Signature at Banstead

I started my career in social care in 2009 and since then, I have worked in a variety of different areas such as Learning Disability, Mental Health, Dementia and predominantly Residential Care. I have experience of being a Registered Manager for four residential care homes, each one slightly bigger than the last. Those 14 years of care experience have led me to be successful recently in joining initially as Deputy Manager and then as General Manager from November 2023. I have been particularly keen on working in a home that looks and feels like a five-star hotel! Ultimately, I want to be part of a team that goes above and beyond and is collaboratively working towards being CQC-rated Outstanding.

I first joined Signature in 2013 as a Care Assistant, was promoted to the role of Reminiscence Coordinator, then to the Dementia Care Manager role, and since November 2023, I have taken on the role of Deputy Manager at Signature at Banstead. Every day, we provide purposeful and meaningful activities to enhance mental and physical stimulation for our residents. Having worked in such a wonderful community is incredibly fulfilling, as I witness the daily smiles on our residents’ faces. Now leading the broader team, my overall responsibility is to ensure that the home is run to the highest of standards, ensuring excellent delivery in all aspects of care. I offer support to the General Manager in all clinical matters and step in when the General Manager is absent. The stability and continuity of the management team have allowed my career to excel and take on my newest adventures. I very much look forward to my future within this role here at Banstead.

After a 27-year career in financial services, I moved into the care sector in 2013 – it was the best move I ever made. Having previously worked at Signature at Banstead for four years, I rejoined the home after a three-year break at the beginning of October 2022. Having previously been in the position of looking after the care needs of both parents, I know first-hand the uncertainty and concerns that families face. I am absolutely delighted to be back as my job allows me to see the difference it makes to people's lives, moving into a home as vibrant as Signature at Banstead. I often say to families that when their loved one moves into a care home, it is like picking up a new book and starting a new chapter. I get a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction unlike anything else I’ve experienced in my career. As soon as you walk through the doors here, you can feel the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The whole team are exceptionally kind and caring. My role is primarily to support and guide anyone looking at care options, either for themselves or a loved one. I will be your first point of contact within the home and will be there right up to move-in day and beyond if you need further help thereafter. I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our beautiful home.

My journey started in 2015 when I joined as a Care Assistant at Signature. As a first experience of working with people, I found that helping people living with dementia was my passion and I haven't looked back. My role progressed from Care Assistant to Senior Carer, Care Supervisor and then to Dementia Care Manager. In this role, I manage both of our dementia communities called Lavender Lane and Bluebells. I oversee the operations, people and clinical aspects of the communities, ensuring the utmost standard of care, support, compassion and understanding of the residents. Providing person-centred care and engaging our residents in meaningful activities that stimulate their minds and bodies helps them live well with dementia. Leading our exceptional team across our dementia communities is something I am very proud of.

I started my journey in Health and Social Care in 2012 and I have never looked back. I joined the Signature at Banstead family in February 2023 as an Assisted Living Coordinator. I was fascinated to work for Signature at Banstead because of their commitment to delivering excellent care to the elderly, guaranteeing the home is safe, exciting, committed and active. Prior to this, I worked as a Supported Living Manager and a Residential Care Manager in London and Kent. My experience over the years can allow me to help our Assisted Living community manage and care for a wide variety of individuals. I am passionate about delivering a service that is safe, effective and person-centred, driven by the needs and aspirations of the people we serve at Signature at Banstead. I’m dedicated to providing our residents with the best care and support that they need to recover and maintain their health and independence. My primary aim within my role is to create a people-centred team that delivers a positive colleague output to ensure that the people we support are receiving the best possible experience, ensuring they continue to lead happy and purposeful lives. I maintain a keen interest in supporting my team to deliver high-quality care holistically, with our residents at the centre of all we do.

I started working as a Care Manager at Signature at Banstead in 2007 and became the Activities Coordinator in 2009, a role that I held until 2024, and a role that I loved. My background in the dance and entertainment industry gave me all the tools I needed to deliver a first-class program to our residents. Over the years I have been fortunate to win a number of national awards and most recently was Highly Commended at the 2022 Great British Care Awards (South East Region). My job has evolved over the years and I am proud to be a Dementia Practitioner Trainer and Dementia Ambassador.

There are very few jobs that offer the daily satisfaction and fulfilment that working in care does. Seeing the expression on residents’ faces and hearing the enjoyment in their voices as they take part in our daily activities makes me feel immensely proud and content. I wouldn’t swap it for anything!

I have recently decided to take on a new challenge, heading up the entire Hospitality function at Banstead, an opportunity that I am incredibly excited by. The role will mean that I oversee the food and beverage, front of house, as well as activities – I can’t wait to make a difference.

I started working at Signature at Banstead many years ago now, and have never looked back. I started off as a housekeeper and was promoted to Head of Housekeeping so now I manage both the Housekeeping Team and the Reception Team. I am very passionate about my job and take great pride. I have a very good team that works very hard beside me to deliver excellent service. I also mentor housekeepers at other Signature homes which I love doing so that they too can thrive and also deliver the high standards of cleanliness expected across our company's portfolio.