Our team at
Ferndown Manor

I joined Care UK in 2019 as a care assistant and have had the opportunity to develop each year. I was previously a Unit Manager before transitioning into my current role as Deputy Manager. I am also studying Business and Healthcare Management at university. I chose to work at Care UK because of their commitment to delivering high standards of personalised care and their strong support for career progression.

In my role, having strong leadership skills, compassion, patience, and the ability to listen to ideas is essential. Empowering the team and leading by example are key to ensuring everyone contributes to making a positive impact on residents' lives.

What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to interact with and support each department, building relationships and trust along the way. My biggest career highlight has been working closely with the Home Manager to improve and maintain the residents' quality of life while delivering a high standard of care. I am most proud of supporting and leading the team, making a real difference in people's lives, and staying calm under pressure.

Outside of work, I enjoy socialising, going for walks, and spending time in nature.

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.

I chose to join Care UK because I wanted to experience a different style of culinary hospitality. Before coming to Ferndown Manor, I was a chef demonstrator at a local college. I have also travelled the world for work on the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth II which was a big career highlight.

In this role, you have to be organised and have a positive mindset. In hospitality, it is all about taking a ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude,e and being able to listen is a key part of this. I feel proud to have developed my skills over the years, it is hard work but very rewarding, especially when we get brilliant feedback.

Outside of work, I enjoy skiing, walking, eating out, and spending time with my new puppy.

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.

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.

Being promoted to head housekeeper has been such a highlight for me as I’ve worked at Ferndown Manor for around five years. In this role, you need to be organised and focused on keeping everything clean, tidy and hygienic. You also have to be able to lead a team successfully so that high standards are maintained.

I love being able to see residents smile and knowing that they feel comfortable in their home. It is always satisfying when we get compliments about the service we provide and rewarding to know we’ve done a good job at the end of the day.

Outside of work, I like to walk along the beach and spend time with my family and friends.