Care home director says we need to 'tap into stereotypically masculine worlds' to get more men working in care

Michael Chawatama, regional director for Sunrise Senior Living, is calling for more men to take up a career in care and says “we need to challenge conventions by kickstarting conversations about working in care”.

Mr Chawatama started off as a mental health nurse and then became a healthcare manager for NHS mental health services. He now works for Sunrise Senior Living, which runs 25 care ‘communities’ in the UK.

He said: “Having worked as a general manager at two Sunrise UK homes, and now in my capacity as a regional director, I love how rewarding working in the care sector is. Feeling like you’re making a difference every day is great, and jobs in care offer the opportunity to develop not only professionally, but mentally.

“However, I recognise just how few men are entering the sector. For such a worthwhile and fulfilling profession, this is a real shame.”

Skills for Care estimates that around 18 per cent of the adult social care workforce are men and Mr Chawatama believes to attract more men “we need to tap into stereotypically ‘masculine’ worlds and challenge conventions by kickstarting conversations about working in care".

He compares male-dominated events like 'Tough Mudder' and sports and endurance events “which are all about teamwork and achieving the extraordinary to being just like working in care”.

His advice to any men who may be considering a career in care, is “don’t think twice! If you’re unsure where to start, look for volunteering opportunities with local organisations to ease yourself in.

“Consider that no matter what your current career is, your skills can be transferable to the care sector. In my interview at Sunrise, I met with the male director of operations who had previously worked in the corporate sector for years. Your new career doesn’t even necessarily have to involve direct care – there are so many different roles available, including those in catering, administrative support, general maintenance and activity organisation to name but a few.”

My mum inspired me to work in care

Mr Chawatama reveals that it was his mum who inspired him to work in care saying: “I worked within the NHS for ten years, dealing with a range of care areas including eating disorders and personality disorders. Growing up, my mother’s job as a nurse first attracted me to the idea of working in care. I enjoyed listening to her stories of life in the job, and I soon realised that I loved the thought of working in a rewarding environment amidst a mix of people.

“Since joining Sunrise in 2017, one of the things that I have come to appreciate most about my job is the diversity of the individuals I encounter. Caring for older people from a range of different backgrounds and life experiences offers such a mix of perspectives that I cannot help but learn and develop from.”

It is not just the people being cared for who are diverse, it is also the staff. “From those who have entered care straight out of education, to those who have worked for years in the corporate sector, every team member has something different to offer Sunrise. Working alongside them makes me feel that I am developing into a more rounded person,” according to Mr Chawatama.

“Being a general manager and now regional director means I don’t necessarily have much direct care involvement, but I will routinely work a shift with our team so that I get to see the impact of our care. It is an absolute privilege to look after our residents – they have amazing personalities and build special bonds with our team members, which is always so rewarding to be a part of. Having a ‘daily huddle’ with other general managers and meeting with different departments and residents’ families are also a great way to understand the scope of what we are achieving.”

Having male role models 'can change your perspective'

Having male role models in the sector you work in is important in terms of both inspiration and motivation. Mr Chawatama was extremely fortunate as during his nursing career he had the opportunity to shadow Dr Peter Carter, the former chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, which he says “really helped to change my perspective”.

“His advice, support and willingness to introduce me to his working life and male colleagues was amazing, and I left completely inspired. When I trained as a nurse in an orthopaedic ward, the male ward manager soon proved to be a brilliant mentor, and I learned so much from watching him interact with staff and patients with confidence and vigour. I soon knew that I wanted to achieve the same.”

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