Series one of 'The care exchange' podcast celebrates the role of managers in social care.
The care exchange episodes explore a range of topics and approaches with a social care manager. Hear about their experiences, the challenges they have had and how they overcame them. Every episode is full of top tips and new ideas that you can take away and apply to your own service.
All episodes are hosted by Skills for Care locality managers Pia Rathje-Burton and Ali Rusbridge.
Episode 1: Bring your whole self to work
Skills for Care CEO Oonagh Smyth talks about her own motivations within her role and shares her views on why the role of registered manager is so important. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss! Follow Oonagh Smyth on twitter!
Episode 2: Stay connected always
Sue Ann Nnamani, the registered manager of Priscilla Wakefield House in Haringey, London shares her approach to managing a large nursing home, including how she makes sure that values are embedded into the service, the importance of looking inwards and outwards and why it’s the simple things that matter. Follow Sue Ann on LinkedIn!
Episode 3: The chicks were heaven sent
Marlene Kelly, the registered manager of Auburn Mere Care Home in Watford shares her views on the importance of concentrating on meaningful activities that provide occupation and connection. She discusses how the pandemic has helped her work out what really matters and highlights the importance of managers thinking about their own wellbeing.
Marlene also tells us about some very special chicks who visited the home during the pandemic! Follow Auburn Mere on Facebook and Instagram.
Episode 4: It’s like watching poetry
Ronnie Lillywhite talks about being a manager in a supported living service. She shares her experience supporting a service to improve, why safety comes trumps every time and how she has remained focused on making improvements during the pandemic.
Ronnie explains why she has never felt so connected to her peers and how she has learnt to act with balance.
Episode 5: You can’t juggle all the balls
Carly Rochester, manager of Lodge Group Care’s domiciliary home care service discusses her respect for home care workers, pandemic teamwork and how it’s so important to value your workforce.
Carly explains the importance of using the workforce's different skills and how she has learned to delegate, let go of some responsibilities and trust and empower members of her team.
Episode 6 - It's your time to shine
We’re joined by Karyn Ross who is the registered manager of the Shared Lives scheme in Coventry. Karyn’s service has received an outstanding CQC rating in her last inspection and she shares how she used her mantra ‘plan, invest and record’ to prepare.
Karyn discusses promoting personal relationships, student placements bringing new ideas and why her team are always open to learn new ways of working and continuing to improve.
Episode 7 - Can I run something past you?
Our guest Joseph Hughes is from City Care Partnership. He is the registered manager of two outstanding rated services that support people with learning disabilities.
He explains that managers don't have to be the best at everything and shouldn't be afraid to ask for help. Joseph discusses how he wants his workforce to feel valued, comfortable, well trained and all with funded walking boots!
Episode 8 - Oh lovely, we’re home
Debbie Dry, registered manager of Windsor Lodge, a small care home for older people in Buckinghamshire talks about residents being at the heart of everything and how that drives her desire to constantly improve quality. She explains how she ensures that any training her staff do, is a learning opportunity for everyone and has an impact on the care delivered. Find Windsor Lodge Care Home on Facebook
Episode 9 - Just try to add lemon curd
We’re joined by Azhar Juri who discusses their role as a mental health nurse and registered manager of a residential care home for people with enduring mental health issues.
Azhar shares their thoughts on developing a positive culture to support staff “to be the best they can be”, being honest with yourself and how WhatsApp is a lifesaver. Azhar’s personal journey and love for Bollywood dancing is also discussed.
Episode 10 - Everything is solvable
Ali and Pia our podcast hosts, reflect on the amazing managers who have shared their experiences and tips throughout the series. Hear about the common themes that have emerged, episode highlights and how they relate to the new CQC strategy.