What began as an unexpected first job at the age of 15 has grown into a 40-year career in care, built on a commitment to supporting residents, families and colleagues for Home Manager Marina King at Chesham Leys.
After leaving school at 15 and a half, Marina was unsure what to do next when an opportunity came up at a small dementia care home in her village. She spent 18 months there, learning about caring for others and discovering just how rewarding the work could be.
When the home closed, she was too young to work for Social Services, she took a job in local retail until turning 18. Keen to return to care, she then applied for her first care position at Chesham Leys.
The role marked the beginning of a career that would see Marina progress from Carer to Senior Carer at 24, then Deputy Home Manager and eventually Home Manager.
In 2014, Marina became Chesham Leys Deputy Manager, taking on the new challenge of moving from a residential home into a nursing home setting. After stepping up as acting Manager for several months in 2018, Marina became Registered Manager in 2019 and has continued in the role ever since.
Alongside leading Chesham Leys, Marina has also supported other homes and services across the organisation, sharing her knowledge and experience with colleagues.
Reflecting on four decades in care, Marina said:
“I can honestly say that I have always enjoyed working in care. What I find most rewarding is being able to support residents, their relatives and the team who work so hard to provide the best possible care.”
Marina’s approach to leadership has remained rooted in the same values she discovered in their first role: making sure people feel safe, respected and supported.
“My main aim has always been to ensure that residents live in a safe, welcoming and homely environment, where they feel valued, respected and well cared for. I believe it is just as important to support the team, creating an environment where people feel encouraged, valued and able to make a real difference.”
Looking back on how it all began, Marina added:
“From leaving school unsure of what I wanted to do, to becoming a Registered Manager with over 40 years of experience, I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a career that I have found so rewarding. Care has been such a big part of my life, and I am proud of the journey I have taken.”
What started as an opportunity at a small village care home has become a lifelong career, with 40 years at The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) helping residents feel at home and supporting colleagues to deliver the best possible care.