Celebrating 30 years of Achieve together: Rosie’s interview

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

I became part of Achieve together in 2021 through one of its acquisitions. I have always been loyal to the organisations I work for because I have been fortunate to be part of brands that promote making a real difference. Achieve together has continued this for me, with meaningful work that supports people to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. Even though I am now in my 60s, I have only ever had three jobs, each one leading naturally into the next.

What roles have you moved through?

I joined The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) in 1994, 32 years ago. I started as a Support Worker and became Deputy Manager in 1995, before becoming Registered Manager in 2002. During lockdown, I became responsible not only for the home I managed but some additional homes in Walsall too. This gave the Deputy Managers the opportunity to step into acting management roles, while I moved into a regional operations management role. During this time, I also supported the executive board with agency use. Later, an opportunity came up for me to support the organisation more widely. From my own experience, I knew how busy a Home Manager’s day could be, so I wanted to support managers as much as possible. I also made sure agency use was monitored and reviewed with Operations Directors, with reducing agency use as the overall aim.

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

Although I have worked in social care for 32 years, only five of those have been with Achieve together as the named brand. In that time, I have seen how well the organisation has welcomed and brought together new acquisitions. I have also seen real progress in making reporting simpler and avoiding duplication, as well as celebrating success across the organisation through the Achieve App. There is a clear drive to keep improving, do the best for the people we support, and continue growing as a leading care provider.

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

It is not just one moment that stands out, but the amazing people I have met along the way. I will always remember the colleagues and friends I have worked with, both past and present, as well as the people I supported during my time as a Support Worker, Deputy Manager and Registered Manager. They have all played an important part in my journey and made my career in care so meaningful.

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

I think the biggest achievement has been bringing social care into the 21st century while staying focused on the people we support. Achieve together has embraced technology, improved ways of working, and continued to look for better ways to deliver high-quality care. These changes have helped make processes clearer, communication easier, and support more consistent across the organisation. Most importantly, the aim has always remained the same, to be the best social care provider and to make a real difference to people’s lives.

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

My original plan at college was to become a French teacher, as I have always loved languages. After college, I worked as a PA and Secretary to gain experience while planning a career using my languages. In my spare time, I volunteered with PHAB Clubs, an organisation that supported young people with a range of disabilities to socialise, take part in activities and feel included. I later helped lead the club and supported annual camps with accessible activities such as canoeing, rock climbing and water sports.

Through volunteering, I realised my true vocation was in care and support. Others could see my passion for creating opportunities, and I was encouraged to apply for a role in residential care. I went on to support people with a range of needs and developed an interest in British Sign Language, which led me to support deaf adults with additional needs. Those experiences shaped my career and confirmed that care was where I was meant to be.

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

I think true care and passion are the most important qualities, and they cannot be learnt from a textbook. They have to come from the heart. Good communication skills are also essential, along with commitment and reliability. I feel that my years of experience have helped younger people as they have grown in their careers, and I still enjoy sharing my experiences and stories with the Managers I work with in my current role.

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

The care sector has changed so much since I first began my career. When I started, we did not have the technology we rely on today, such as email, the internet or social media platforms. Communication was mainly by telephone, fax or post. There was also far less monitoring around health and safety, training, risk assessments, inspections and audits than there is now.

Some of the tasks I was expected to do in the early days would be very different from what is expected today. Although there are now many more records, checks and audits to complete, they play an important role in showing what good care looks like and helping to make sure people are supported safely, consistently and with dignity.

What has working at Achieve together taught you about yourself?

Working at Achieve together has taught me just how patient I am and how much I enjoy helping others wherever I can. I love sharing my experiences with the wonderful Managers I work with regularly, and I believe my sense of humour has helped me through many moments along the way.