When Dan retired from the Metropolitan Police after a 30-year career, he wasn’t ready to hang up his hat from the world of work.
The skills he’s developed in policing enabled a seamless transition to a support worker role at Jamesons, in Colchester. It’s a career move he doesn’t regret.
“As I approached retirement, it offered an opportunity to reflect. I enjoy being active and hate being stuck inside. I also find being around people makes me happy. For my well-being, I knew that I needed to stay busy and socialise.
“I joined Jamesons six months ago and love every aspect of my role as a 1:1 activity support worker. Flexible shifts mean I have a good work-life balance; I spend my days with great people and stay busy providing support to people out in the community. It ticks all my boxes.”
During his career as a police officer, Dan had many roles. For most of his service, he worked as an armed police officer, which involved protecting various Prime Ministers, ambassadors, and members of the Royal Family.
Dan told us:
“The social care sector and policing are similar in many ways, which is what made my transition so seamless.
"Police officers are required to be good with people, compassionate, have a good awareness of changes in behaviour, and most importantly, good communication skills. Teamwork and patience are also needed. I have used all these skills since joining Jamesons.
“There are obviously no uniforms, no equipment, and no extreme danger, but being good with people and doing your best for them are at the core of both. It’s what makes it interesting and rewarding to me.”
The flexibility of the support worker role appealed to Dan.
“When I applied for the position, I discussed the possibility of working various shifts depending on my childcare requirements. My manager was very accommodating, and my flexible shifts mean I have a great work-life balance.
“Joining Jamesons has been a rewarding career move. I get to work alongside a supportive team, making it a fun place to be, and I love that I’m able to empower the people we support to live their best lives.”
As part of his role, Dan coordinates social activities for the people he supports, tailoring them to their needs and interests while enhancing their quality of life.
Matthew is a person supported by Dan at Jamesons. He has a diagnosis of severe learning disabilities and is a non-speaker, communicating through Makaton.
Matthew has expressed an interest in all forms of sports and exercise. The dedicated team at Jamesons devised a personalised support plan with Matthew to lead an active lifestyle, empowering him to engage in regular exercise. Not only is it great for Matthew’s health and wellbeing, but it also reduces behaviour that challenges.
“Working in the police has developed my ability to communicate with anyone. I have quickly learnt that each person at Jamesons communicates their needs in very different ways. I adapt my communication style to meet the needs of the people we support, ensuring person-centred support is at the heart of everything we do.
“Matthew regularly chooses to go to the gym or run/walk as part of his 1:1. Fitness and its well-being benefits have always been a huge part of my life. It’s rewarding to share that passion with Matthew, supporting him in leading an active lifestyle through choice.”
Dan has been at Jamesons now for a little over six months and is an invaluable member of the team.
“Dan is highly regarded at Jamesons and has proved to be a great addition to the team. Not only does he make a difference to the people we support, but he is also respected amongst his peers for his positive approach and his enthusiasm to enhance people’s lives and achieve positive outcomes for them.
“His skills gained from his 30 years in the Metropolitan Police were easily transferable to the social care sector, as he can communicate effectively with the people he supports, regardless of their difficulties, and is able to remain composed, especially when supporting individuals in crisis situations, whilst always treating them with dignity and respect.
“He is one of many valued support colleagues who collaboratively make Jamesons Care Supported Living what it is.”
Are you inspired by Dan’s story?
When you join National Care Group, you become part of a diverse and inclusive family of brilliant people. Our people do so much more than provide care and support. They make a difference daily.
Find your next role: Current vacancies
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
