I joined M&D Care Ltd in 2015 as a Support Worker. After 23 years of working in the food retail industry, I had decided to try something completely different. I worked for two well-known national supermarket chains, progressing from checkout operator to Duty Manger, to Assistant Deputy Manager. I was established in my role, knew the food retail industry inside out and had achieved a lot during my retail career, but I really felt like it was time to try something different. I felt that there was more to working life than having to worry about how to display tins of beans.

I was recommended by a friend who worked for M&D Care at the time, I was so pleased when I had the phone call to say that my interview had been successful and I was excited to start my new role in care. I felt instantly welcomed into the team and felt an immense amount of support from the very start. It was so refreshing to be able to interact with the Directors; I really felt a sense for their passion for the people we support as well as their investment in their employees.

I loved working in the Western Bay domiciliary service; it gave me exposure to so many different people within the community who needed a range of support for mental health and learning difficulties. There was a structured training program in place that supported the everyday tasks and activities I was undertaking. Completing my QCF level 3 in Health and Social Care also provided me with the background knowledge and reflective practises to undertake my role effectively.

Domiciliary care by nature can be quite complex and has its own challenges of independent working, however, I was thoroughly supported and empowered to be able to make decisions safely and provide the highest quality of care. As the company grew, I was given the opportunity to become a Senior Support Worker and ran my own team, the management skills from retail were highly transferable to this role and I quickly progressed to Regional Manager within the domiciliary service. The environment is fast paced, varied and at times pressured, but it is so enjoyable to be part of a team who help, support and learn from each other. Being able to make a difference to the lives of the people we support is such a fantastic honour. It is a great feeling facilitating independence and instilling confidence in someone. You really get to see first-hand how the support we provide can make a difference to the quality of someone’s life.

About a year ago, I was successful in obtaining the Commercial Manager role at Head Office, I love this role. It is so varied and I have exposure to multiple parts of the business as well as supporting the Finance team, I support the board of Directors. I am involved in costings, contracts, billings and analysis of rota and run support. I liaise directly with a number of external stakeholders and everyday really is different. Having a background in retail management has married well with the knowledge and experience I gained working in care to undertake the role of Commercial Manager.

However, what has always stood out to me is that M&D Care, really do care. It is such a supportive environment to work in. The Directors care about their staff and they develop their strengths, I have been given many opportunities to evolve and develop a career in a new area. I have always felt fully supported in every role I have undertaken. There is a culture of openness and transparency where talents are recognised and developed. I always work hard and give my all to what I do; it is a nice feeling to know that this is appreciated. Since starting with M&D I have never looked back – I can’t imagine being anywhere else!