Wendy left school at 16 and moved into a bedsit, in her words, “with nothing”. Fast forward more than 30 years, and she never imagined she’d be graduating from university, made possible by National Care Group.
In just seven years, Wendy has progressed from Support Worker to Regional Area Operations Manager.
National Care Group’s commitment to providing ongoing training and development has empowered Wendy to build her knowledge and gain the relevant qualifications needed for each new level of responsibility, allowing her to progress in a sector she’s proud to be part of.
Before joining National Care Group, Wendy worked in a few social care settings and then in security roles at large venues, festivals, and arenas. While she enjoyed the excitement of being backstage with touring artists, she wanted a career that better aligned with her natural empathy and passion for caring for others.
In 2019, she decided to rejoin the social care sector and applied for a support worker position at Springvale Resource Centre, our specialist neurological service in Greater Manchester.
While she had no prior experience providing residential support for adults with a neurological condition, her dedication and passion for caring for others shone through during the interview. She was successfully offered the position.
Within 12 months, Wendy progressed from support worker to team leader.
Fast forward another two years and an opportunity became available for registered manager.
Wendy was initially hesitant to apply for these roles, but senior leaders and colleagues at National Care Group reassured her that she was more than capable and encouraged her to put herself forward. She had also built excellent relationships with the people she supported at Springvale Resource Centre and had seen first-hand how consistent, person-centred support transforms lives.
With access to ongoing training and development and a support network she knew she could lean on, Wendy felt confident she had the skills and knowledge to continue delivering outstanding care and support at a senior level.
“There is great progression within National Care Group if that is the way you wish to go. They have given me more opportunities than I thought were possible when I started.
“I left school with nothing. I didn’t have my English or Maths qualifications. Thanks to National Care Group, I’ve had access to training, development, and opportunities that have enabled me to progress and achieve so much more than what I thought was possible in my career.”
As Wendy neared the end of her Level 5 Diploma, a requirement to be a registered manager, she had the opportunity to study the Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.
After completing a condensed two-year course at Manchester Metropolitan University, she proudly graduated with:
“I never saw myself going to university. At first, I thought, ‘what am I doing here?’, but the experience brought me out of my shell. I really enjoyed it and am so proud of what I’ve achieved!”
Seven years after joining National Care Group, Wendy is now a Regional Area Operations Manager, responsible for Springvale Resource Centre, Albert Road and Affinity South.
Her career journey is a shining example of how personal determination, combined with an organisation that recognises potential, provides opportunities and supports growth, leads to success!
Are you inspired by Wendy’s story?
At National Care Group, we invest in our colleagues’ progression through training, support and development opportunities, with career pathways that can lead to senior and management roles.
Click here to find out more about why a career at National Care Group could be the right one for you.
National Care Group is one of the UK’s leading adult social care providers. We support adults with learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, acquired brain injuries, and autistic people, with services across England and Wales.
Registered in England, Company No. 10080257
Registered office: Suite 22, The Globe Centre, St James Square, Accrington, BB5 0RE
