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We have some fantastic news to share – Robert Harvey House has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The latest CQC assessment is a wonderful recognition of the hard work, care and commitment of General Manager Anthea Reid and the whole team at our Handsworth Wood nursing home.
Robert Harvey House received an Outstanding overall rating, with Outstanding ratings for Responsive and Well-led, and Good ratings for Safe, Effective and Caring.
But behind those ratings is something even more important: a picture of a home where residents are known as individuals, families are listened to and staff are always looking for ways to make life better.
One of the things that really stands out in the CQC report is how well the team knows the people who live at Robert Harvey House.
Care is shaped around each resident’s individual needs, wishes and abilities, with residents and their families encouraged to be involved in decisions.
The CQC shared the example of a resident who arrived at Robert Harvey House following a critical illness and was expected to need long-term nursing care. The resident, however, wanted to regain their independence.
The team worked with them, their family and healthcare professionals to help make that possible. With nursing care, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and encouragement, the resident progressed from needing full support with mobility and personal care to becoming independent and eventually moving into assisted living.
It is a lovely example of the team's approach: looking at what someone can achieve and helping them get there.
We were also particularly pleased that the CQC recognised BCOP's Home for Life commitment.
A nursing home isn't simply somewhere that provides care. For our residents, it is their home.
If someone's financial circumstances change, BCOP works with the resident, their family, local authorities and other organisations to try to find a solution that enables them to stay in the home they know, surrounded by familiar people.
This can be especially important for someone living with dementia, frailty or complex health needs, for whom an unwanted move could be particularly distressing.
The CQC highlighted this as a distinctive approach which puts people ahead of processes.
Family life is important at Robert Harvey House too.
One of the initiatives highlighted by inspectors was the use of personalised printed family newsletters. Families can share photographs, messages and everyday news electronically, which are then brought together in a printed newsletter for their relative to enjoy.
For residents who don't use smartphones, social media or other digital technology, this provides a simple and enjoyable way to keep up with family life. Photographs and stories can also prompt conversations and memories, particularly for people living with dementia.
The CQC assessment also recognised the home's approach to palliative and end-of-life care.
At Robert Harvey House, this is very much a whole-team effort. Nurses and carers are supported by colleagues working in catering, activities, domestic, laundry and maintenance roles, with everyone understanding the part they can play in providing comfort, dignity and support to residents and their families.It has already been an exceptional year for the team, with Robert Harvey House named Palliative Residential Care Provider at the national Palliative Care Awards 2026.
The home is now also working towards Gold Standards Framework accreditation for its end-of-life care.
Another important part of the CQC assessment was the way Robert Harvey House looks beyond the home itself, building relationships with healthcare professionals, hospices, universities, schools, charities and research organisations.
The home participates in the ENRICH research network and was one of only 91 care homes in England selected to participate in the NIHR AFRI-c Study, led by the University of Bristol and Bristol Trials Centre.
There are also strong links with local schools, bringing different generations together and helping residents remain connected with the wider community.
All of this contributes to a culture where staff continue to learn, try new ideas and look for ways to improve residents' experiences.
The CQC described leadership at Robert Harvey House as “exceptional and distinctive”, while residents and relatives spoke positively about the management team and staff said they felt valued and supported.
Anthea Reid, General Manager at Robert Harvey House, said: “This Outstanding rating belongs to the whole Robert Harvey House team. Every member of staff contributes to making this a home where people are known as individuals, their choices matter and families can feel confident their loved ones are receiving compassionate, personalised care.
“Our residents and their families are at the heart of Robert Harvey House and we are enormously proud that this has been reflected in the CQC’s findings.”
Helen Gore, CEO at BCOP, added: “Achieving an Outstanding CQC rating is a tremendous accomplishment and wonderful recognition of Anthea and the entire Robert Harvey House team.
“As BCOP celebrates its 80th anniversary, it is particularly fitting to see our longstanding values recognised in such an important independent assessment. We are immensely proud of everyone at Robert Harvey House.”
Perhaps one of the nicest descriptions in the whole assessment came from the CQC itself, which described Robert Harvey House as a “warm and welcoming home.”
For those who live and work there, and the families who visit, that may be the most important accolade of all.
Congratulations to Anthea and the entire Robert Harvey House team – an Outstanding achievement and one of which everyone at BCOP can be very proud.
Read the full CQC report, published on 24th September 26 here.