Thetford

Please detail any relevant education/training

NVQ3 Health & Social Care, currently working towards NVQ5 QCF Leadership and Management

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2006

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

As soon as I passed my driving test I applied for the position of care worker for Manorcourt Homecare.  I liked the idea of looking after people in their own home; I thought it would be more personal.

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

Care Assistant in a residential setting

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

Be person centred and customer based.  Be able to uphold good relationships with a team and external users to grow a good working business

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

Working with my office team and knowing the support is always there if needed.  Being able to work together to resolve any problems that may arise.

What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?

Working exceptionally hard to ensure targets are met

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

Being offered the role of Branch Manager at the Thetford branch

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

Good communication skills and willing to work with everyone remaining firm and fair.

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

Any spare time I have is spent with my family, horses and dog.  I love hacking out through the woods on a nice sunny morning, it’s very relaxing

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

I am looking forward to our branch growing effectively

Please detail any relevant education/training

Level 3 Health & Social Care

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2016

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare?

I wasn’t really looking for a job as I was working with my husband.

I was updating my c.v and was contacted by Manorcourt and thought why not I’ll give it a go and I am still here and I love my job

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare?

I was a stay at home mother and I use to help my husband with his business, answering phone and general customer services duties.

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

A caring attitude and most importantly a listening ear.

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

Mine is seeing our service users first thing in the morning, I like to see that they are kept safe and well as they may not see anyone else all day.

What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?

Completing my level 3 in health & social but completing the Keyskills Maths and English was a challenge I was happy I completed.

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

Becoming a Senior care worker and now a Team Leader

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

They must be compassionate, someone who will listen, someone who is strict at adhering to rules and ensures us employees conduct our jobs to the best of our ability – being managed properly

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

I like to do crafts with parchment paper and create different designs. Once I get started, the hours fly by and I find it so relaxing.

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

I look forward to continuing working for Manorcourt Homecare and building new relationships with the new senior team for Thetford & Villages.

Please detail any relevant education/training

HR training with AAFES RAF, currently completing NVQ Level 3

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2014

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

I wished for a career change and my daughter persuaded me to become a care worker as she felt I would enjoy the challenge

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

A retail supervisor for RAF

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

Patience, knowledge and skills. A good listener and able to work within a team

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

I feel satisfied when I have completed all of my jobs

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

My biggest highlight has been bringing consistency in to this job role

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

A team player, approachable, dependable, hardworking, honest, trustworthy and respected by the team.

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

I enjoy a game of bingo. I enjoy relaxing in my garden and planting. I love spending time with my family and enjoy holidays abroad

Please detail any relevant education/training

NVQ Level 3, NVQ Assessor award

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2017

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

I knew the company and the job role offered suited me

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

Worked with Social Services

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

Good listener, team player, observer, good communication skills and people skills

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

Meeting new people on a daily basis

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

Being a good listener, having the time to get to know staff. A good branch manager knows the service users and knows in depth the services we provide.

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

I like going for walks in the woods with my dogs. I enjoy going to the gym and keeping fit

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

I am looking forward to being part of this team and getting to know everyone

Please detail any relevant education/training

NVQ Level 3, Cambridgeshire & Norfolk Management in Medication

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2000

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

I wanted to work in the care sector

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

I worked in a bakery

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

Not to take anything for granted, every query should be checked and you must be precise. You need to be aware of the importance of medication and the timescales it needs to be given and understand the repercussions if not

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

I enjoy going out in to the community and meeting the service users and problem solving

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

Passing PETALS, this allowed me to teach

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

They need to be understanding and have a strong personality to be able to lead a team fairly. Good listening skills. Ability to share knowledge.

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

I enjoy socialising, walking with my dog and eating out with friends and family. I also love to read.

Please detail any relevant education/training

NVQ Level 3

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2016

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

I previously worked for Healthcare Homes but wished to move in to homecare

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

Team Leader

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

You need to be flexible, compassionate, empathetic, caring and keep calm under pressure

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

Talking to service users and families, arranging person centred care

What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?

Being able to adapt to swapping job roles from co-ordinator to team leader

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

Maintaining West 4 area and gaining respect from a well-established team

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

Being firm but fair. A manager needs to be able to offer advice and when needed help with care calls. Maintaining good morale

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

Spending time with my family and taking little adventures out. I like quiet time watching Netflix.

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

I am looking forward to maintaining my area and watching gradual growth

Please detail any relevant education/training

Years of experience with recruiting, training recruitment, HR and assessments

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2017

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

I had heard positive things about the company and felt I could make a difference by bringing my skills and knowledge in to this new job role

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

Commercial Manager – Retail

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

Good communication skills, customer service skills, friendly and open-minded. Be proactive and motivated, thinking outside of the box. Recruiting people you think would be suitable to look after your loved ones.

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

I enjoy interviewing and meeting new faces. I enjoy being in the office environment as it gives me overall understanding of everyone’s job role and what it takes to be a care worker and co-ordinator and working as part of the team. I like feeling supported by HR and how Manorcourt Homecare are open to new ideas.

What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?

Learning new computer systems and being aware of how many different care agencies there are.

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

Being able to use my skills and initiative to work independently

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

They need to be approachable, be open to new ideas and suggestions. Being supportive to all team members

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

I love to shop. I like decorating but I enjoy going on holiday the most.

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

I am looking forward to watching the business grow and being part of that growth. I want this branch to thrive

Please detail any relevant education/training

NVQ Level 3

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2002

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

I previously worked for Manorcourt Homecare in 1998. I left to try something new but was drawn back to the company due to the nature of the job that best suits my personality.

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

I was a Bar Manager

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

You need to be flexible, understanding, honest, respectful and dedicated. You need to enjoy the challenges that being a care co-ordinator brings

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

Problem solving internally and externally. I enjoy doing the same job but facing different challenges daily

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

Stepping up from being a care worker to co-ordinator and being an active member of the on call team

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

A good manager needs to be able to listen and communicate with their team. A manager that helps their team, is proactive in their role and maintains confidentiality

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

I enjoy going out to eat and being with family and friends. I love watching new films at the cinema and having the odd night out.

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

Seeing further positive new changes and growing the branch. Keeping the morale on a high

Please detail any relevant education/training

NVQ Level 3

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2012

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

I wanted to try something new

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

Housekeeper

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

I need to communicate well, be reliable, have good listening skills and be punctual

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

My favourite part of the day is setting my action plan and working through it. It gives me a feeling of satisfaction

What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?

Completing my Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care. My professional challenge is gaining experience and knowledge of what it takes to be a good co-ordinator

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

Starting as a care worker and being promoted to co-ordinator.

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

Someone who understands the team, is willing to listen and works with the team

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

I like spending time with my family, going out to eat or enjoying a takeaway. I love shopping to unwind

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

I look forward to helping the business grow. I enjoy working next to an experienced co-ordinator who helps my knowledge greaten

Please detail any relevant education/training

NVQ Level 3, dementia champion

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2008

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

I fancied a change in career from childminding and thought caring for vulnerable people would best suit my personality

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

I looked after children, running my own business from home

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

Be patient, a good listener, be honest, trustworthy and willing to work to deadlines. Thrive on stressful situations.

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

I enjoy meeting new people out in our community

What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?

I found becoming a dementia champion quite challenging but was worth all of the hard work

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

My biggest highlight was when I was nominated for the Kathy Underwood award and given a trophy

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

Someone that is fair, has good listening skills and is willing to stand up for what they think is right

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

I enjoy gardening and spending time with my grandchildren

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

I am looking forward to watching the business grow and meeting lots of new people

Please detail any relevant education/training

NVQ level 2 and currently working towards NVQ level 4

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2018

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

I previously worked for Manorcourt in 2014 I left due to having my daughter after having other jobs in health and social care I decided join Manorcourt again as I worked will within the company and enjoyed my job role more.

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

Care worker.

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

To be able to listen to others and treat everyone equal, be able to work under pressure and met deadlines, also be confident within the job role and willing to learn and gain more knowledge.

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

Meeting people and learning about their needs, wishes and preferences and then being able to put a care plan together that suits them so that they can receive the best care and support.

What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?

Stepping up from a care worker to a team leader.

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

Completing my NVQ level 2.

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

Someone who is willing to listen to their team, trustworthy and approachable and someone who treats all their team members equally.

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

I enjoy spending time with my children and family and I enjoy long walks with our dog.

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

Watching the company grow.

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2017

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare?

I decided to work at Manorcourt homecare because my mum had been a carer and expressed to me how she loved the job, how rewarding this job is, and how she’s progressed into the care industry so well. I thought I couldn’t do this job when I first started because of how young I was. However, I’m so happy I stuck with it because of my progress, I’ve come so far. I’m more confident within my self as a person all because of this job. I’m just so excited to progress more in my new job role Assistant Care Co-Ordinator.

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare?

I worked at Tesco on the checkouts, whilst studying a public service course at West Suffolk College.

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

I think a person needs great communication skills to be good in my role, also confidence, confidence working out in care and in the office, people skills are also a big thing in my job role as I speak to all different people daily.

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

The favourite part of my working day is definitely lunchtime, however professionally the favourite part of my day if getting service users up and dressed, all ready for the day, knowing they are safe and all the jobs are done.

What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?

The biggest professional challenge in my current role was meeting all the new care staff and new service users. I work as a carer for the Suffolk team, but I’m an Assistant Care Co-Ordinator for Thetford/West4. I feel like that’s my biggest challenge because I was so comfy where I was working, seeing the same people daily etc, felt like I was brand new again. But how refreshing, and I’m still overcoming this professional challenge.

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

My biggest carer highlight is getting compliments, I’ve had many over the years, its so rewarding, knowing I’m helping people and they really do appreciate it.

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

Qualities that I think make a good branch manager are great communication skills, approachable and great listening skills.

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

My interests outside of work are horse riding, walking my dogs and usually spending time with friends.

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

The biggest thing I’m looking forward to within this branch is progressing, progressing in my new role, I’m excited to become a great Assistant Care Co-Ordinator.

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2016

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

To join a great care team.

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

Deputy Manager at a supermarket.

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

Good listener, compassionate and caring.

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

Helping others and knowing I have made a difference.

What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?

Stepping up to my current role as a Medication Officer and learning everything that goes with it.

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

Making great friends at work and having helped so many service users.

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

A good listener and a good delegator.

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

Family time and cooking.

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

Being part of an awesome team lead by an awesome manager.

Please detail any relevant education/training

Level 2 and 3 in health and social care.

Year started working at Manorcourt Homecare

2015

Why did you decide to work at Manorcourt Homecare

Manorcourt looked after my nan, I wanted to be able to help others keep their independence and remain living in their own homes.

What role did you carry out before you came to Manorcourt Homecare

I was at sixth form.

What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?

Good communication skills.

Be able to work independently and within a group.

Good IT skills.

What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?

I enjoy being out in the community and interacting with the service users and care workers.

What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?

Stepping up to team leader and learning new skills and responsibilities.

Learning how to manger my time effectively.

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

Being able to support all the service user to remain as independent as possible.

What qualities do you think make a good branch manager?

Good communication, fairness and understanding.

I think it is good for branch managers to be approachable and accepting that everyone needs and abilities are different.

What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?

I like to spend time with my family.

I enjoy going on days trips.

What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this branch?

Improving my skills and knowledge further, I am currently working on my level 4.