Celebrating women in homecare for International Women’s Day

As an employer, the extensive in-house training and support for continual professional development is especially important to us at Right at Home GF. That’s why, following International Women’s Day we are especially proud to talk about our female staff working in management roles, particularly those who have progressed from caregivers. They bring their real-life experience of providing care to their management positions.

No place for discrimation

Ultimately, regardless of gender we want to help people who are passionate about their jobs to take the next step in their careers. We have an incredible team of women at all levels and positions in our business, including in our team of caregivers and senior caregivers who are themselves managed by two female managers: Sara Woodley is our Director of Care, and she is supported by Adriana, our care manager for the Guildford area and Lynsey who is the care manager for Farnham, Fleet and Aldershot.

A business free from bias

International Women’s Day 2022 focussed on a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. Women often form the majority of workers at the forefront of care work. Adult social care workforce data from Skills for Care shows that 82% of care workers are female but at senior management roles across care, that decreases to 68%. We firmly believe in the importance of placing women at all parts of the business, including senior management. We strive to be a business free from bias and we recognise hard work and achievements of all of our staff.

Every member of our team is valued, whether male or female, but with International Women’s Day in mind, let’s look at three of our female managers, Sara Woodley, Adriana and Lynsey.

About Sara

Sara Woodley is our Director of Care for Right. She is also Registered Manager for the Twickenham and Richmond branch. Having started as a care assistant she has since clocked up 30 years of experience in the care sector, including providing complex care for young adults, working in the community with vulnerable people and working as a training provider for care professionals.

Today, as our Director of Care, Sara is responsible for driving our care strategy with a view to achieving an Outstanding rating at all three of our branches.

Adriana’s story

Adriana came to caregiving almost by accident, having intended to apply for a cleaning role but pressing the wrong button! Despite coming from a teaching background - later punctuated with cleaning and dinner lady roles to work around her children - Adriana initially lacked confidence in becoming a caregiver. But once guided through her training by a mentor, she realised the job suited her well and before long, worked through her NVQ Level 3 in health and social care and an NVQ in business administration.

The training, experience and qualifications Adriana has gathered has enabled her to work her way up to the position of Care Manager at Right at Home GF.

The role includes ensuring the care provided by her team of caregivers is safe and is compliant with strict standards and regulations, that her team is well supported and that clients are happy with all aspects of the care they receive. She is passionate about helping to develop her staff and, alongside her management responsibilities, also provides care to several clients.

Adriana has opportunities to further develop if she wishes and hopes to pass the level 5 qualification in health and social care.

Lynsey’s story

Lynsey is Care Manager for Farnham, Fleet and Aldershot and she manages a team of caregivers and clients. This involves overseeing the smooth running of clients’ care packages and making sure we are compliant.

Growing up, Lynsey’s Mum was a nurse and ran a care home where they lived in. Over the years, Lynsey has seen all aspects of the care sector and made an informed choice to go down the care management route.

Prior to joining Right at Home, Lynsey was a care coordinator. Becoming a Care Manager provided her with a new challenge which she enjoys.

Looking ahead, Lynsey wants to continue to grow her area and team.

Could a career in homecare be for you?

At Right at Home GF, we are always looking out for new people to join our team, and that includes people already working in the home care sector as well as people new to care. Our Careers in Care brochure sets out the different roles in homecare, the training and qualifications available to our staff and what it is like to work for Right at Home.

We are an inclusive employer, thoroughly committed to equality in the workplace and equal opportunity regardless of gender, and committed to career progression for all.

As we continue to learn and grow as a business, we encourage our teams at Right at Home GF to contribute ideas that support our development. Together, we will #BreakTheBias.