Proud and humble
I’ve been lately honoured with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal for my contributions to social care and nursing, recognised within the King’s Birthday Honours Listing. The popularity of my work by so many is a supply of immense delight and I’m deeply humbled that my efforts within the sector are deemed deserving of this prestigious award.
The importance of being a voice for this sector is monumental and I’m honoured to simply accept this honour on behalf of the unimaginable colleagues who persistently make a constructive affect on individuals’s lives on daily basis.
My journey in social care started on the age of 13 after I began part-time work at a residential nursing residence. This expertise ignited my curiosity in turning into a ‘matron’ in a nursing residence, which ultimately led me to pursue nurse coaching as quickly as I used to be eligible in 1993.
After a short stint within the NHS, I returned to my real ardour for social care. The motivation behind this choice was deeply private, because the care acquired by my grandparents in nursing properties fell in need of satisfactory. Their passing motivated my mother and father to counsel that I might successfully handle a care residence, providing to put money into the undertaking. I’m naturally drawn to challenges, so I embraced this chance wholeheartedly.
My journey led me to Valerie Manor, a 15-bed residential care residence nestled within the picturesque setting of the South Downs in Sussex. This opportunity felt like a dream realized, and I swiftly secured planning permission to broaden and set up a purpose-built nursing wing.
For a decade, I lived on-site and served because the registered supervisor. Valerie Manor proudly acquired the Excellent ranking from the Care High quality Fee (CQC) on two separate events. Moreover, the house garnered quite a few nationwide awards, a testomony to the dedication of my distinctive crew.
Constructing on expertise
In 2014, I performed a pivotal function as one of many founders of The Excellent Society. Rising from a gaggle of social care operators, this organisation was established to boost the standard of care throughout the UK.
Over the previous two years, our founding crew has remodeled this supportive entity right into a vibrant group curiosity firm, now together with over 3,000 members nationwide with seven administrators.
All through this journey, my function as a director has allowed shut collaboration with numerous sector companions, together with Expertise for Care, DHSC, CQC, and Care England. My insights have contributed to addressing challenges and advocating for revolutionary finest apply throughout the sector.
Lately, I assumed the accountability of Chair for the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council in Sussex. The significance of this function underscores my dedication to elevating social care nursing.
Nominate somebody at this time!
The day my husband handed me the letter containing the momentous information of my Honour is etched on my reminiscence ceaselessly. Upon opening the envelope, tears of pleasure and overwhelming gratitude flowed. Even at this time, the fact of receiving this recognition feels surreal. I’m profoundly grateful for the popularity and really feel privileged to collaborate with such unimaginable colleagues throughout the sphere of social care.
I might encourage others to take the time to appoint colleagues to recognise the wonderful work of grownup social care professionals as a method of celebrating this wonderful sector together with recognising the significance of social care nurses.
You’ll be able to nominate somebody for an honour on-line. You’ll want to jot down an in depth description explaining why you’re nominating them. Learn the steerage on how to write a nomination. Embrace any proof you could have of recognition your nominee has acquired for his or her achievements, for instance articles, images or letters. Find out more.
