Katie Jewell – Regional Manager

Katie, who used to work for the Brend Hotels Group in Devon as a Manager, having started with the company as a dish washer aged 13, said: “At 33 I decided to start a new career in the Care industry. In 2007, I had suffered from a serious back injury that required me to need home care. I thought at the time what a fantastic job being able to help people recover and be independent, so made a promise to myself I would give back to community one day.

“That day came in May 2011 when I moved to Cardiff and became employed as a care worker. It didn’t take long before I was climbing the management ladder and after three years became a Branch Manager. I completed my Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 3 & 5 in Care Management to achieve this job.

“I then became employed by City & County Healthcare in 2013 where I took the Branch Manager’s position for ISS Healthcare Cardiff and in 2018 became the Regional Manager for Guardian Homecare. While working for City & County, I have completed my degree in Social Work, which I passed with first class honours.”

Jason Young – Senior Coordinator

Jason’s role includes the daily scheduling and overseeing of care in Exeter and Torquay, and planning carer’s rotas in advance for both areas. He also spends time in the field covering carers’ duties in Exeter when needed, thus enabling him to understand the day-to-day issues they may face on the job.

He says: “I get a great deal of satisfaction from keeping my carers happy, motivated and committed to their roles, and the high levels of care we provide. Giving our clients the very best person-centred care that we can deliver is also essential and it gives me immense job satisfaction to help provide this. To do my job you need to be confident, organised and team-minded.”

Jason has a Level 3 NVQ in care and is working towards a Level 5 through on the job training and opportunities provided by the company.

Julia Horton – Field Care Supervisor

Julia’s role includes visiting new clients and setting up their care plan using a person-centred approach. She says: “I really like working out in my community, meeting new people and helping to create a person-centred plan that enables them to stay at home and live as independently as they choose with our support. It’s a very rewarding job.”

Julia also phones or visits clients every three months to carry out Quality Assurance checks to ensure they are happy with the service provided and that they have no concerns.

To add to this, she undertakes quarterly competency checks on carers ensuring they are well presented, turning up on time, completing care tasks to a high standard and correct Personal Protective Equipment is worn throughout the visit.

Julia has NVQs 2 & 3 in Adult Health and Social Care

Yasmine Everill – Care Coordinator

Yasmine’s role includes the planning and scheduling of client’s care to ensure their needs are met. She also line manages staff and is responsible for recruiting, supporting and supervising them.

She says: “I love making a difference to people’s lives and knowing I can really help them. I think the skills anyone interested in a career in care should have include reliability, patience and to also be an excellent team player. It’s really important here that we all pull together and that everyone does their job to the very best of their abilities.”

Yasmine, whose roles also includes liaising with other professional bodies, has an NVQ 2 in care.

Lucy Chalk – Carer

Lucy is new to the care industry having moved to the sector after spending 16 years working in childcare and nursery management. She has transferred her pre-existing skills gained from her other career too her new role and has also completed a care certificate.

She says: “I am privileged daily to assist people with a wide range of tasks inside and outside of their homes. It is an incredibly rewarding career where I am able to make a real difference. Depending on the client’s preferences and needs, every day and every task varies.

“I help with all sorts of things from carrying out practical tasks, such as shopping, housework or laundry, to assisting with a client’s intimate care or personal support needs. This could be assisting people in and out of bed, helping them with washing and dressing, toileting, administering medication or preparing meals. The assistance is invaluable, as it enables them to maintain their independence in their own homes. “It works wonderfully around my home/family life providing me with a good work life balance.

“The key qualities I think people need for this job include being respectful, reliable, patient, caring and empathetic.”