My time at St Bart’s was marked by a lack of accountability, poor leadership, and ineffective communication, which undermined both staff wellbeing and the organisation’s ability to fulfil its mission of supporting vulnerable people.The good thingsWhile my personal experience working at St Bart’s was not positive, I continue to believe that the concept and mission of supporting the homeless and vulnerable is a brilliant one — if implemented effectively and with the right leadership and culture.
The challengesI observed serious systemic issues during my time at St Bart’s. Consumers engaging in drug use or prostitution often faced no meaningful consequences, creating risks for staff and other residents. At the same time, upper management demonstrated a domineering and archaic approach to leadership, characterised by poor communication and an unwillingness to address matters outside what they considered their immediate remit. This culture of turning a blind eye to critical issues undermined both staff morale and the organisation’s mission to provide safe, supportive care.