Support worker climbs ranks to senior management role in just seven years
Adult social care provider National Care Group has promoted Wendy Bamford to lead specialist neurological services across Greater Manchester.
Wendy left school at 16 and moved into a bedsit, in her words, “with nothing”.
Fast forward more than 30 years, she never imagined she’d graduate from university and deliver outstanding care and support at a senior level, made possible by National Care Group.
Her university success marks the latest milestone in her social care career. In just seven years, Wendy has progressed from Support Worker to now Regional Area Operations Manager, responsible for Springvale Resource Centre in Middleton and Albert Road in Levenshulme.
Finding a career with purpose
Before joining National Care Group, Wendy worked in a few social care settings and then in security roles at large venues, festivals, and arenas.
While she enjoyed the excitement of being backstage with touring artists, she wanted a career that better aligned with her natural empathy and passion for caring for others.
In 2019, she decided to rejoin the social care sector and applied for a support worker position at Springvale Resource Centre, our specialist neurological service in Greater Manchester.
While she had no prior experience providing residential support for adults with a neurological condition, her dedication and passion for caring for others shone through during the interview. She was successfully offered the position.
Empowered to progress
Within 12 months, Wendy progressed from support worker to team leader. Fast forward another two years and an opportunity became available for registered manager.
Wendy was initially hesitant to apply for these roles, but senior leaders and colleagues at National Care Group reassured her that she was more than capable and encouraged her to put herself forward.
She had also built excellent relationships with the people she supported at Springvale Resource Centre and had seen first-hand how consistent, person-centred support transforms lives.
National Care Group’s commitment to providing ongoing training and development has empowered Wendy to build her knowledge and gain the relevant qualifications needed for each new level of responsibility, allowing her to progress in a sector she’s proud to be part of.
Wendy said: “There is great progression within National Care Group if that is the way you wish to go.
“They have given me more opportunities than I thought were possible when I started. I left school with nothing. I didn’t have my English or Maths qualifications.
“Thanks to National Care Group, I’ve had access to training, development, and opportunities that have enabled me to progress and achieve so much more than what I thought was possible in my career.”
Wendy graduates from university!
As Wendy neared the end of her Level 5 Diploma, a requirement to be a registered manager, she had the opportunity to study the Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.
After completing a condensed two-year university course, she proudly graduated with:
- BA (Hons) Business Management Professional- upper second-class honours (2:1)
- Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship – (Cmgr) Merit
- Mary Seacole Leadership Award- NHS Leadership Academy.
Make a referral to National Care Group
If you would like to make a referral to one of National Care Group’s specialist neurological services, call 0333 305 0880 or email [email protected].
Find out more about National Care Group: www.nationalcaregroup.com.
