Career Transition
Transitioning from one role to another requires the development of new skills and capabilities in a short timespan to meet new or increased responsibilities. Avery’s ethos is to actively encourage all its employees to grow their abilities to take on new roles as part of their continuous professional development, supported by comprehensive training programmes, experienced mentors, qualified trainers and career pathways. Here are just three examples of those who have embraced these opportunities.
Gemma Boot | Home Manager at Hanford Court
Gemma joined Avery in 2012 as a Dementia Team Leader. She completed her Train the Trainer Programme, becoming the Home Trainer alongside her main role. She continued to complete a wide range of training including Leadership and Avery’s Advanced Senior Carer Programme. She was then promoted to Deputy Manager and completed her Level 5 in Care Management. In her previous role as Commissioning Manager, Lorraine Ford mentored her through this, supporting Gemma to be appointed as Home Manager in 2017. Gemma says, “I love my job – providing a positive difference to the residents and their relatives and spending time with staff on developing their knowledge and skills”.
Sam O’Neil | Link Trainer
Sam joined Avery in 2015 as a Unit Manager. After attending Avery’s Train the Trainer Programme, she took her next career step; becoming a trainer for two Avery homes. She also received the Managing Directors award for receiving 100% training compliance.
Sam has completed much training and development, including Level 2 & 3 in Health and Social Care, Level 5 in Management and most recently an adult education qualification. In July 2018, Sam became a Link Trainer and her goal is to become a full-time Regional Trainer. She says, “I have had much support on my journey, including advice and coaching from my Home Manager Kim Young & and Deputy Manager Lorraine Taplin. Shelly Parker-Wain and her team continue to support and encourage me, giving me the opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge and enabling my continued progression.”
Clare Morley | Deputy Manager at Acer Court
Clare joined Avery in 2010 as a part-time receptionist but on her induction, her manager saw the potential for more. She went onto complete her Level 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care, giving her the opportunity to be promoted to Senior Carer and then Team Leader. Clare wanted to help develop others so completed the Train the Trainer Programme and Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector courses to be a Home Trainer for two services. After maternity leave, she sought a further challenge, successfully being appointed as a Deputy Manager. Clare says, “I have received great support from my Home Manager Linda Simpson and Shelley Parker-Wain, for believing in me and to grow as a person.”
It really is enlightening to watch people develop and achieve their career aspirations through their hard work and determination and the right structure and support from the company; it visibly gives them greater job satisfaction. More staff are now coming forward to explore these pathways and further their journey on career development. This ethos will help staff the recruitment and retention of the best candidates in the market, which ultimately improves the quality of care delivery to our residents, which is our principle priority.
Article by Shelley Parker-Wain, Head of Training & Development and Director of ASC Programme, for Welcome Home Issue 9.
