In the first of our case management focus features, we meet Beacon Case Management, which has recently celebrated its first anniversary, and learn about its significant growth in a short period of time
Tell us when and why Beacon Case Management was established.
Beacon Case Management was established in September 2020. Sophie Benko-Jones decided to set up her own case management company after 10 years working in the field as a case manager.
Her ambition from the outset was to provide skilled, dedicated and passionate case management services to her clients. Sophie decided to start the company whilst reflecting on her career and onward journey whilst on maternity leave during lockdown, this time gave her the opportunity to reflect and focus on her desire to be part of a local and close knit team.
How has the business developed since?
Having started working by herself, Sophie quickly gained the support of her trusted contacts in the legal field and quickly built a caseload of her own. She then hired Rachel Wilkinson to provide business support and administration.
Sophie focused on Beacon Case Management’s CQC registration, which was a huge success (after a 5 hour interview)!! She then had numerous requests from case managers wanting to join the team. Sophie recruited case managers who fit with her values and ethos, with the much needed clinical experience to allow for excellent case management skills.
First came Melanie, a wonderfully warm and likeable case manager with experience as an Occupational Therapist and Case Manager. Melanie joined the team and covers North Wales, an area of much need for case managers.
Then came Elaine, a previous colleague of Sophie’s, with her vast experience as a neuro physiotherapist, Elaine covers the North West and brings excellent organisational skills and confidence in all aspects of her work.
As the business flourished, we then attracted Rachel Gannon, a highly experienced Case Manager covering the North West and who also practises as an expert witness. Rachel has extensive experience in litigation and managing complex care teams.
With this growth, came the need for a compliance manager and extra administration. Sophie recruited Sally Gregson, with a background in managing busy GP practises, who brings a calm approach to processes and clinical auditing to the team.
In order to provide exceptional clinical oversight to our clients, Sophie identified the need for a Nurse Case Manager. Sophie then recruited Christy Simpson, who is an experience LD Nurse with many years of experience managing complex care and practising within the MCA. Christy is working alongside Sally to provide a gold standard of clinical compliance across our cases. Christy is also building her reputation and skills in case management, being mentored by Sophie.
As the referrals keep coming in – hoorah! – Sophie recruited Alex Murphy, who has had her eye on case management for a number of years, Alex is a passionate and enthusiastic Case Manager with experience as an Occupational Therapist with experience setting up her own care provider company.
Growth within the first year was quick, to meet the need of our referral intake, and the next year is going to focus on high quality and providing a steady service for our clients.
How did the team respond to the significant challenges of COVID-19?
Our team works and will continue to work with a mixture of client facing and virtual case management. We did not utilise virtual-only, as many of our clients did not want this type of contact, we were creative and resourceful using PPE and outdoor space when possible.
We will continue to use technology when appropriate, however we are very pleased that client facing work is becoming the norm again.
What are your priorities going forward?
Moving forward, our priorities are to focus on our clients’ needs, as well as ensuring that our case managers are fully supported and well equipped with first-class knowledge and skills to provide the very best case management for our clients.
Our team also plans to continue to build links with other independent case management companies, sharing best practise and support within the industry. Sophie has been asked to participate in the Institute of Registered Case Managers’ marketing team, something we are looking forward to seeing being developed.
What does the long-term future look like for Beacon Case Management?
The future for Beacon Case Management is to remain a stable and close-knit team with clients who are confident and happy in the service they are being provided with.
We are aiming to upskill our team in various clinical expertise including leadership and management and the best interest assessment processes.
We wish to set the gold standard for case management and promote positive working relationships with other independent case management companies.
