Last updated: May 2026
Under section 172(1) of the Companies Act 2006, the directors of Sapling & Stone Care Ltd must act in the way they consider, in good faith, would most likely promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole - while having regard to the long-term consequences of their decisions, the interests of employees, the company's relationships with others, its impact on the community and the environment, the desirability of maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct, and the need to act fairly between members.
For a children's care provider, "success" is inseparable from the wellbeing of the young people we look after. This statement explains how we approach that duty in practice.
01.Long-term consequences
The Board takes a long-term, sustainable view of growth. We open homes only when we are confident in our ability to recruit, train and retain a skilled team for them, and we resist short-term decisions that would compromise the quality or stability of care for the young people we serve. Strategic decisions - including the pace of expansion, investment in therapeutic infrastructure, and pricing - are tested against the long-term outcomes they are likely to deliver for young people.
02.Our young people
Although young people are not formally listed as a stakeholder group under section 172, they are the primary focus of every Board decision. We seek and act on their feedback through key-work, advocacy partnerships, the Children's Guide, and independent visitor reports. Their views shape everything from staffing and shift patterns to the design of our homes and the activities we fund.
03.Our employees
Our people are the difference between a good home and an exceptional one. The Board invests in sector-leading pay and benefits, paid learning time, fully funded qualifications, reflective supervision, and a transparent progression framework. Staff voice reaches the Board through engagement surveys, listening sessions and direct dialogue with Operations.
04.Commissioners and partners
We work in close partnership with placing authorities, virtual schools, CAMHS, health partners, the police and our therapeutic partners. We hold ourselves to transparent communication, evidence-based reporting and honest conversations when things do not go to plan. The Board reviews placement stability, partnership feedback and complaints at every meeting.
05.Community and environment
Our homes are part of the communities they sit in. We engage with neighbours, schools and local services before and after opening, and contribute positively through employment, training opportunities and community projects involving our young people. We are mindful of our environmental footprint - particularly in property, transport and procurement - and seek practical improvements year on year.
06.Reputation and standards
Maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct is essential in a regulated, child-facing sector. The Board upholds the standards set out in our Ethical Conduct Policy, our Safeguarding framework and our Modern Slavery Statement, and welcomes inspection by Ofsted as a vital check on our practice.
07.Fairness between members
The Board acts fairly between shareholders, ensuring that strategic, financial and governance decisions are taken transparently, recorded clearly, and communicated consistently to all members.
08.How we make decisions
The Board uses a consistent framework when taking material decisions:
- Impact on young people - what does this mean for their safety, stability and outcomes?
- Impact on our team - does this support or undermine the people delivering care?
- Regulatory and ethical alignment - does this meet, exceed or risk our standards?
- Long-term sustainability - is this a decision we will still be proud of in five years?
- Voice and evidence - have we genuinely heard from those affected before deciding?
Where the right decision for young people involves a short-term financial trade-off, the Board has consistently chosen the young person.
Questions about this policy?
We're always happy to talk things through. Get in touch and a member of our team will respond personally.
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