Tell us about your experience working in the care sector.

I have worked in the care industry for 18 years having initially joined OSJCT as a carer at Mayott House (now an ECH scheme) when I was 20. I was then promoted to Assistant Manager at the age of 21, which made me the youngest in the county at that time. I then became Head of Care, and after this I moved into the role of Home Manager at another OSJCT care home.

I later joined the training department for Health and Social Care but because I missed working in a care environment I re-joined The Orders of St John Care Trust in July 2018 when I became Home Manager at Townsend House in Oxford.

What care-related qualifications do you hold?

I hold a Registered Manager Award, Health and Social Care level 4 and a certificate in counselling.

What does a day at work look like for you?

Typically, I begin my day by walking around the home, making notes and chatting with the residents. I meet with the heads of departments on a daily basis to discuss the day ahead and highlight any priorities or appointments.

Dorte (left) with Head of Care, Monika.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

I feel that every part of my role is equally rewarding, and I particularly love talking to the residents, making sure they are happy, safe and well taken care of.

Is there any particular memory that stands out from your time working at OSJCT?

I have two particularly fond memories of my time with OSJCT. The first was at Mayott House where I helped a resident fulfil a lifelong ambition of flying in a plane. The second was when I arranged for a resident at Townsend, who used to work on the railway, to go first class on the train to Dawlish in Devon for the day.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, my husband and I help our neighbour by doing her gardening and taking her dog out for walks. I also have a love of pets, ballroom dancing and travelling in my campervan.