Kirsty Stickley is a peripatetic trainer, part of National Care Group’s learning and development team.

Following a commendation from her former registered manager, Rebecca at The Willows, as being their “best success story” in terms of career progression, we chatted to Kirsty to find out how she made it happen.

How long have you worked in adult social care?

My first role in adult social care was support worker at The Willows. I joined in 2017 following ten years at Haven Holiday’s as an entertainer, looking for a career change. It was a role I’d never imagined I could do but I enjoyed it from the start and found it easier after I’d established some great relationships with the people I support. The role was so much more varied than I ever imagined, and I could relate it to my job at Haven – looking after people and making them happy!

How did you make your career progression happen?

I’ve really enjoyed every role and have had a lot of support and encouragement from my managers along the way. After just 5 months as a support worker, I was offered the opportunity to step up to senior, but I didn’t feel confident enough as I still felt I’d got a lot to learn. However, after 10 months the role became available again and I took it. A lot more responsibility came with the role including shift planning, organising day trips, and appointments – but I loved it. Then one year into the role and following more encouragement by my registered manager, I was promoted to team leader. This was a big step up and involved a lot more desk work, preparing and updating care plans, and writing reviews. A role I never imagined I’d ever do! Then following the acquisition of The Willows by National Care Group, the opportunity to join the training team became available in our region, something I really fancied trying my hand at, and I was again supported to apply.

What is the most memorable moment of your career so far?

I remember a First Aid training session I did at 8 Acres where a person we support decided he wanted to join in and ended up staying for the whole session. At the start of the training, he wasn’t quite sure how to call emergency services in the event of an emergency but by the end of it, he knew exactly how and when to dial 999. He was delighted but I was even more so – sometimes it’s just the little things that are so rewarding.

What do you love about working for National Care Group?

My managers and colleagues have always supported me to reach my potential, and National Care Group has invested in me, which has really helped me to achieve my goals. I love being part of the training team now, it really feels like a family. And I love how what we do has an impact on the development of services. Training is so valuable, before National Care Group owned The Willows there wasn’t a training team – the support NCG offers is brilliant.

Inspired by Kirsty’s story?

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