Katie Fallows, Regional Operations Manager for NCG’s central region, joined Shelton Care Group in Stoke-on-Trent as a temporary support worker covering maternity leave. Twenty-five years on, she’s still here.
This year marks a double celebration for Katie. As part of National Care Group’s 10th anniversary celebrations, our Executive Team also chose Katie as our Decade Diamond. Their choice was unanimous.
A career built on growth
Katie secured a permanent support worker position when her temporary contract ended. She then quickly rose to senior, then unit coordinator. Seven years later, she secured a new role at Regent College. Shelton’s previous owner asked her not to take it. He wanted her to stay as he needed help running the business as he approached retirement.
Katie took on that next challenge. As Care Services Coordinator, she travelled the country to complete assessments. She supported people to move on from, or into, Shelton’s services.
She also managed the redevelopment of one of our residential services. The changes let the service evolve with the needs of the people it supported, and with the wider social care sector.
Katie then led the development of two new residential properties. They were purpose-designed for adults with complex support needs. At the time, they were the first of their kind. Both quickly became successful services.
Her career reflects professional growth and personal dedication.
Why she's our Decade Diamond
When the Executive Team considered who embodied the spirit of our first ten years, Katie was the obvious choice. She represents everything a Decade Diamond should stand for:
- Unwavering commitment to the people we support, celebrating a 25 year career milestone this year
- A hands-on leadership style that inspires those around her
- A quiet determination, fuelled by a contagious passion to raise the bar for quality support
Changing lives
“It is an honour to celebrate Katie, a colleague whose passion for what she does has had such an impact on so many, and has created a lasting legacy at our Stoke-on-Trent services over the past 25 years. She leads from the front and never seeks the credit. She has helped shape who we are as an organisation, with the people we support at the heart of all she does. She is a worthy Decade Diamond.”
“Katie and the team have helped me to live a more independent life and have a proper place to call home. I’m really happy and just want to say thank you, Katie.”
“No one story matters more than another”
In a 2023 interview, we asked Katie about her career highlight. She told us:
“There isn’t one specific highlight, as I get to see so many incredible life transformations for the people we support all the time. Our team of amazing colleagues has supported so many people in growing their independence over the years, and no one story matters to me more than another. 22 years later, I get the same feeling of elation when I see people thriving or hear about their progress.”
Katie’s daughter puts it simply:
“There’s never been a day when Shelton hasn’t been part of our lives. Weddings, holidays, graduations – Mum’s constantly on the phone, or dropping something off at a service, or giving someone a lift.”
Twenty-five years. Countless lives changed. One remarkable person.
Thank you, Katie!
Read Leslie’s story, a person we support, and see how grateful he is for the role Katie played in transforming his life.
