Our team at
Ferndown Manor

I started working at Care UK in 2021, having previously worked as a Clinical Lead and a Deputy Manager. I was led to the company as it has a good reputation for providing care to residents. I had also heard about the support and opportunities to develop within the company.

To be successful in this role, empathy is one of the most important skills you need. You also need to be patient, respectful and caring - treating residents as a member of your family.

So far, my biggest professional challenge has been working hard to pass all my exams and achieving my Level 5 in nursing.

My favourite part of my working day is observing and monitoring residents and helping provide support to staff members. I’m most looking forward to seeing the home achieve an Outstanding CQC rating.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and cooking.

Before working here at Ferndown Manor I recruited temporary healthcare staff for different settings. I felt I wanted to use my relationship building skills in a care setting, so here I am. I also have personal experience of finding long term care for a loved one. I know how hard it is and what an emotional experience it can be.

I really enjoy getting to know colleagues and meeting new people. I’m looking forward to being part of the growing team at Ferndown Manor, building our community and meeting and exceeding the expectations of residents and their families.

I joined Care UK because of the sense of belonging I felt from the moment I walked through the door. The high standard of care that is delivered to residents was evident, alongside the relationships that had been built up with residents and their families.

Knowing I can play a part in fulfilling the lives of residents living in the team’s care at Ferndown Manor makes me proud in my role.

As a Team Leader, you need to be open and approachable. It’s also important to be an active listener and show that you care about your team and the residents you care for. Dedication, empathy and sympathy are key.

My favourite part of the day is my walk around first thing in the morning. I enjoy welcoming the new day with a cheerful smile and interacting with the residents.

Outside of work, I enjoy long walks by the sea, spending quality time with my family, reading, listening to music and socialising.

Before becoming Clinical Lead here, I had experience in community health nursing and in palliative care. I chose to join Care UK because of the great team here at Ferndown Manor. It makes me incredibly proud that together, we’re able to make such a positive impact on people’s lives.

Being able to help and support residents and receiving great feedback from them and their families is always a highlight for me.

To do this role well, I think you need to be organised. You also need to have good management skills and work well with colleagues in order to provide the best quality care.

In my spare time, I love exploring and going travelling. I am a regular at church too and also like to volunteer where I can.

I have a diploma in professional cookery and a proven ability to manage a team of cooks and ensure high standards of food quality and presentation. I decided to join Ferndown Manor as Head Chef because of the support Care UK provides their employees, and the home’s experienced management team.

As Head Chef, it’s important to have a passion for food, knowledge of cooking techniques and the ability to understand residents’ needs. I enjoy meeting with the residents every day. It gives me a chance to learn more about them, and they can see who produces their meals.

The most important parts of my role are ensuring residents receive high-quality meals and that the kitchen runs smoothly. I enjoy creating delicious and innovative dishes with a focus on health and nutrition, and I’m proud to be able to create different dishes for residents and their families.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking and creating menus.

I joined Ferndown Manor in April 2021 after a friend recommended working for Care UK. I have a Master’s degree in Sociology and am currently working on my Level 3 Business Administrator qualification.

To be a great Business Administrator, you need to be organised and hardworking, have great communication skills and be a team player. It’s also important to be passionate and have a sense of humour.

No two days are the same at Ferndown Manor, and I learn new things and develop new skills every day. It can be quite challenging, but I love to work with and among people. They motivate me.

Starting a new career as a BA without previous experience was challenging, but having my work recognised by management and my colleagues is my biggest career highlight. I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved so far, and I’m lucky to work with great people and to build a fantastic team.

When I’m not working, the most important thing for me is spending time with my family. I like travelling, reading, taking long walks and baking.

I joined Care UK in April 2021 after working in a five-star hotel as a supervisor in the meetings and events department. Care UK gave me the opportunity to show what I know, and they believed in my leadership and organisation skills.

To be a good Maintenance Manager, you need to be organised, know how to set priorities and keep the home in good working order. Every day is different, and I’m always happy to see a smile on residents’ faces when they feel at home at Ferndown Manor.

I enjoy the work environment and working as a team with my colleagues here at Ferndown Manor. I was proud to create a new fire plan for the home, and I’ve received a ‘Good’ on every audit I’ve had, including from the CQC.

When I’m not working, I like to spend the day with my wife and my four children, walking through the forest, countryside or beach. I’m a qualified electrician, and I also enjoy recycling old parts into unique pieces, transforming them into something useful again.