Celebrating 30 years of Achieve together: Sandy’s interview

One of those team members is Sandy Agyemang, Registered Manager at Parchmore Residential Home, who is celebrating an incredible 25 years with Achieve together. Sandy joined the organisation as a Support Worker and has progressed through a number of roles, including Senior Support Worker and Deputy Manager, before becoming a Registered Manager. Over the past two and a half decades, he has seen Achieve together grow and evolve while remaining committed to supporting people to live the lives they choose. His journey is one of dedication, learning and leadership, making him a valued part of Achieve together.

What first attracted you to join Achieve together, and what made you stay for so many years?

I was looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to support people with learning disabilities after many years working in mental health services. I was excited by the chance to learn something new while making a positive difference in people’s lives. What has kept me at Achieve together for the past 25 years is the opportunity to keep growing, developing and learning. Every role has brought new experiences, and being able to see the difference we make for the people we support continues to inspire and motivate me every day.

What roles have you moved through?

I started my career at Achieve together as a Support Worker and have been fortunate to progress through several roles, including Senior Support Worker, Deputy Manager and now Registered Manager. Each step of my journey has given me the opportunity to learn, grow and develop as a leader. It has also helped me build a deeper understanding of how we can support people to achieve their goals, live the lives they choose and create positive outcomes, while supporting and developing the team around them.

How has Achieve together changed and grown since you first started?

Achieve together has grown and evolved significantly since I first joined the organisation. Alongside welcoming more homes and services into the Achieve together family, there has been a continued focus on improving training, systems and the way we work to achieve the best outcomes for the people we support. Initiatives such as co-production, PASS+PORT training, myHR, CareHQ, Equals Card, Radar and Sona have helped strengthen communication, learning and everyday support. It has been inspiring to see how the organisation continues to embrace positive change while always keeping the people we support at the heart of everything we do.

What is one moment in your career with Achieve together, that you will never forget?

One moment I will always look back on with pride is winning the Best Deputy Manager award in 2009. I was presented with the award by the CEO at a celebration in London, surrounded by colleagues and friends from across the organisation. It was a very special moment and a real recognition of the hard work, commitment and passion I had put into my role. It reminded me just how rewarding a career in care and support can be and remains one of my proudest achievements throughout my career.

What do you think has been the biggest achievement of the organisation over the past 30 years?

One of Achieve together’s greatest achievements over the past 30 years has been its ability to grow and evolve while staying true to its purpose of supporting people to live the lives they choose. The introduction of initiatives such as the Unity Group and a stronger focus on co production have been particularly important, giving the people we support more opportunities to share their views and influence the decisions that matter to them. It has been inspiring to see the organisation continue to listen, learn and improve, always keeping people at the heart of everything it does.

As we celebrate our 30th birthday, what are your hopes for the future of Achieve together over the next 30 years?

My hope is that Achieve together continues to grow as one of the leading providers in the social care sector while staying true to its values and purpose. I would love to see the organisation continue creating opportunities for the people we support to live fulfilling lives and achieve their goals. I also hope we keep investing in our team members, helping them to learn, develop and feel proud of the difference they make every day.

What inspired you to start a career in care and support work?

My inspiration came from a very personal experience. After the birth of our first child, my wife experienced post-natal depression, and I saw firsthand the incredible difference that healthcare professionals and support teams can make during difficult times. The care, compassion and reassurance we received left a lasting impression on me. It showed me the importance of supporting others when they need it most and inspired me to build a career where I could make a positive difference in people’s lives.

What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in this profession?

Compassion, patience, resilience and empathy are all essential qualities in care and support work. It is also important to be a good listener, communicate openly and be willing to keep learning. Every day brings different opportunities and challenges, so being adaptable and remaining positive can make a real difference. Above all, you need a genuine desire to support people to achieve their goals and live the lives they choose.

How has the care sector changed since you first began your career?

The care sector has evolved significantly since I first started my career. There is now greater focus on training, quality, safety and best practice, helping to ensure people receive the highest standard of support. We have also seen more specialist tools and resources become available, alongside a stronger focus on personalised support and co production. This has enabled the people we support to have more choice, control and involvement in decisions that affect their lives, which is a very positive change.

What has working at Achieve together taught you about yourself?

Working at Achieve together has taught me the value of perseverance, adaptability and continuous learning. It has shown me that there is always an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally, if you remain open to new experiences and challenges. Over the years, it has helped shape my confidence as a leader and strengthened my commitment to supporting others to achieve their full potential

As Achieve together celebrates 30 years, what makes you most proud to still be part of the journey?

What makes me most proud is seeing how Achieve together has continued to grow while remaining focused on supporting people to live happy and fulfilling lives. The organisation’s values and culture have played an important role in shaping the leader I am today, and I am grateful to have been part of that journey for the past 25 years. Being part of a team that is committed to learning, improving and making a positive difference every day is something I am incredibly proud of.