I’m currently a Peripatetic Operations Manager, to support 25 homes in the South Division. My role is all about supporting homes to improve standards and achieve compliance, but at its heart it’s about making sure residents receive the very best care every single day.

My journey with OSJCT began back in May 2004 when I joined as a bank night carer. At the time, I wasn’t sure if care would be the right path for me – I’d worked in pubs beforehand and this felt like a very different world. But over the years, I’ve been given opportunities to grow and develop through a variety of roles: Activities Co-ordinator, Carer, Care Leader, Head of Care, Home Manager and now Operations Manager. Along the way, I’ve worked with inspiring mentors who encouraged me to learn, stretch myself and always keep an open mind.

One moment that stands out to me was about three years into my career. I was moving to a new home, and in my leaving card, my Home Manager wrote that she looked forward to seeing me as a Home Manager one day. Those words lit a spark in me. They made me realise that care isn’t  just a job – it is a profession and one where I could truly build a career.

Through this journey, I’ve developed so many skills that I never expected, from leadership and management to HR and finance. No matter how much my role has grown, residents have always stayed at the heart of everything I do. The highlight of my day is still making a difference in a positive way.

I feel extremely proud of what I’ve achieved so far. One of my proudest moments was receiving a Silver Medal of Merit –which was made even more special because I had been nominated by someone I greatly admire. Beyond awards, what matters most to me are the bonds I’ve built with residents and families. A simple smile, a shared laugh, or even a small tradition like bringing a donut to a resident every week, those moments of joy and connection are priceless. I’ll never forget returning to a home after a secondment and seeing one resident’s face light up with surprise when I walked in with his usual donut. He hugged me and proudly introduced me to new people in the home. It was a reminder of how meaningful those relationships are.

If I could say one thing to anyone thinking about a career in social care, it would be this: you really can make a difference. You’ll meet the most amazing people – residents, families and colleagues – and while there are tough days, the good moments always outweigh the challenges. Care is not just a job, it’s a vocation and a profession that changes lives, including your own.

Celebrating Professional Care Workers’ Week

This week, we join The Care Workers Charity in shining a well-deserved spotlight on Professional Care Workers’ Week (12 – 19 September 2025) - a special week dedicated to honouring and raising awareness of the vital role care professionals play in UK communities.

At OSJCT, we extend our thanks to every colleague – in all roles. Each one is essential to delivering the high-quality care and support our residents and community members rely on. Our colleagues’ commitment and compassion are the foundation of who we are as an organisation.

To mark this important week, we are celebrating with small gatherings and moments of recognition across our services and offices. Most excitingly, we’ll be sharing personal stories from colleagues who have built their careers in care. These narratives are powerful reminders that, although care work can be challenging, it offers immense professional growth, reward, and purpose.

By participating in Professional Care Workers’ Week, we’re supporting the Care Workers Charity’s mission to highlight the professionalism, skill and dedication that define the care sector. Through these stories we are offering a glimpse into the passion and expertise that make care work not just a job, but a meaningful and skilled career.