account will transfer with you. In addition, you will be provided with a new @hcrgcaregroup.com email address.
Please note that while your NHSmail account itself will transfer, the contents of your mailbox (including emails and stored items) may not automatically move across with you. To avoid losing access to any important information, we recommend that you forward or save any essential emails, documents, or attachments to your new @hcrgcaregroup.com email account before the transfer takes place.
If you are unsure whether any information needs to be retained, we recommend erring on the side of caution and ensuring all important documents are saved in advance.
Ask a question
If you have any questions or concerns that you’d like us to address, please let us know using the form below and we’ll aim to answer them and publish them on this welcome portal swiftly. If the question relates to your current employer, we may not be able to provide an answer now, but will ensure that we raise these concerns with them directly.
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