Kelly-Anne's career progression

“From the moment I carried out my first shift, I knew this was a step in the right direction to having the career I wanted”. Kelly-Anne McDougall from Chesterfield has been working for Lifeways for over 6 years, progressing from a Support Worker to Registered Manager.

Starting in January 2014 Kelly-Anne was interviewed for a Support Worker position in the Sheffield and Chesterfield area. From the moment she carried out the first shift she knew this was a big step in the right direction for having the career she wanted.

In January 2016 Kelly was promoted to Team Leader for the Chesterfield area and Lifeways supported her to complete her NVQ3. Two years later she was promoted to Service Manager for the Chesterfield and Nottinghamshire area and again she was supported by Lifeways to carry out and complete her NVQ Level 5. Skip to 2020 and she was promoted to Registered Manager for the Chesterfield Registered Office and recently completed her registration with CQC with the support of Lifeways.

As a Lifeways employee, you are given the opportunity to work towards your level 2, Level 3, and level 5 in Adult Care NVQ by requesting this to your manager. All our colleagues also have access to ‘My Lifeways Learning’, a platform with over 900 learning objectives, designed to help colleagues improve their career.

"As a Registered Manager, I am responsible for just over 3000 weekly commissioned hours across nine locations in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire area, including four flat schemes. During my time in this role, I have gained valuable experience in the following areas: Co-production, supported living, flat schemes, outreach, safeguarding, internal and external audits, new commissioned packages, staff recruitment, and internal discipline processes ensuring the continual improvement of an existing service within my area.

I recognise the responsibility that comes with working with a client and the importance of doing the right thing for both the client and the company. Often working under pressure and to tight deadlines, I never rest on my laurels, I continue to seek improving my skill base and encourage best practice at every opportunity. I take pride in maintaining strong working relationships both internally and externally, with a view of promoting professional conduct at all times.

Throughout my career, I have learned to adapt to new environments in a short period, this has allowed me the luxury of being able to adapt and move into different arenas with confidence."

To see how you can expand your career in care head over to www.lifeways.co.uk/careers-lifeways