Nicola's Lifeways Journey

We asked Nicola Forshaw, Group Services Director, about some of her best experiences of working at Lifeways since she started back in 2011.  

How long have you been working at Lifeways?

"In 2010 I was originally employed by SLC Paragon and Raglin. SLC was acquired by Lifeways in 2011. I moved to the Group Services Director role in September 2019, managing the support teams for Quality, Health and Safety, Learning and Development, Specialist Support, Operational Excellence and Health and Clinical Governance". 

What have you seen change since you started here? 

"So much has changed. I have seen the group grow and develop, constantly learning from experience to become the largest provider in our sector. It has been so good to see the development of the business over time, and the continued commitment from individuals and  teams to improve year on year".   

Best Lifeways memory? 

"I have so many great memories, including Attending the 'Our Voice' conferences which were very grounding and reinforced the importance of the work that we are all involved in. 

I have always been so impressed by the commitment of my colleagues and the icing on the cake has been engaging with the people we support, who are full of spirit and resourcefulness. It continues to be inspiring to see how they rise to the challenges life brings them, supported by our great teams. 

I have worked with some fantastic people who have also developed their careers at Lifeways, and are still very much part of the business today. The business has gone from strength to strength throughout the last 25 years and I feel lucky to work with such amazing people". 

With Lifeways celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, what do you think we should most be celebrating?

"That our business has grown and developed over a 25 year period supported by our people. Our teams are talented, hard- working, resilient, dynamic and knowledgeable. Time after time I am blown away by their commitment to the people we support. All our teams continue to ensure that we can deliver a sustainable business model that can continue into the future for the people who need them – here’s to the next 25 years".