My Role at Next Stage ‘A Way Forward’ Ltd
As the Strategic Head of Service and Safeguarding Lead, my role blends the day-to-day running of services with longer-term planning. I work across the adult division, helping to make sure everything we do is high quality, person-centred, and meets the values and goals of Next Stage ‘A Way Forward’ Ltd.
I’m lucky to work with a brilliant team, and together we look at how we can keep improving and evolving. I stay closely involved with the people we support, their families, our employees, regulators, funders, and wider partners. For me, strong relationships are at the heart of good care.
It is also my job to make sure we’re not just compliant with current laws and regulations, but that we’re genuinely meeting people’s real-life needs. That includes regularly updating our policies, procedures, and support approaches to reflect best practice and make sense in day-to-day life.
Safeguarding – A Core Responsibility
Safeguarding is one of the most important parts of my role. It’s about making sure the people we support are safe from harm, abuse, and neglect. When a concern is raised, I take the lead; working with other professionals, coordinating investigations, and making sure action is taken.
Safeguarding isn’t just about reacting, it’s about creating a culture where safety is part of everything we do. I want both employees and the people we support to feel safe, confident, and supported to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Proactivity, openess, and honesty make all the difference.
What Inspired Me to Work in Social Care
I’ve worked in social care for nearly 30 years, but it all started when I was just 17. I originally wanted to be a nurse, and I got my first care job to help build experience. Growing up, I’d seen my parents care for family members, so helping others always felt natural to me.
While studying at college, I had a placement working with adults with autism and I absolutely loved it. I ended up deferring university and staying with the organisation. That experience lit a fire in me. I realised how passionate I was about supporting people and making a real difference.
Over time, that passion grew beyond individual support. I wanted to help shape services, create systems where people are not only supported but truly valued, listened to, and empowered to take control of their own lives. That’s what brought me to my current role at Next Stage.
A Look at Daily Life
No two days are ever the same, but I usually start by checking in on updates from employees, regulators, and key partners. I meet with my team to work through any immediate issues, and then my day might include meetings, reviewing care plans, supporting employees, or looking at how we can improve services.
I also spend time reviewing how we’re doing against safeguarding standards and making sure we’re on track with compliance and quality. When I can, I join webinars or network with others in the sector to stay up to date and bring fresh thinking into our work.
There are definitely challenges, juggling strategic goals with the day-to-day, navigating staffing pressures, and working within tight budgets but I always come back to this:
“Support work is the best job in the world. What other job lets you help someone have the best day of their life?”
That belief keeps me going.
Success Comes from the People We Support
Over the years, I’ve seen so many incredible moments, but I never think of them as my success. They belong to the people we support.
What I find most rewarding is seeing someone achieve something that matters to them whether it’s learning a new skill, finding a job, or simply feeling more confident in who they are. That’s where the magic is.
My role is about creating the conditions that help make those moments possible. Every smile, every breakthrough, every step forward is a reminder of why we do this work.
Leading with Our Values
At Next Stage, our values aren’t just words on a wall, they guide everything we do. From the way we speak to people, to the way we make decisions. We make sure everyone in our team understands not just what we do, but why we do it. That shared purpose brings us together and keeps us strong, even when things get tough.
We believe that everyone matters, and every person should be treated with respect and care. We aim to inspire people every day, lifting them up and helping them believe in themselves. We know that teamwork is at the heart of everything we achieve, and by supporting each other, we can do so much more. We always aim for quality and excellence in the work we do, paying attention to the little things that make a big difference. And when things get difficult, we show resilience sticking together, learning, and growing through every challenge.
These values keep us focused on what matters most; making a real difference in people’s lives, one step at a time.
Keeping the Team Motivated
A big part of my job is looking after the people who look after others. I want our employees to feel valued, supported, and motivated.
I celebrate all wins, big and small, and try to create a space where people feel confident to share ideas and ask for help. By keeping our focus on teamwork and shared goals, we stay connected and strong.
When people feel good at work, they give their best and that’s what really benefits the people we support.
Final Thoughts
After almost three decades in social care, I’m still inspired every single day. The people I work with, the lives we help shape, and the small wins that mean so much, they all keep me going.
This work isn’t just about meeting standards. It’s about building services that make a real difference in people’s lives.
To learn more about our work, visit Next Stage – A Way Forward
