Throughout November we are celebrating ‘Career Development Month’ – showcasing some of our wonderful staff across Potens and hearing the stories of their career progression journey within the care sector. Here we meet Sue who is the Registered Manager of The Barn residential service in Lancashire.
Sue said: “I started working at The Barn in Lancashire as a support worker back in 2012. The manager at the time felt I showed potential and I got the opportunity to act up as a temporary senior to cover sickness. I was encouraged and supported to complete my NVQ level 3 which is a supervisory qualification in social care.
Around a year later the position came up permanently and I applied and was successful. Around this time I completed a short course with the skills network in team leading as I knew I wanted to continue to progress in social care with Potens.
In 2017 an opportunity came up for me to cover maternity leave for the Registered Manager. Again, I was supported to obtain the qualifications I needed and I started my Level 5 leadership & Management course at the same time. This was tough but I was determined and I had the support of the other managers in my area which really helped me build my confidence.
The Registered Managers job became available in early 2020 and I put my application in, had my interviews and got the job! My dream had come true. I was finally going to be The Registered Manager!
It’s definitely been a steep learning curve but I love it. I have a great team of staff around me and really supportive relationships with the other managers in Lancashire which really helps.
The advice I would give to any support worker wanting to progress is ‘speak up’ and let your manager know. Use your competency assessment and personal development plan so you are clear about what you need to learn and focus on…and finally believe in yourself!”
