Team member at Britten Court care home shortlisted for national award

Home news

Oct 23, 2019

Britten Court care home is celebrating after a team member was shortlisted for a national accolade.

Sarah Watson, deputy home manager at Care UK’s Britten Court, on Love Road, has been nominated in the ‘Higher Level Apprentice of the Year’ category at this year’s Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards.

The awards, organised by training provider, Lifetime Training, reward the achievements of its learners who go above and beyond expectations. 

Sarah, who previously visited care homes as a mobile hairdresser, enjoyed the atmosphere so much that she was inspired to change her career path. Beginning her career in care as a domestic assistant, Sarah was appointed as head of housekeeping at Britten Court in 2012, and after undertaking leadership training, successfully worked up to managing a team of 23 within the home.

Having excelled in the position, home manager at Britten Court, Chloe Swarbrick, encouraged Sarah to apply for the role of deputy home manager. Sarah’s commitment to residents and enthusiastic approach was also recognised by the wider Care UK team, who invited her to take part in the Emerging Leaders course, an apprenticeship-style scheme that sees outstanding deputy home managers supported to become the managers of the future.

To be accepted onto the Emerging Leaders course, Sarah took part in a series of rigorous tests which included role playing and aptitude testing. Having passed with flying colours, Sarah was accepted onto the programme where she achieved a Care Leadership Level 5 qualification, which is equivalent to a degree.

Sarah said: “Care UK is a great company to work for – if the management team see you are dedicated, they repay that ten-fold.

“I really enjoyed the course as it enabled me to contextualise the work I do within the home. I would like to be a home manager in the future, but for the moment, I am keen to put into action what I have learnt, and keep working to ensure residents receive the highest levels of care.”

Chloe Swarbrick, home manager at Britten Court, added: “The Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards are a brilliant opportunity for individuals to showcase their commitment and dedication to learning.

“There are huge advantages to growing your own talent in a care home, as it leads to a fantastic continuity of care. Some residents remember Sarah as a domestic assistant and many relatives first met and came to trust her when she was business administrator.

“We’re delighted that Sarah has been recognised for this accolade – she works extremely hard and this is greatly appreciated by residents and their families. I would like to thank Sarah and the rest of the team for all their hard work in making Britten Court a wonderful place to live for all residents – every person is such a valuable part of the team and I really appreciate their commitment to the home.”

Britten Court is a modern care home which provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.

For more information on Britten Court, please call home manager Chloe Swarbrick, on 0333 321 1984, or email chloe.swarbrick@careuk.com

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/britten-court