I worked as an operations director for a North West childcare company for 10 years. The company designed and built childcare provisions this include full and part day care, as well as private workplace nurseries for many blue chip companies and employed more than 600 staff throughout the UK.
After taking a year long career break I moved into the local authority sector and spent 20 years working in children’s residential services at management level. I managed budgets, worked in partnership with other agencies and wrote and implemented company policies.
I worked directly with young people from a variety of social backgrounds alongside the youth offending service and multi-agency teams. I have supported young people involved with guns and gangs and those at risk of child sex exploitation and criminal behaviour. I have also supported young people with autism and mild learning disabilities.
I began working at the Together Trust three years ago. My current role involves overseeing a number of residential services. These services range from a large six bedroom children’s homes to smaller therapeutic placements and specialist solo care supporting young people exhibiting harmful sexual behaviours.
I also work alongside the Together Trust schools and education services.
I am responsible for ensuring all of the homes meet the necessary requirements and implementing any changes in legislation.
I also support the development of our care home managers through recruitment, training and seminars.
I have taken a great deal of pleasure in seeing some of the young people within my care develop into strong, rounded and confident individuals who have reached their full potential and achieved personal goals in many areas of their lives.
I feel that since joining the Together Trust I have not only had the opportunity to share the skills and experience I have gained over the years, but I have been able to learn from the experiences and knowledge of others.
The Trust has a true sense of family values, its fair and open approach is truly embedded across all the services.
The Trust invest in individuals through training and support enabling them to develop in their chosen career, while feeling valued in their place of work.
